We want you as our keynote speaker for the joint commencement ceremony in May.”

“The joint ceremony?” I asked.

“The academy is hosting the regional university system for the first time,” General Vance said, leaning back in his leather chair.

“There’ll be four thousand people on the parade field, including the graduate schools.”

He picked up a brass desk clock from the corner of his blotter, set it straight, and tapped his fingers on the wood.

“You earned this podium on merit, Lieutenant Colonel, not through family connections,” he said.