Chapter 10 - THE TRIBUNAL
The military tribunal and federal fraud trial were combined into a massive, highly publicized hearing in Washington D.C. Vivian Sterling was dragged into the courtroom, looking a decade older. Her Chanel gowns were replaced by a standard-issue federal jumpsuit.
When Claire took the stand, the courtroom fell dead silent. She recounted the events of November 14th, 2016 with clinical precision. She described Adrian fleeing under anti-aircraft fire, and how she countermanded orders to save the trapped men. Then, the prosecution played Natalie's audio recordings. Vivian’s own voice echoed through the courtroom, coldly discussing the bribes needed to secure Adrian’s hero status and hide his cowardice.
Vivian buried her face in her trembling hands. The empire was officially dead.
