The phone on Michael’s desk began to ring, the red light flashing rapidly in the dim office.

The phone on Michael’s desk continued to ring, its shrill tone cutting through the quiet office.

The red indicator light on the console pulsed like a tiny, warning beacon.

Michael stared at the telephone as if it were a live grenade.

“Answer it,” Captain Hayes repeated, his voice flat and commanding.

My brother’s hand shook as he reached out and pressed the speaker button.

“Commander Rogers,” Michael said, his voice cracking slightly under the strain.

“Commander, this is the Duty Officer at the Quarterdeck,” a sharp voice came through the speaker. “We have a security lock on your terminal. You are ordered to cease all data transmissions immediately.”

“I… I understand,” Michael stammered, looking up at me with eyes full of panic.

“An escort is on the way to your position,” the Duty Officer added. “Do not attempt to log off or shut down the terminal. Out.”

The line went dead with a soft click, leaving only the hum of the computer fan.