I stood at parade rest until he glanced up from his morning reports.

“Have a seat, David,” Vance said.

He tapped a metal pen twice against the oak desk.

“Sir, I need to request early redeployment,” I said.

Vance laid the pen down beside a stack of duty rosters.

“We’ve got two months left on this rotation.

You’re my lead communications specialist.”

“I’ve got a hardship developing at home.”