The fire drove shadows across the wall, bringing light into dark places and shielding others with flickering shadow. The Commander sat behind his desk, pale fingers sifting through the papers that littered the sleek mahogany surface. His blue eyes shimmered beneath his furrowed brow as he sank further into his reverie, only the sudden presence of another person jerking him back into reality.

"It's a bit late to be up, is it not?"