It was an internal memo signed by Colonel Thomas Whitaker himself.

The date on the memo was three days after the incident.

It explicitly detailed the civilian status of the casualties and ordered the alteration of the field logs to prevent a breach of contract with the Department of Defense.

I looked up at the bench.

Judge Vane was reading the text on his monitor.

His expression was grim.

“Mr. Sterling,” the judge said, his voice dropping an octave. “Do you still maintain that these files were fabricated by the petitioner?”

Sterling opened his mouth, then closed it.

He looked at Colonel Whitaker, then back at the judge.

“We… we require time to review these documents, Your Honor,” Sterling said. “We request a two-week continuance.”

“Motion denied,” Judge Vane said instantly.

He leaned forward, looking down at the defense table.

“I am denying the defense’s motion for a protective order,” the judge said. “The temporary injunction against Ms. Mercer is lifted.”

I felt a sudden, sharp release of tension in my chest.