He raised his right hand to the brim of his cap in a sharp, crisp military salute.

“Major Vance,” Captain Keller said.

“Extraction team is in position.

Command directives are ready for your signature.”

Behind me, the porch fell completely silent.

“Major?” Arthur said from the top step.

His voice came out thin, with none of its usual boom.

“Eleanor, what is he talking about?”