A week after the SMX speech, five days before the system maintenance completion.
The soft hum of fluorescent lights filled the hallway as Thomas Estaris made his way through the administrative wing of the Conrad Hotel.
He stopped at a door labeled "Director of Civilian Affairs – Rebecca Langley" and knocked twice.
"Come in," a voice called.
Thomas pushed the door open. Inside, the room was surprisingly well-kept. The large desk near the center was stacked with organized folders, a map of the complex pinned across the wall with colored tags and strings. On one side, a small couch hosted a half-finished cup of tea. On the other, Rebecca Langley sat behind the desk, her glasses perched at the edge of her nose, scrolling through a digital tablet.
She looked up and smiled faintly. "Commander. To what do I owe the honor?"
Thomas stepped in and closed the door behind him. "Figured it was time I checked in on how the other half lives."
