As though the name transformed the incident into something worse.
The captain seemed to read the thought on his face.
“Do you believe the problem is that you happened to insult a famous veteran?”
“No, sir.”
“Then tell me the problem.”
Logan looked toward Master Chief Thorn.
The older man’s expression remained unreadable.
“I treated a civilian disrespectfully.”
“Too administrative.”
Logan tried again.
“I allowed pride to control my judgment.”
“Closer.”
The captain pushed a sheet of paper across the table.
It contained a photograph taken inside the mess hall.
Logan stood beside a small elderly man in a tweed jacket. His hand was clamped around the man’s thin arm.
The old man looked neither frightened nor angry.
Only tired.
Captain Ellis tapped the photograph.
“The problem, Petty Officer Briggs, is that you saw someone who could not improve your career, threaten your position, or challenge you physically.”
His voice remained calm.
“And because he appeared powerless, you decided dignity was optional.”
Logan lowered his eyes.
Three days earlier, he would have argued.
He would have said the old man refused instructions.
He would have mentioned base security, restricted access, operational readiness, and the pressure placed on elite personnel.
Now every justification sounded like a coward’s attempt to protect himself from the truth.
Captain Ellis spoke again.
“You are an exceptional operator.”
Logan looked up.
“You have strong evaluations. Your physical performance is outstanding. Your teammates trust you under fire.”
The captain paused.