"Donny Zack..." Hakim paused for a moment. "...has been pronounced dead."
Leonard's eyes slowly widened.
For several seconds, he couldn't say a word.
"Dead?" he murmured.
"That's right."
Hakim continued.
"According to the preliminary medical report, in addition to the injuries he sustained in the fight, Donny also suffered a heart attack after the incident. His condition deteriorated, and his life could not be saved."
Leonard closed his eyes.
He let out a long breath.
The news still felt heavy, even though deep down he knew Donny had become a source of trouble for many people.
What frightened him wasn't Donny's death. It was the consequences of that death. He had made a mistake. And now that mistake came with a price. He had no idea how high.
Under the table, Leonard clenched his fists. Hendra glanced at him. Then, without saying much, the captain patted Leonard on the shoulder.
"Stay calm, Leo."
Leonard opened his eyes. The pat was simple, but he took it as a show of support.
Hendra looked at him with complete confidence.
"Whatever the verdict, face it."
Leonard gave a small nod.
"Thank you, Captain."
Hendra smiled faintly.
"You're not alone."
Hakim then began speaking again.
"Based on the evidence, witness statements, medical report, and the defense that has been presented..." He paused for a moment.
"And after taking into consideration that Leonard Altharez has no prior record of violations, has a good work history, and has consistently carried out his duties with a high level of credibility..."
Everyone waited. Leonard held his breath.
Hakim continued.
"...we hereby find Leonard Altharez guilty of acting outside procedure in a difficult situation."
Mala lowered her head. Her tears fell again.
Leonard, meanwhile, remained silent.
Hakim continued.
"However, after taking into consideration the agency's current personnel shortage and the urgent operational needs, we will not impose either temporary or permanent dismissal."
Leonard slowly opened his eyes. A small sense of relief gradually crept in.
Hakim looked at him.
"Leonard Altharez will be reassigned to a new location."
Leonard fell silent.
"The location where the primary target of Donny Zack's network is believed to be."
Hendra immediately looked at Leonard.
Leonard himself looked as if he had just been freed from a tremendous burden.
Not because he had been granted freedom. But at least he still had a chance to prove himself.
Hakim continued.
"However, this assignment will remain under the strict supervision of central command."
Leonard nodded.
"I understand."
"Accordingly, Leonard Altharez's command will be transferred from Captain Hendra Hardiyanto to Captain Arya Prabastama at the new duty location."
Leonard remained silent for several moments.
"The assignment will begin the day after this decision is issued."
The gavel came down.
TOK!
"The hearing is adjourned."
No one stood up right away. Everyone seemed to have just released the breath they'd been holding all this time.
Hendra was the first to approach Leonard.
Without saying a word, he immediately embraced his subordinate.
Leonard was briefly startled.
But then he returned the embrace.
"Thank you, Captain," he said quietly.
Hendra patted his back.
"It was my duty."
Then he released him.
"You've always been an obedient member, Leo. In all these years, I've never seen you abuse your authority."
Leonard smiled faintly.
"I still made a mistake."
"Yes."
Hendra nodded.
"But one night's mistake doesn't erase all the good you've done over the years."
That made Leonard fall silent.
Hendra looked at him seriously.
"Don't take this guilt with you to your new posting."
Leonard looked at him with a furrowed brow.
Hendra continued.
"Because if you keep looking back, you'll never be able to see what's ahead."
Leonard nodded.
"I'll remember that, Captain."
Several team members then approached.
Some patted him on the shoulder. Some shook his hand. Others merely offered small smiles.
The mood grew emotional. Not only because of the verdict, but because that day marked Leonard's last day under Captain Hendra's command.