Later that afternoon, the quiet hum of computer fans filled the administrative office down the hallway.
Sarah sat at her desk, carefully organizing a stack of signed transfer documents and budget ledgers.
The quiet room felt far away from the tension of the training gym.
A shadow fell across her desk as Captain Miller walked into the office without knocking.
He slammed the wooden door shut behind him, his jaw still red from the morning drop.
"You think you are clever, Standish," Miller whispered, leaning over her desk.
"I know you submitted an audit request to military intelligence last night," he added.
Sarah did not flinch or pull away from his intimidating stance.
She looked directly into his eyes with the same calm focus she had on the mat.
"The numbers on the vehicle maintenance fund do not match, sir," Sarah stated clearly.
"That is none of your concern as a sergeant," Miller growled, narrowing his eyes.
"It becomes my concern when unsafe gear is given to young recruits," Sarah answered softly.
Miller reached down to grab the top file from her desk stack.
Sarah placed her palm firmly on top of the folder before he could pull it away.
"Do not touch official records, Captain," she said with quiet authority.
Miller pulled his hand back quickly as if he had been burned by hot metal.
He realized that threats would not work on someone who held no fear of his rank.
"You are ruining your own military career over petty paperwork," Miller warned her.
"My career is built on honour, Captain, not stolen money," Sarah replied directly.
The door clicked open, and Major Vance stepped inside with two military police officers.