Commander Strut's office was exactly as severe as the man himself.
Stone walls. A desk that looked like it had survived multiple wars. Shelves lined with books and reports and documents that probably contained more secrets than Nero would ever want to know. A single window that let in cold light but no warmth.
The Commander sat behind his desk, reading something. He didn't look up when Nero entered.
Nero stood and waited.
The silence stretched. Outside, Nero could hear the distant sounds of the garrison. Voices calling orders. The ring of metal on metal from the training yard. The normal business of a military installation continuing regardless of whether he was about to be assigned something terrible.
Finally, Strut set down whatever he'd been reading and looked up.
"Sit."
Nero sat.
