Although the trio nodded in understanding, their expressions remained stoic until Bigbee voiced his thoughts. “Colonel, your attachment to three military branches makes you a rare asset. Your departure would be our loss.

  “Concerning your infractions, we must weigh the potential consequences, ranging from a reprimand to detention. Therefore, before rendering judgment, we invite you or your legal counsel to present your plea.”

  At that moment, Kimi’s palm gently landed on Seven’s forearm, signaling his desire to address the panel. Seven inclined his head in agreement.

  “General Bigbee, I’m Kimi Shahi, Colonel Seven’s legal counsel and the brother of one of the victims. Before I make my client’s case, I’d like to add that our family is willing to compensate the military tenfold as a gesture of our gratitude for Colonel Seven’s lifesaving grace.

  “Now, regarding my client:

  “There is no doubt that Colonel Seven is an outstanding soldier. Beyond that, he is an exceptional human being. While he accepts responsibility for his actions, I appeal to your sense of compassion.

  “If not for Colonel Seven, my sister would have lost her life that fateful night.

  “If not for Colonel Seven, the other victim, also a former Special Forces soldier, would be paralyzed for life.

  “If not for Colonel Seven, my sister’s bodyguard would’ve had to risk her life to lure the suspect out.

  “The irony is that he has not gained from any of these deeds. Instead, he faces severe punitive measures, all because of his courage.

  “Imagine this scenario: what if it were your sister, your daughter, or your wife in that ambush? Wouldn’t you hope for someone like Colonel Seven to intervene?

  “Granted, he breached protocol by bringing a civilian into a military facility. However, it is, after all, a hospital. Colonel Seven acted not only out of kindness but also out of a genuine desire to save a life—my sister’s life.

  “Even now, while the panel deliberates his fate, the FCPD requires his assistance.

  “Incarcerating him, even for a day, would waste a critical resource. He should not bear punishment for acts performed selflessly.

  “In short, Colonel Seven’s actions, though technically a breach of protocol, were motivated entirely by the imperative to save lives. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the panel to show leniency.”

  He paused, letting the plea stand before broaching the next matter.

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  “Besides this critical issue, I would like to inform the panel that Colonel Seven’s talents and experience can continue to benefit the military even after his departure. For instance, he could continue treating complex trauma cases at Walter Reed as a private contractor. If needed, he could also lend his cybersecurity expertise to the Pentagon.

  “For Special Forces duties, however, it would be impractical to participate in missions. This was, by far, the hardest challenge we faced when brainstorming our proposal. We thought long and hard, and the best thing we could devise is for Colonel Seven to dedicate several weeks each year to train cadets in his areas of excellence, provided the training is held in Virginia.

  “Upon leaving the military, Colonel Seven plans to start a pharma-biotech lab and a network security company. His services could be exchanged for endorsements rather than financial payment. Regardless, he is open to any form of partnership. After all, he was brought up on the military’s dime.

  “Finally, on behalf of my client, I implore the panel to consider not only his actions but also the potential service he can continue to provide before rendering judgment.

  “Thank you, Commanders, for allowing us to present our plea. We rest our case.”

  Kimi settled in his seat, his gaze steady as he awaited their decision.

  The trio exchanged glances before Bigbee addressed the crowd. “Let’s take a 30-minute recess.”

  The three leaders and SAIC Bourne headed into a small meeting room next door.

  ……

  Half an hour later, they returned and resumed their positions.

  “Thank you, Mr. Shahi, for your passionate defense of Colonel Seven,” Fergusson began. “Your words remind us of the complexities and sacrifices inherent in military service. While we must uphold discipline and protocol, we also recognize the value of compassion and humanity in our soldiers.”

  Turning to the other two, he continued, “Given the circumstances and Colonel Seven’s exemplary service record, I propose that we take a lenient approach. Perhaps a reprimand would suffice.”

  The other commanders nodded in agreement. Bigbee, his expression softened, spoke next.

  “I concur. Colonel Seven’s actions, while technically a breach of protocol, were motivated by a genuine desire to save lives. He acted with integrity and selflessness, qualities commendable in any soldier.”

  With that, the decision was made. “We hereby recommend a written reprimand, acknowledging the seriousness of his actions while considering his exemplary service.

  “Given Colonel Seven’s resignation, we will address his wish to leave the service. Since he has been on authorized leave with no active tasks, there are no handover concerns.

  “Therefore, we will not participate in FCPD’s sting operation. We believe this works to the benefit of their mission.

  “Colonel, you will only need to complete administrative procedures tomorrow to be officially discharged and transitioned to a private contractor for the three branches. Terms of future collaboration are best negotiated with the administrators.

  “Regarding the compensation for medical treatment, we have decided to waive the fees, considering they were rendered while on leave, and one of the victims was a former soldier, while the other currently works for a government contractor.

  “We trust this verdict is satisfactory. Colonel Seven, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors and hope you will continue contributing to the military as a private contractor.

  “With that, the hearing concludes.”

  The tension in the room dissipated. Seven felt relief wash over him and, glancing at Kimi, gratitude surged in his chest. “Thank you for all your hard work, Kimi.”

  Kimi smiled warmly. “Not at all, Seven. This calls for a celebration.” Indeed, unspoken was the personal significance this case held for him. The satisfaction of securing justice for Seven, intertwined with the debt owed for saving his sister’s life, made this victory his most meaningful yet.