"At ease, Staff Sergeant," Voss said, his tone carrying careful authority. "Please, take a seat. " Elijah remained standing. Through the office's thin walls, he could hear Maya pacing in the hallway outside, her heels clicking steadily on the tile floor. "I have some concerns about your conduct during this escort assignment," Voss began, opening a fresh manila folder. "There are serious discrepancies that need to be addressed. " "Sir, my conduct has followed protocol exactly," Elijah responded.
Voss's smile didn't reach his eyes. "That's not what these corrected findings indicate. " He slid several papers across the desk. "You allowed unauthorized civilian access to the remains. You disseminated sensitive details about a service member's death. You created a public spectacle that compromised the dignity of the escort mission. " "Those airport officers compromised dignity when they put hands on a fallen soldier's coffin," Elijah said quietly.
"That incident has been grossly misrepresented," Voss replied. "But more importantly, your response violated multiple sections of escort protocol. " He tapped the papers with one manicured finger. "Section 12.4, maintaining chain of custody. Section 15.2, public disclosure limitations. Section 18.7, conduct requirements. " The citations felt like bullets, each one aimed at Elijah's career.
Voss continued methodically. "This could affect your pension, Staff Sergeant. Your service record, your retirement timeline. Is that really how you want to end 28 years of honorable duty? " Elijah's phone buzzed in his pocket. Probably Maya texting for an update.
He kept his hands at his sides, face composed. "Additionally," Voss said, "Private Mercer's remains have been transferred under federal authority for immediate processing. The independent examination request has been denied on jurisdictional grounds. " "His mother has legal rights," Elijah started. "His mother's wishes have been noted," Voss cut in smoothly, "but military protocol takes precedence in cases involving active duty personnel. I'm sure you understand. " Through the window, Elijah watched clouds gathering, promising rain.
His phone buzzed again. "One more thing," Voss added, his voice dropping slightly, "that airport operations manager, Ruiz, she's been making some concerning claims about internal communications. I trust you'll remind her that unauthorized access of secure systems is a serious federal offense. " The threat was clear. Elijah thought of Tonya's last text hinting at evidence in Voss's emails. She hadn't responded to messages since then.
"Do we understand each other, Staff Sergeant? Voss asked. Perfectly, sir. Elijah replied, each word careful and measured. Good.
You're dismissed. I expect your complete escort documentation on my desk by end of day. Outside the office, Maya was waiting, phone in hand. What happened? You look like you've seen a ghost.
Worse, Elijah said. I've seen how power works. He explained Voss's threats while Maya took rapid notes. They can't just Maya's phone chimed with a news alert. Her face fell as she read it.
Oh god. Elijah looked over her shoulder at the screen. The headline hit like a physical blow. Fallen soldier laid to rest in private military ceremony. That's impossible, Maya whispered.