The building was bustling with soldiers in camouflage.

I nodded to a few lieutenants as I walked down the corridor.

I reached the heavy door of my office.

I swiped my common access card at the electronic reader.

The light did not turn green.

Instead, it flashed a steady, solid red.

I swiped the card again, slower this time.

The reader emitted a sharp, high-pitched beep.

“Access Denied,” a small digital screen read.

I frowned, rubbing the magnetic strip of the card against my sleeve.

Maybe the chip was dirty.

I tried a third time, but the red light remained.

“Captain Morgan?” a voice called out behind me.

I turned around.

Two armed military police officers were walking down the hall toward me.

Behind them stood Major Vance, the brigade security manager.

His face was grim, and he carried a manila folder in his hands.

“Major,” I said, saluting.

He did not return the salute.

“Captain Morgan, I need you to step away from the door,” Major Vance said.

“Is there a problem with my card?” I asked.

“Your security clearance has been suspended,” he said.