Most importantly, she found evidence that the company had used Marcus's employee credentials to authorize a software change after his termination.
Someone had used his identity to make it appear that he had approved the revised version.
Marcus stared at the document.
"They used my credentials."
Elena nodded.
"And then they blamed you for the consequences."
"Can we prove who did it?"
"We can trace the authorization to a management account. We still need the original server records and independent confirmation."
"How do we get those?"
"Through the proper legal channels."
Marcus looked at the date of the upcoming Orion launch.
It was less than three weeks away.
Elena followed his gaze.
"We may not have that much time."
"Then we need to move quickly."
At Sterling Global, preparations for the launch were moving ahead.
Richard Sterling planned to present Orion's successor at a major corporate event.
The company had invited investors, government representatives, aviation experts, and journalists.
A helicopter would transport Richard and several senior executives to the rooftop landing area.
The launch was supposed to demonstrate the company's technological leadership.
Vanessa was responsible for the financial presentation.
She had already prepared a speech about innovation, reliability, and the importance of protecting lives through advanced technology.
Nobody in the public relations department knew that the new system contained the same unresolved navigation issue.
Nobody except the people who had been involved in the original project.
And Marcus.
Two days before the event, Marcus received a call from an unknown number.
He answered.
"Hello?"
A woman's voice spoke.
"Mr. Reed?"
"Yes."
"This is Eleanor Hayes. I'm calling on behalf of the independent board oversight committee."
Marcus sat upright.
"How did you get my number?"
"Your name appeared in the original Orion documentation. We have been reviewing the project's history."
Marcus remained silent.
Eleanor continued.
"We received an anonymous submission containing several documents. They suggest that the original investigation may have been compromised."
"Who sent the documents?"
"I cannot disclose that."
"Have you verified them?"
"We are trying to."
Marcus looked at Elena, who was sitting across the room.
"Then you should speak with Daniel Brooks, Captain Samuel Hayes, and Elena Brooks. They can provide independent confirmation."
There was a pause.
"Are you willing to attend a meeting?"
"Yes."
"At the headquarters?"
Marcus glanced at his old employee badge.
"That may be difficult."
"I understand. We can arrange an independent location."
Marcus agreed.
But before the meeting could happen, something unexpected occurred.
Richard Sterling contacted him directly.
Richard's call came late that evening.
Marcus almost ignored it.
Then he answered.
"Mr. Reed."
"Richard."
"I hear you've been contacting people about Orion."
"I have."
"You need to stop."
"Why?"
"Because you're spreading accusations about a company you no longer understand."
"I understand the original system better than anyone in your office."
Richard exhaled sharply.
"You're making a serious mistake."
"No. I made a mistake three years ago. I trusted that people in charge would care about the truth."
Richard was silent.
Then his voice became quieter.
"Listen to me. Whatever happened back then, it is in the past."
"Not if you're launching the same system again."
"The new platform has been reviewed."
"By whom?"
"Qualified professionals."
"Then they should have no problem examining the original files."
Richard's tone hardened.
"You're not going to destroy this company because you cannot accept that you were fired."
Marcus felt anger rising inside him, but he kept his voice steady.
"This company is not you, Richard. It belongs to its employees, its investors, its clients, and the people who depend on its products."
"You have no idea what it takes to run an organization of this size."
"Maybe not. But I know what it takes to keep a helicopter from receiving false navigation data."
Richard did not answer.
Marcus continued.
"If you cancel the launch and commission an independent safety review, I will let the evidence speak for itself."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then I will give the evidence to the people who have the authority to investigate."
Richard's voice dropped.
"You think anyone will believe you?"
Marcus looked toward the window.
"I don't need everyone to believe me. I only need the records to be examined."
He ended the call.
Elena had heard enough to understand what happened.
"He's worried," she said.
"Yes."
"That means we're close."
The morning of the launch arrived with heavy clouds.
A helicopter was scheduled to land on the rooftop helipad shortly before noon.
Security officers checked invitations.
Journalists gathered in the lobby.
Employees hurried between conference rooms carrying equipment and presentation materials.
Richard stood outside the building with Vanessa.
Both were dressed for the cameras.
Richard wore a dark suit.
Vanessa wore black, her hair tied back neatly.