I sat down.

My knees felt as if they belonged to somebody else.

Harmon was on his feet now, and this time his voice did not drop at the end of anything.

“General, I want it noted that this board has been steered by a sergeant under suspension.”

“It’s noted,” Vance said.

“The suspension was lifted as of nine this morning, and your signature is on it, Colonel, which makes it awkward.”

My hand went to my jacket pocket without my telling it to.