He looked up as the heavy door closed behind me, his expression calm and commanding.

“Sit down, Colonel Mitchell,” Vance said, gesturing to the heavy leather chair across from his.

I took the seat and laid my hands flat on the polished table.

He reached across the oak desk and picked up a dark blue velvet box, four inches square, with the academy crest stamped in gold leaf on the lid.

“The academic board was unanimous in its decision this morning,” Vance said, holding the blue velvet box out to me.

“The Distinguished Graduate Medal is awarded for exceptional leadership and personal integrity under prolonged pressure.