Inside Hayden's office, Lexa stood at attention, her face calm despite the tension hanging thick in the room.
Hayden, seated behind his desk, tapped a tablet slowly with a sharp look in his eyes.
"You disobeyed direct protocol. You withheld the identity of a red zone infiltrator - an individual we've been tracking for weeks. Even if your intentions were good, it was still a breach."
Lexa didn't flinch. "Understood, sir."
"You're suspended from all field duties for two weeks," Hayden said, voice cold. "Use the time to reflect on your rank, your responsibility, and what it truly means to wear that badge."
She nodded once. "Yes, Commander."
"Dismissed."
As Lexa turned to leave, Hayden added one final remark. "And tell Marlon… next time, I won't be so lenient."
Lexa stepped out of Hayden's office, the weight of her suspension settling heavily on her shoulders. She exhaled slowly, adjusting the cuff of her AMSO jacket, when-
