Chapter 5 - The Standard He Couldn’t Shout Down
Commander Ellis arrived from the command tent three minutes later.
Harris stood straighter before the commander even reached the table.
That told Amanda more than any statement could.
Men like Harris always knew how to behave when rank was close enough to hear.
Ellis looked at the target first.
Then Amanda.
Then Harris.
“Problem?” the commander asked.
Amanda did not answer immediately.
She gave Harris the chance to speak.
He took it badly.
“Sir, this civilian entered an active competition lane without proper identification.”
Willis cleared his throat.
“She was on the authorized observer list, Lieutenant.”
Harris’s jaw moved once.
Amanda held out the credential.
Commander Ellis glanced at it, then handed it back.
“Ms. Reed is here at my request.”
The soldiers behind the line shifted again.
Amanda kept her voice even.
“Lieutenant Harris publicly mocked an unidentified participant, placed himself too close to the firing lane, and attempted to create performance pressure unrelated to safety or instruction.”
Harris barked a short laugh.
“With respect, that’s range culture.”
Amanda looked at him.
“No. That’s ego using a range as a stage.”
The words landed clean.
No one laughed.
Commander Ellis folded his hands behind his back.
“Continue.”
Amanda pointed downrange.
“The trainees don’t lack skill. They’re anticipating humiliation before they process feedback. That is why their shot timing changes when Lieutenant Harris steps behind them.”
Harris shook his head.
“That’s ridiculous.”
Willis finally spoke.
“It matches what I’ve seen, sir.”
Harris turned toward him, betrayed.
May you like
Amanda did not.
She had already known Willis would tell the truth once someone made room for it.
