Chapter 4 - The Order to Stand DownGeneral Vance turned back to Tyler Grant and his four shivering friends.
"Private Grant," General Vance spoke, his tone dropping into a dangerous, razor-sharp edge. "You recorded an active senior officer without authorization, accused a decorated combat aviator of fraud, and defaced an official United States military uniform with alcohol."
"General... please!" Tyler wept softly, tears finally breaking through his arrogant facade. "I was just... I was trying to build my social media channel... I didn't mean any disrespect!"
"Your social media channel is the least of your concerns, Private," Vance replied deadpan. "Your Commanding Officer at the 88th Readiness Division was briefed on your livestream five minutes ago. Your enlistment contract is currently under administrative review for Article 134 violations under the Uniform Code of Military Justice."
The two reservists behind Tyler looked as if they were going to faint.
"Pick up your phone, Private," General Vance ordered.
Tyler frantically scrambled onto his hands and knees on the floorboards, picking up his cracked smartphone.
"End the stream," Vance commanded. "And issue a full, public retraction before you are escorted to the base brig."
With shaking, sweat-slicked fingers, Tyler typed frantically on his screen, his voice sobbing into his microphone: "Guys... I was wrong. I was completely wrong. Major Bennett is a real hero. Please... stop sharing the video."
He cut the live feed, dropping his head in total, public humiliation.
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Two Air Force Security Forces personnel stepped into the hall, seizing Tyler and his friends by their elbows, escorting them out through the glass doors into the rain, where their military transport awaited them.
The heavy doors clicked shut, leaving the Legion hall in a quiet, solemn peace once more.
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