General Ross stepped over the spilled tray and stood before Major Vance.
The four aides spread out behind him with stern unreadable expressions.
The dining hall remained so quiet that faint fluorescent lights hummed loudly.
General Ross: Major Vance, do you care to explain this display?
Major Vance: Sir, this soldier was insubordinate and refused a direct command!
General Ross: She is an undercover inspector from Inspector General headquarters.
Major Vance felt his knees go weak as the terrible truth settled in.
He had spent three months abusing his rank and mistreating his troops.
He had altered supply budgets to cover his personal credit debt accounts.
He had forced lower enlisted soldiers to do personal chores under threat.
Captain Sarah Miller unbuttoned her top pocket and pulled out a digital drive.
She held the small black memory stick out to General Ross calmly.
Sarah: Audio recording equipment captured the entire interaction, sir.
Sarah: It also contains complete documentation of the missing trust funds.
Major Vance reached into his pocket out of instinct and sheer panic.
One of the general’s aides stepped forward swiftly and blocked his arm.
General Ross: Do not make another mistake today, Major Vance.
Major Vance: General, she set me up! This is a complete misunderstanding!
General Ross: I heard your raised voice from outside the glass doors.
General Ross took the memory drive from Captain Miller with a nod.
He looked at his military police escort waiting near the entrance doors.
General Ross: Military Police, secure Major Vance’s sidearm and credentials immediately.
Two tall military police officers marched forward with crisp heavy steps.
They efficiently unclasped Major Vance’s belt and removed his tactical gear.
Major Vance stood frozen as his officer brass insignia was unpinned quickly.
The junior soldiers watched in stunned silence as justice was delivered quickly.
The tyrant who had terrorized the base was stripped of authority.
General Ross: Major Vance, you are relieved of duty effective right now.
Major Vance: You cannot do this to me after twenty years!
General Ross: You disgraced your uniform the moment you put hands on a soldier.