Chapter 6 Summary

Following the Dixie Flatline construct's instructions, Case obtains Armitage's private database. He learns that Armitage was previously known as Colonel Willis Corto, one of the only surviving members from the military operation known as Screaming Fist. Screaming Fist had been based on faulty intelligence, and nearly everyone involved on the mission was killed. Corto ended up blind, legless and missing most of his jaw. He was warehoused for several months in a Utah medical facility.

Under the direction of a congressional aide, Corto was then prepared to testify in congressional hearings for political reasons. After his testimony, the government and the military ignored him. Corto eventually discovered that his testimony saved the careers of the officers responsible for the faulty intelligence leading to the failure of Screaming Fist.

Corto then worked a series of jobs as an enforcer or strongman, moving from essentially...