“I was just talking with a fellow service member, General,” Evan said, his mocking laugh gone completely, replaced by a thin, high breath.

“Just a little inter-branch ribbing while we wait to board.”

“Is that what you call putting your hands on a senior officer’s dress uniform without permission?” General Vance asked.

“Ribbing?”

“No, sir,” Evan whispered, staring straight at the middle of the general’s black tie.

“Did you think her gold oak leaves came from a novelty shop?” General Vance asked.

Evan swallowed hard, his throat working against his stiff dress-shirt collar, but nothing came out of his mouth.

“Answer me when I speak to you, Marine,” General Vance said.