"Autumn wake up" A whisper broke through my dreams.

"I don't understand what kinda work we would have at 5 am on a day off!" I retorted

The Army is the best place to make friends. However, a deployment to the middle east gives no time to yourself. The only time you have to yourself is in dreams, and mine was interrupted.

"Move it, "McKenzie whispered.

"Ugh fine, I'm up" I climbed out of bed, doing my best not to run into my wall locker that was just a half a step from my face.

Throwing on my shorts and shoes, I tip-topped out the door.

"Someone accused Mr. Heartland of rape." She blurted out.

"Excuse me! They did what?" Rage filling my veins 

Mr. Heartland is one of our most cherished officers. Like a father to many. 

"Who said it, ill break their face!"

She turned and pointed to the room down the hall.

"Are you sure, the rest of the girls from our unit stay there," I said confused

"Yep, I'm sure, and you know exactly which one."

"But they had a consensual relationship."

"Yep, but because he is an officer and she isn't, he stands to lose the most. They have no evidence it was consensual," she said sadly.

"She thinks because she cries every five minutes, she can get away with this!" My fist balled so tight my nails were sinking into my skin.

"I don't know Autumn, but his career is done." She said sadly

"No, it's not, I will be in the first sergeant office at 9 am."

She shot me a glace as we walked out the door to breakfast.

I texted my boss and advised him I'd be a little late. I took the half a mile walk to the flight line and went straight to the first sergeant's office. It was full. The commander, Mr. Heartland, and his accuser stood in the small room.

I shot her a dirty look.

First Sergeant, can I talk to you outside?

"We are kind of busy, can it wait?"

"Actually, it can't, and sir, could you come as well." I turned to the commander.

"Please," I said humbly. 

They looked at each other and followed.

"First sergeant, I know this isn't my place, and probably none of my business, but I can't let Mr. Heartland's career end off lies."

"How do you know about this solider?" The commander demanded

I took out my phone and pulled up a message thread.

"Small post, sir," I said.

I handed him the phone, and as they read, their eyes widen.

"This proves that this relationship was consensual, and she lied," First Sargent said, shocked.

"Forward this to me, and thank you for coming forward. You took a huge risk stepping outside the chain of command. The commander said.

I smiled and went to start my day.

The day went by slow until McKenzie walked in.

"OMG, did you hear! They found out she was lying, and now she is getting demoted. Mr. Heartland is still in trouble, but he isn't charged with rape." She smiled.

I smiled back at her knowing what I did save his career.