Chapter 29 SummaryAt the military terminal at Pope Field near Fort Liberty, Mark Peltier and Colonel Weaver wait among hundreds of uniformed soldiers preparing for deployment. The atmosphere is tense, reminding Mark of his own past deployments and stirring up both memories and anxiety. Though he hasn’t chosen this mission voluntarily, Mark remains determined to give it his full effort.Mark has been issued a government cell phone for the mission, with strict instructions from Weaver to limit personal use. Unwilling to comply completely, Mark resolves to buy his own phone later so he can call back to St. John on his own terms.Weaver returns with news that three other people will be joining Mark on the flight to Langley. The departure is delayed until the large group of troops boards their flights. With time to spare, Mark stretches out on a bench and falls asleep.In his sleep, Mark experiences a vivid combat flashback, reliving a battle where he and his team come under air and ground attack. Mark, now fully awake explains he occasionally experiences such flashbacks but has never reacted so violently before. As the terminal empties, Weaver escorts Mark out to the C-12 Huron aircraft, where the pilots are waiting. Before boarding, the two men share a moment of mutual respect. Weaver acknowledges Mark’s reluctance but affirms his trust in him, calling him his top choice for the mission. Mark promises to give it his best, despite the circumstances.The chapter ends on an emotional note as Mark salutes Weaver, who returns the salute with tears in his eyes, fully aware of the burden Mark is about to face and has been asked to carry once again.

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