Maya's credentials failed at the main security checkpoint of the Federal Analysis Bureau. She tried again, the plastic card sliding through the reader with the same negative result. The red light blinked mockingly as the security officer looked up with practiced neutrality.
"I'm sorry, Dr. Chen. Your access has been suspended. I'll need to confiscate your badge."
Maya stared at him, momentarily frozen. She'd expected fallout from yesterday's confrontation with Director Whitman, but not this swift excision from her professional home. Her fingers tightened around the badge before reluctantly surrendering it.
The security officer avoided her eyes. "Someone from HR will reach out to you."
She nodded, turned on her heel, and walked out with as much dignity as she could muster. Outside, the
