“Understood, Lieutenant Colonel. Every Monday.”

“You’re dismissed to Officer Knox,” I said.

Carter executed a formal right face and walked off down the corridor beside Knox, his chin held level.

General Vance went over to the low wooden desk where my travel binder and duffel were propped against the wall.

“That was handled well, Sarah,” Vance said.

“It needed to be clear, sir,” I said, reaching up with my right thumb to touch my uniform collar out of pure habit.

Vance stepped closer, his eyes narrowing on my right lapel.