Vance picked up his pen and slipped it back into his pocket.

He looked down at his cold rice.

“Keep your focus on the grid,” Vance said.

“Settle the property issue through a civilian proxy.

Don’t let it affect your operational readiness.”

“Understood, sir,” I said.

Vance stood and picked up his cap.

He left his tray of food untouched and walked out of the mess hall.