From the velvet lining at the back, I lifted out the dark leather tube holding my official federal credentials.

I unscrewed the brass cap, slid out the thick parchment scroll, and unrolled it flat on the bed beside the dark navy blazer.

The bold black lettering at the top read United States District Court, with the official presidential seal embossed in gold leaf at the bottom.

My full name was hand-lettered across the middle line above the formal appointment date.

I kept it unrolled just long enough to check the clean gold seal, then carefully rolled the heavy paper back into a tight scroll and fitted the brass cap on until it clicked shut.