Chapter 6 - The Court-Martial Begins
Two months later, the Naval Judicial Center at Naval Station Norfolk was packed to capacity with senior officers, legal personnel, and news reporters. The case of United States v. Lieutenant Commander Caleb Vance had become a national sensation, exposing corruption and domestic violence within the military ranks.
Caleb sat at the defense table, wearing a plain, unadorned service dress blue uniform stripped of his ribbons and command insignias. His hands were clasped in front of him, his face pale and sunken after two months in a military brig. Beside him sat two high-priced civilian defense lawyers hired by his wealthy family.
Across the courtroom, Rebecca sat in a wheelchair, wearing an elegant navy dress. Her legs were still supported by lighter walking braces, but her skin was clear of bruises, her blonde hair styled neatly, and her posture radiating calm authority.
The presiding military judge, Captain Margaret Ross, slammed her wooden gavel onto the bench. "This general court-martial is now in session."
Caleb’s lead defense attorney stood up, offering a polished, smooth smile to the panel of military officers acting as the jury.
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"Members of the panel," the lawyer began arrogantly. "The prosecution presents a tragic story of a broken marriage. But the evidence will show that my client, a decorated naval officer with ten years of flawless service, was under immense combat-related stress. The car accident was a tragedy caused by mechanical failure, and his emotional outburst in the hospital room was merely the reaction of a desperate husband trying to save his wife from exorbitant medical bills!"
In her wheelchair, Rebecca watched Caleb’s attorney with a cold, knowing smile. She knew the defense was digging its own grave.
