He stood when Hayes entered.
“Colonel Hayes.”
“General.”
“I understand there was an incident in Hangar 12.”
“An incident?”
Cross smiled politely.
“I was told you had a disagreement with one of our sergeants.”
“He's currently under investigation.”
“That's unfortunate.”
“Is it?”
Cross gestured toward a chair.
“Please. Sit.”
Hayes remained standing.
“I'd rather not.”
The general's smile faded slightly.
“I assume you have questions.”
“I have several.”
“Then ask.”
Hayes placed a photograph on his desk.
It showed aircraft 6021 parked inside Hangar 12.
“Why was this aircraft cleared for deployment after a documented hydraulic failure?”
Cross examined the photograph.
“Maintenance procedures are handled by the technical division.”
“Not when someone alters the official safety record.”
“Do you have evidence of that?”
“Yes.”
Hayes placed another document on the desk.
“Do you recognize this authorization?”
Cross glanced at it.
His expression barely changed.
“It's a transfer order.”
“Signed by Colonel Andrew Pierce.”
“Yes.”
“Where is Colonel Pierce?”
Cross folded his hands.
“Overseas.”
“Where?”
“I don't have that information.”
Hayes looked directly at him.
“That's interesting. Your office approved his transfer.”
Cross's jaw tightened.
“Colonel Hayes, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I don't believe you understand the operational structure of this base.”
Hayes leaned forward slightly.
“General, I understand it better than you think.”
“Then perhaps you understand why some information cannot be released during an active operation.”
“Perhaps.”
She placed a final document on the desk.