Chapter 7 - The Court-Martial
Six months later, the military courtroom at Naval Base Point Loma was packed with senior officers, naval aviators, and legal observers.
Andrew sat at the defense table in a plain, undecorated service dress uniform. His once-slick hair was cut short, his posture hunched with the crushing weight of public humiliation.
The evidence presented by the Judge Advocate General was insurmountable. Bank records, server logs, and testimony from squadron subordinates detailed a systematic abuse of military authority and egregious ethical violations.
The military judge delivered the verdict with crisp, unyielding authority:
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"Andrew Whitaker, for the crimes of procurement fraud, willful violation of federal ethics regulations, and conduct unbecoming an officer under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, this court sentences you to eight years of confinement at the United States Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, total forfeiture of all military pay and retirement pensions, and a Dishonorable Discharge from the United States Navy."
When the gavel struck the sound block, Andrew slumped forward in his chair, burying his face in his hands as federal marshals escorted him through the side security door.
