“I signed the command clearance myself an hour ago,” Captain Holt said.

“Your leave is official, and your service record is still spotless.”

“I appreciate it, Captain,” I said.

He leaned back against the desk, his eyes locking onto mine with hard military discipline.

“There’s a catch, Lieutenant Commander,” he said.

“Sir?” I asked.

“Your application for the promotion transfer to the European division is sitting on the general’s desk,” Captain Holt said.

“If you stay here to fight it out in civilian court, I have to pull that transfer application out of the queue today.”