Chapter 16 - Derek’s Trial
Derek faced fraud, reckless endangerment, conspiracy, evidence destruction, and flight charges.
His attorneys claimed he relied on engineers.
Marcus Vale’s emails destroyed that defense.
The prosecution displayed the warning he ordered removed.
If these relays are deployed in enclosed heat conditions, teams will lose contact.
Derek’s reply appeared beneath it.
Remove speculative language.
Claire Vale testified about the settlement.
Thomas testified about the cover-up.
General Hayes described the mission consequences.
Then Evelyn took the stand.
Derek stared at her throughout.
His attorney asked whether sibling rivalry influenced her testimony.
Evelyn almost laughed.
“My testimony is supported by his emails.”
“Did you dislike your brother?”
“I loved him.”
Derek’s expression changed.
“Did you resent his role in the company?”
“I did not know he had used my trust to obtain it.”
“Do you want him punished?”
“I want the truth recognized.”
The attorney pressed.
“Isn’t that punishment?”
“No. Punishment is what the law decides after the truth.”
Derek was convicted.
Before sentencing, he spoke.
He said the defective relays were only one factor in the attack.
He said no system was perfect.
He said Evelyn’s rescue proved the military could adapt.
General Hayes’s face hardened.
Derek was using her courage to excuse his negligence.
The judge recognized it.
“You nearly turned Captain Porter’s heroism into a subsidy for your fraud.”
Derek received twenty-six years in federal prison.
He also forfeited his company shares.
The court ordered restitution to Marcus Vale’s family and the injured personnel.
Derek shouted as marshals removed him.
“You think they’ll love you now?”
May you like
Evelyn watched him go.
She no longer needed her family’s love to prove what they had done was wrong.
