“In you go, Lance Corporal,” General Vance said.

“Sir, can my squad come in with me?” Evan asked, his voice shaking.

“Corporal Reid will come with us as a witness,” General Vance answered.

“The rest of your group stays seated right here until they’re called.”

Evan turned slowly toward the open door, his head hanging low as he took his first heavy step off the main carpet.

The heavy wooden door of Liaison Office 104 clicked shut and cut off the low, steady roar of the crowd in the concourse.

The room was narrow and plain and smelled of floor wax, stale coffee and cold vinyl chairs.