“I misread the nature of her travel, sir,” Carter said quietly.

“You failed at basic military protocol and professional conduct,” General Vance answered.

General Vance shifted his stance and turned his attention to Corporal Mason Reid at the end of the wall.

“Corporal Reid,” General Vance said evenly.

Mason rubbed the back of his neck with his right palm at once.

“Sir.”

“You were the designated noncommissioned officer in charge of this transit group,” General Vance said.

“Yes, General,” Mason replied.