The nine jurors filed into their places.
My mother straightened her scarf.
Liora folded her hands over the tissue box.
Judge Mercer looked at the envelope on his bench.
Then he addressed the courtroom.
“Before we proceed, I want the record to reflect that the court has reviewed an authenticated, unclassified certification issued through the Department of Defense. No classified operational material has been introduced or reviewed in this courtroom.”
He paused.
“The document verifies certain facts concerning the defendant’s military service. It also explains that some assignment details are not authorized for public disclosure.”
My mother leaned forward.
Judge Mercer continued.
“The court will admit the unclassified certification as a defense exhibit. Counsel may examine the document, question the witness about releasable information, and argue its relevance. No party will be required or permitted to disclose classified operational details in order to establish the ordinary fact of military employment.”
He looked directly at Arvett.
“Is that understood?”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
The answer was considerably quieter than anything Arvett had said that morning.
Captain Vale stood.
“Permission to publish the admitted certification to the jury, Your Honor?”
“Granted.”
The clerk distributed copies.
I watched the paper pass from one juror to another.
Mr. Hensley adjusted his glasses.
Mrs. Pike leaned closer to the page.
Walter Briggs removed his VFW cap and placed it in his lap.
Captain Vale waited until everyone had finished reading.
Then he turned toward the jury.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is not a civilian employment record. It is a formal certification of service issued by the United States Department of Defense.”
He approached the witness stand.
“Lieutenant Commander Voss, please state your full name.”
“Evelyn Marie Voss.”
“Your age?”
“Thirty-six.”
“Your employer?”
“The United States Navy.”
“Your current status?”
“Active duty.”
“Your period of continuous service?”
“Eighteen years.”
He paused.
“Have you experienced a break in that service?”
“No.”
“Were you paid for that service?”
“Yes.”
“Was your employment lawful?”
“Yes.”
“Is the certification now in evidence an accurate statement of those facts?”
“Yes.”
Captain Vale turned toward the jury.
“The document confirms that Lieutenant Commander Evelyn Marie Voss entered active military service at eighteen years of age and has remained continuously employed by the United States Navy for eighteen years.”
