Chapter 9 - The Inspector General's Call
Before anyone else could speak, the sharp chime of a secure military communicator broke the silence.
I reached inside my dress jacket and pulled out my encrypted tactical phone. The screen flashed with an incoming priority alert: Office of the Inspector General - Urgent Review.
I swiped the screen to accept the call, keeping my eyes locked on Daniel.
“Colonel Carter,” a formal, authoritative voice came through the secure speaker, clearly audible in the quiet hallway. “We have reviewed the supplemental data logs submitted with your Silver Star citation. The classified inquiry into the Eastern European breach has been officially reopened based on the new evidence.”
Daniel let out a choked gasp, sinking back against the wall.
“Understood, General,” I replied clearly. “I am currently at Fort Liberty. I can report to the command post for formal testimony whenever required.”
“Very good, Colonel. We will have military police escort Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Carter to the detention facility for immediate questioning regarding falsification of combat records and dereliction of duty. Stand by.”
The line clicked dead.
I lowered the phone, slipping it back into my pocket.
Down the corridor, heavy, rhythmic footsteps approached. Two armed military police officers in crisp uniforms rounded the corner, their expressions grim and unyielding as they stopped directly in front of Daniel.
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“Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Carter?” the senior officer asked, his voice echoing off the walls. “You are ordered to accompany us for formal questioning under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.”
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