Chapter 2 - THE GENERAL ARRIVESThe double mahogany doors at the front of the ballroom swung open, and the ambient noise of the party suddenly shifted.
A heavy, commanding silence rippled through the front rows as a tall, broad-shouldered man in an immaculate dress uniform stepped over the threshold. Three rows of silver service ribbons, campaign stars, and the coveted insignia of a Lieutenant General gleamed on his chest.
It was General Marcus Vance—Commander of the Army Material Command and one of the most feared logistics and procurement officers in the Pentagon.
My mother’s face instantly lit up with the predatory gleam of a social climber spotting her ultimate prize. She smoothed the front of her designer gown, abandoned the senator she was talking to, and practically sprinted across the polished marble floor toward the general.
“General Vance! Oh, it is such an absolute honor!” my mother gushed, extending both hands like a starving beggar. “I’m Eleanor Whitlock. We hosted the senator’s gala last fall? My daughter, Major Elowen Whitlock, is the guest of honor tonight! We are simply thrilled you could make it to celebrate her historic promotion!”
General Vance didn't take her hand.
He didn't even look at my mother. His piercing gray eyes swept past her shoulder, scanning the ballroom with the sharp, clinical detachment of a combat commander surveying a staging area.
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Elowen, sensing her moment of ultimate glory, stepped forward from the stage with her brightest, most practiced smile, her hand extended. “General Vance, sir. It’s a privilege to meet you. I’ve read your supply-chain reform papers—”
General Vance completely ignored Elowen’s hand, too.
