Another surviving soldier remembered Michael arguing that the vehicle should not be used.
The evidence gradually confirmed what Carter had said.
The mechanical problem had existed before the accident.
The equipment had been kept operational because leadership wanted readiness numbers to remain high.
Captain Harlan had signed the readiness paperwork and later participated in reviewing the accident.
The original investigation had therefore been deeply compromised.
Carter gave a sworn statement.
He did not hide his own failure.
He admitted that he had known about the mechanical problem and had not told investigators.
He admitted that fear had influenced him.
He admitted that he had allowed Michael's reputation to suffer because telling the truth would have endangered his own future.
This time, he put his name on the truth.
Chapter Eight — Justice
The review took months.
By the time it was finished, the truth could no longer be ignored.
Michael Brooks was cleared of the finding that his actions had contributed to the accident.
The mechanical failure was formally recognized as the initiating cause.
The role of the former officer who had approved the defective maintenance status was documented and referred for further review.
Carter received disciplinary action for his own failure to report what he knew.
He lost a promotion opportunity and was transferred outside Lena's chain of command.
Some people believed the punishment was insufficient. Others believed it was severe.