“Damn your rules and regulations!” Sargeant Will Farmer screamed while standing in the General’s office. “I don’t give a flying frak about saving face, one of my men was killed tonight, and….”

“…and what?” General Ashcroft said leaning forward resting his clasped hands on his desk.

Farmer resigned, “And….there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.”

“You’re damn right,” the General replied. “I’m going to let that outburst slide this time Sargeant. Asa’s death was a tragedy, and we are all grieving in our own way, but we can’t let the world know. It’ll be like A Few Good Men, and you know how much I hate that movie.”

“I know sir, I’m sorry sir,” Farmer said, “Permission to speak freely?”

“You mean you haven’t been? Go ahead.”

“Sir, I didn’t order the Code Red, if I can’t trust my men, who in the hell can I trust?”

“You better find out who’s bucking for position son, or I’m disbanding your whole squad. Understood?”

“Yes sir.

“Dismissed.”

Farmer left the room, Ashcroft smiled, “Pawn to e4.”