“These are federal property,” I said.

“They are also clear evidence of unauthorized access to classified operational plans.”

Nathan looked at Captain Vance, but the older officer kept his eyes on his notepad.

“Sir,” Nathan whispered to Vance.

“Commander, look at the Admiral,” Vance said without looking up.

Nathan turned his head back to me.

“I didn’t steal anything,” Nathan said.

“I just looked.”

“You viewed the operational deployment schedules for the Seventh Fleet,” I said.

“You printed two pages of logistics data.”

“I needed to know the supply routes for my team’s upcoming deployment,” Nathan said.

“That information is restricted to officers with a need-to-know clearance level,” I said.

“You did not have that clearance.”

“I am the commander of the unit, Admiral,” he said, his voice rising slightly.

“You were the prospective commander,” I corrected.

The room went completely silent.

The hum of the overhead lights seemed to grow louder.

“What do you mean by ‘were,’ Admiral?” Nathan asked.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the gold braid on my sleeves.

“You have committed a violation of Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice,” I said.