He stopped when he saw me sitting in the dark, his hand still on the brass handle.

“Admiral Hart,” Miller said, lowering his voice. “I didn’t realize you were still here.”

“Just finishing some paperwork, Miller,” I said, tilting my monitor back so he could not see the safety logs.

“The archive department sent up the physical files you requested on Commander Reed,” he said, holding a thick manila folder tied with red string.

“Thank you. Leave them on the credenza.”

Miller stepped inside, his boots quiet on the thin carpet.

He set the folder down and looked at me, his face showing a brief flicker of hesitation.

“Is there something else, Commander?” I asked.

“The Commander’s promotion board convenes tomorrow morning at eight,” Miller said. “Captain Vance asked if your recommendation would be ready by tonight.”

“Tell the Captain I am conducting a thorough review,” I said. “He will have my decision before the board meets.”

Miller saluted, turned on his heel, and left, the door clicking shut behind him.

The room fell back into shadow, lit only by the pale green glow of my dual monitors.