The large oak doors of the War Ministry office creaked open, revealing General Nathaniel Warner and his two closest associates, Brigadier General Henry Caldwell and Major Theodore Calloway. The trio moved with a unified purpose, their boots echoing across the polished marble floor as they entered the spacious meeting room where Matthew Hesh waited alone.
The afternoon sun streamed through the tall, arched windows, casting long shadows on the stone walls and bathing the room in a soft golden glow. Matthew stood near the center of the room, his hands in his pockets, posture relaxed but expectant. A long table stretched across the room with a decanter of water and empty glasses, though none of them seemed of interest to him. He turned as Warner entered, his expression calm and unreadable.
"General Warner," Matthew greeted, inclining his head. His voice was polite but carried an undertone of curiosity. "You've kept me waiting. I trust you bring news."