Inside the velvet lining of the case sat a polished silver eagle insignia pin.
It was the undisputed mark of a full Colonel in the United States military.
Sarah lifted the shining silver rank pin out with complete grace and steady hands.
She held it right up between her face and Major Thomas's shocked eyes.
Sarah: I'll leave, Major... but your stars are leaving with me.
Major Thomas froze completely as his aggressive expression instantly collapsed into horror.
His jaw dropped slightly as he stared at the full Colonel rank pin.
The realization hit him like a physical blow right in his chest.
He had just assaulted and humiliated a superior officer sent by High Command.
Major Thomas: You... you're Colonel Sarah Miller from the inspector general's office?
Sarah: That is correct, Major Thomas.
She carefully pinned the silver eagle onto her uniform collar in silence.
The entire dining hall remained frozen in pure, unadulterated astonishment.
The junior soldiers looked at each other with wide, disbelieving eyes.
Sarah: I was dispatched here specifically to investigate your systematic financial fraud.
Major Thomas: Colonel, I had no idea... I thought you were just an assistant!
Sarah: Respect is owed to every person on this base, regardless of rank.
She adjusted her collar until the silver eagle sat perfectly in place.
Thomas took a frantic step back, his face turning completely pale white.
His sweat-stained forehead showed the sheer panic rushing through his veins.
Major Thomas: Please, Colonel, let me explain the situation in private!
Sarah: The time for private explanations ended the moment you raised your voice.