“State your business.”

Carter drew a slow, deep breath.

The cocky smirk and the loud voice from the gate seating area were gone entirely.

“Lieutenant Colonel Miller,” Carter said, his voice flat and clear.

“I apologize for my unacceptable conduct at Gate C27.

I brought dishonor on my unit and disrespected a senior officer.

There’s no excuse for what I did.”

I looked him in the eyes for three long seconds, searching for any trace of the sneer he’d worn at the gate and finding none.