"Yes."
"What happened after that?"
Ben described the attempt to seize Maya's case, the warning about the remote seal, the credential being torn, and the second internal verification.
The interviewer asked, "When the internal system confirmed the access event, what did Lieutenant Sloan do?"
"She said the systems could have been compromised."
"Did she call the validation number?"
"No."
"Did you suggest it?"
"Yes."
"More than once?"
Ben looked down. "Yes."
The interviewer paused. "Why did you follow the order to close the first verification screen if you believed the credential was real?"
Ben took a moment before answering: "Because she was my lieutenant."
"That explains the order. I'm asking why you followed it."
Ben rubbed his palms against his uniform trousers. "I'm still on probation. She writes part of my review."
No one spoke for several seconds.
Maya finally asked, "When did you know the credential was real?"
Ben looked at her. "The first scan."
"Then that's where your statement begins."
Ben nodded.
Rebecca had reached the doorway behind Maya without being noticed. "So now he's your witness."
Maya turned. "He's describing what he saw."
Rebecca looked at Ben. "You could have told them you were following a security instruction."
"I did."
"You make it sound like I ordered you to hide something."
Ben's voice became quieter. "You told me to close a verified screen."
Rebecca stared at him. "Watch how you characterize my orders."