The metal door screeched as Agent Lafan shoved it open with her shoulder.
"Is this a joke?" she snapped, slamming her hands on the commander's desk. The old man didn't even glance up from his holographic screen, where coded reports flickered in blue.
"The investigation's closed. A special unit will take over."
Lafan straightened, her cheeks burning. "The nobles don't get to—"
Clack. The commander's stylus hit the desk. His icy eyes locked onto hers, and she stepped back despite herself.
"Agent Lafan." The warning in his voice made the air shiver. "You're forgetting your place."
A tense silence settled, broken only by the hum of the vents. The commander slowly turned his head toward the other side of the room.
"Surprising that you're the one staying quiet, Owen."
Leaning against the wall, arms crossed, Owen raised an eyebrow, amused, as Lafan spun toward him.
"Why aren't you saying anything?!"
