Briggs slammed his hand against the emergency exit bar, but the electronic lock flashed red. The system had already been overridden from the main bridge.
Commander Briggs: Open the door! Let me out of here!
Admiral Vance didn't hesitate. In three rapid strides, he closed the distance between them, grabbed Briggs by the collar of his dress uniform with both hands, and slammed him against the steel frame.
Commander Briggs: Get your hands off me! I am a senior officer!
Admiral Vance: You are not an officer anymore. You are a disgrace to this uniform!
Vance twisted his grip, dragging the thrashing commander across the glossy white floor toward the center of the hall. Briggs kicked and flailed, his dress shoes squeaking loudly against the marble.
Commander Briggs: I want my lawyer! I have the right to remain silent!
Admiral Vance: YOU ARE GOING STRAIGHT TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR TREASON!
The heavy doors to the outer hallway swung open again. Two armed military police officers in tactical gear stood in the opening, assault rifles slung across their chests and zip-ties drawn.
Admiral Vance: Take this garbage out of my sight. Place him in maximum security confinement. No phone calls, no outside contact without my direct written signature.
MP Officer: Understood, Admiral!
The two guards seized Briggs by his arms, forcing him face-first onto the floor to secure the restraints around his wrists.
Commander Briggs: Lin, you ruined my life! You hear me? You will pay for this!
Maya stood tall, wiping the blood from her cheek with the back of her sleeve, looking down at him with quiet, cold contempt.
Maya: You ruined your own life the day you sold out the sailors under your command, Briggs.
The military police hauled Briggs to his feet and marched him out into the corridor. His desperate curses faded down the long hall until the heavy white doors swung shut with a dull metallic thud.
Admiral Vance: Are you alright, Lieutenant?
Maya: I will be, sir. I just couldn't let those kids on that ship die.
Admiral Vance: You did your duty when everyone else around you looked the other way. That takes more courage than most men ever show in a lifetime.
Vance bent down and began picking up the scattered sheets of paper, stacking them neatly before handing them back to her.
Maya: Thank you, Admiral.
Admiral Vance: Don't thank me, Lieutenant Lin. We have a lot of work to do, and you have a promotion ceremony to prepare for.
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