Vance reached down with shaking fingers to unclip his leather holster belt.
He unbuckled the strap and placed his weapon carefully onto the greasy table.
The sound of heavy metal hitting the plastic tray echoed through the room.
Next, he unpinned his brass rank insignia from his dark green collar flaps.
His hands shook so badly that he dropped one pin onto the floor.
It bounced near Sarah's shiny leather boots, resting against her toe cap.
Sarah did not kick it away; she simply watched him struggle with disdain.
General Thomas: You are officially relieved of command as of this second.
Major Vance: Sir, please! I have twenty years of service!
General Thomas: You humiliated yourself and this uniform today.
Two military police guards stepped into the hall from the side entrance.
They marched quickly down the aisle, stopping on either side of Vance.
One guard snapped heavy metal handcuffs around Vance's thick wrists with two clicks.
The sudden sound made several younger soldiers jump slightly in their seats.
Vance hung his head low, unable to look anyone in the eye.
The arrogance that defined his entire military career was completely wiped out.
Captain Sarah: Take him to the holding facility near administrative block B.
Guard: Yes, Ma'am!
The guards turned Vance around and marched him toward the double exit doors.
As he passed the kitchen counter, the staff workers stood tall and proud.
For months, they had endured his harsh language and constant rude threats.
Now, they watched him leave the mess hall in total shame and defeat.
Sarah turned back to the General, brushing a stray grain off her lapel.
General Thomas: I apologize for his unacceptable behavior, Colonel.
Captain Sarah: The test served its purpose, General.
General Thomas: Indeed it did.
The General gestured toward the door leading to the administrative offices.
General Thomas: Let's get you a fresh uniform before the formal hearing.
Sarah looked back one last time at the large American flag on the wall.
She adjusted her coat, stepped over the dropped brass pin, and walked forward.