General Vance walked forward with heavy, deliberate boots echoing against the floor.
The crowd of soldiers parted instantly to clear a wide path for him.
Thomas turned around and nearly stumbled backward when he saw four stars.
General Vance: Major Thomas, stand at full attention this instant!
Thomas immediately snapped his heels together, trembling from head to toe.
Major Thomas: General Vance, sir! I was just maintaining order in the hall!
General Vance: I have been standing here watching your appalling conduct for three minutes.
The General's voice was like rolling thunder through the large hall.
He stood shoulder to shoulder next to Colonel Sarah Miller with pride.
General Vance: Colonel Miller was authorized by my office to conduct this audit.
Major Thomas: Sir, I didn't know her true identity when she arrived!
General Vance: Your behavior toward any subordinate would be grounds for immediate removal.
General Vance turned his cold gaze toward the base military police officers.
Two armed officers stepped forward immediately from the side entrance doors.
General Vance: Escort Major Thomas to the brig and secure his office records.
Sarah: His access codes to the base logistics system are already revoked.
Thomas watched in complete disbelief as the guards unholstered their handcuffs.
The power he had abused for years vanished in less than two minutes.
The soldiers in the mess hall stood tall, watching justice finally take place.
Major Thomas: General, please! I spent twenty years building my career here!
General Vance: You destroyed your career the moment you abused your authority.