The door opened, and a Lieutenant Colonel in crisp attire stepped in, his posture respectful.
"General," he addressed, "Lieutenant Colonel Henderson reporting with a top-secret document requiring your immediate attention."
He held a sealed black folder marked with a red insignia, indicating its classified nature.
"Thank you, Lieutenant Colonel," Linsley replied, accepting the folder.
With a respectful nod, Henderson turned and exited, leaving Linsley alone with the document.
He regarded the folder thoughtfully. The cover was embossed with the Astral Dominion's emblem, a symbol of authority and secrecy, and it bore the words TOP SECRET in bold, uncompromising lettering across its face.
The seal was tight, indicating that no one below a certain clearance level had laid eyes on its contents. Whatever lay inside, it demanded careful consideration.
