“Running decryption algorithm,” the clerk murmured.

The defense attorney, Sterling, stood close by, his arms crossed, his eyes darting toward the screen.

Cassandra had sat back down next to her father.

She was leaning against him, her face buried in her hands.

The Colonel did not put his arm around her.

He just stared at the wall.

The progress bar reached forty percent.

“This is a violation of national security,” Sterling muttered, though his voice lacked its previous strength. “Those files contain sensitive operational data.”

“They contain evidence of a cover-up,” I said, keeping my eyes on the monitor. “They contain the real names of the victims.”

The progress bar hit eighty percent.

The computer emitted a short, sharp beep.

The red lock icon on the screen turned green.

A folder directory opened, revealing dozens of PDF documents and audio logs.

The titles were clear: “Operational Discrepancy Report – Sector Four – Classified.”

“The keys are valid, Your Honor,” the clerk said, looking up at the judge. “The archive is fully decrypted.”

I clicked on the first file in the directory.