“You will forfeit one-half of one month’s pay for two months running.”

Evan’s jaw twitched, but he said nothing.

“In addition,” General Vance went on, “you are taken off the passenger manifest for Flight 1482.

You will stay in Atlanta under Shore Patrol supervision until transport to battalion headquarters is arranged for tomorrow morning.

On arrival, you will report straight to Lieutenant Colonel Miller’s evaluation team to start ninety days of mandatory remedial duty in ethics and military standards.”

General Vance brought the pen down and signed his name across the command approval line with a heavy, deliberate sweep.