Chapter 9 - Reading The Classified Operational Summary
Julian, Mara’s defense attorney, stood up and requested permission to read selected excerpts of the declassified operational summary into the record. Judge Thomas granted the motion immediately, gesturing for Julian to proceed with the official documentation.
“Operation Phoenix Ridge, executed in hostile territory on November twelfth, under the direct command of Major Daniel Hayes,” Julian read clearly. “Captain Mara Bennett held a vital defensive perimeter against overwhelming enemy forces while sustaining severe shrapnel injuries to her ribs.”
The courtroom fell into an absolute, breathless hush as the harrowing details of the firefight were read aloud to the jury panel. Several jurors looked down at the Silver Star and Purple Heart displayed in the wooden case with tears welling in their eyes.
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“Despite sustaining life-threatening wounds, Captain Bennett successfully coordinated the extraction of her entire reconnaissance squad before collapsing,” Julian finished. He looked across the aisle at Victoria, his voice dripping with righteous indignation. “And Mrs. Bennett had the audacity to call these fake.”
Mara kept her eyes fixed straight ahead, feeling the phantom ache of the shrapnel scar along her ribs flare up briefly under her blouse. She had protected her unit, she had protected her father’s dying wish, and now she was protecting her own hard-earned honor.
