Lance Corporal Carter stepped up first, the soles of his boots squeaking on the clean linoleum.

Corporal Reid and Private Thomas fell in beside him, shoulders rigid and chins drawn back against their collars.

Carter tapped his right boot heel fast against the floor twice before he forced his feet to stay still.

General Vance laid his sealed manila folder in the middle of the desk.

He bent the brass fastener back with his thumb and opened the heavy cardboard flap.

“Lance Corporal Carter,” General Vance said, his deep command voice filling the silent room.