“Take your report and get out of my office.”

“Take your report and get out of my office.”

Colonel James Parker threw the folder across the desk.

It struck Lieutenant Sarah Mitchell in the chest and fell onto the floor.

She didn't move.

“Sir, you need to read this.”

“I said get out.”

Sarah bent down and picked up the folder.

“Twenty-three soldiers are scheduled to enter that facility tomorrow.”

“And?”

“The building is structurally compromised.”

James laughed.

“You've been here twelve days, Lieutenant. You don't tell me how to run my base.”

Sarah looked him directly in the eyes.

“I'm not telling you how to run it.”

“Then what are you doing?”

“I'm telling you someone changed the inspection report.”

The smile disappeared from his face.

“Careful.”

Sarah placed three photographs on his desk.

“Original inspection. Revised inspection. And the security footage showing who accessed the file.”

James glanced at them.

“You're accusing someone in my command of falsifying military records?”

“Yes, sir.”

“You realize that could end your career?”

Sarah nodded.

“I also realize sending twenty-three soldiers into that building could end their lives.”

James stood.

“You're relieved from tomorrow's operation.”

Sarah's jaw tightened.

“You can't remove me from an investigation I've already been assigned to.”

“I just did.”

He pointed toward the door.

“Turn over your access badge.”

Sarah slowly unclipped the badge from her uniform.

She placed it on his desk.

Then she reached beneath her collar and removed a small black identification card.

James frowned.

“What is that?”

Sarah placed it beside the badge.

“Read it.”