Before Vance could answer, double wooden doors at the back entrance swung open wide.
A high-ranking four-star general stepped inside the mess hall with heavy boots.
His khaki service uniform was spotless, covered in colorful ribbons and medals.
A sharp gasp swept through the entire dining room like a cold wind.
General Thomas had built this base fifteen years ago with strict military standards.
He paused near the door, taking in the scene with sharp blue eyes.
He saw the spilled food, Vance's pale face, and Sarah's stained uniform jacket.
General Thomas: What is going on in my mess hall?
Major Vance: General, sir! She was impersonating an inspector!
General Thomas: Silence, Major.
The General walked slowly down the center aisle toward the serving counter.
Each step he took rang out loudly against the light marble floor.
He stopped right beside Sarah and looked down at the mess on the table.
Then he looked at Vance, whose forehead was now dripping with cold sweat.
General Thomas: Colonel Miller is here on my direct authority, Vance.
Major Vance: Colonel? But her uniform tag says Captain!
General Thomas: It was a test, and you failed miserably.
The General turned his full attention toward Colonel Sarah Miller and nodded once.
He reached into his pocket and handed her a crisp linen handkerchief.
General Thomas: Are you injured, Colonel?
Captain Sarah: No, General. Just disappointed in this unit's leadership.
General Thomas: That makes two of us.
Vance's knees trembled slightly as the reality hit him full force.
He had put hands on a superior officer in front of forty witnesses.
Under military law, that offense carried severe administrative penalties and dishonorable discharge.
The General looked around the mess hall at the quiet, watching soldiers.
General Thomas: Did Major Vance strike this officer?
A young corporal in the second row stood up straight and spoke clearly.
Corporal Reed: Yes, General. He shoved her face into the rice tray.
Major Vance: Shut your mouth, Corporal!
General Thomas: Do not speak to him again, Vance.
The General's voice was low, cold, and packed with absolute power.
He turned his gaze back to Vance, narrowing his eyes in pure disgust.
General Thomas: Surrender your sidearm and your duty badge immediately.