The courtroom collectively held its breath, and the silence was shattered by a ripple of murmurs, soon escalating into a wave of outrage. The gallery erupted, individuals rising from their seats in protest, voices raised in defense of the war hero.

“Have you no heart?” someone shouted, their voice echoing off the austere walls.

“Show some respect!” another voice joined in, and soon the room was filled with a chorus of indignation, a cacophony of support for Sergeant Carson.