Now arriving at Pheonix Prime. The ship commander said over the intercom.

After two years in the AHF – and one completely in space – Jack had become more than a little accustomed to the process and aftereffects of Light-Gate travel. While the process of being turned into particles of light and reassembled on the other side was never pleasant, it no longer left him dizzy and nauseous.

What lay before him was a beautiful blue and green planet that looked like what Earth would without the pollution, only larger. Encircling the planet were two massive bands; one running along the planets latitude equator, and the other along the longitude. In order to solve the problem of orbital decay, there were six towers built and maintained by Li-tech that forcefully held them in place.

The bands were much more than they appeared, the outer layer was built as a kind of super conductor that was charged with the very same particle that allowed humans to weild Light. On the inside however, was a mixture of space-station and city capable of housing millions of people.

“It’s beautiful.” Jack said softly, unable to tear his eyes from the sight before him.

“Yes.” Thea said simply, “I never thought a planet could feel more like home than Earth, but here I am being proven wrong.”

The Washington approached the ring and a pair of massive hanger doors slid open. As silent as the vacuum around them, the ship entered the city where a series of clamps grabbed the ship. For the first time since he’d joined the AHF, the engines of a HUB ship powered down.

All soldiers of the Seventh Mechanized Infantry, we have docked the ship and will be in maintenance for the next several days. You may either explore Orasinel or visit the planet’s surface. All but those who are under current orders, your leave starts now.

Knowing that they were part of the group that was ‘on current orders,’ Jack and Thea made their way to the company headquarters in order to meet up with the rest of the squad. As they walked, the gravity of the situation finally began to settle in.

They had been given a few days to mentally process what happened the day of Ortiz’ death, but a few days did not aliviate the guilt they both felt for not being able to save their friends physical body. Sure, they both knew that he was possibly being rebuilt at that moment, but a Steel Cast body would not and could not rival that of his own natural self.

That was also assuming his mind made the transfer without damage, a statistic that Warren had waited until that morning to really explain.

“Soldiers,” Captain Griffin began, “Before we begin, I first want to say that I’m sorry.”

They were standing at attention in their formation and therefore unable to see each other, but they’d learned early in their career that an officer apologizing before speaking was never a good thing. They each knew what this was about, and it wasn’t because they had managed to complete the mission.

“In a few moments, Summers and I will accompany you to the planets surface where you will meet with the UHR Senate. They will ask you to relive the pain of your mission to retrieve the engine, and to describe the enemy in detail. You need to know this, most of them do not believe that you fought anything that day and that you’re actively covering up the true death of your friend. We know that’s not true, but it doesn’t change the situation.” Griffin explained, meeting their gazes before continueing, “It’s very possible that you are tried for a crime, therefore the most important thing you can do is tell the story as close to your memory as possible. Make them pay for this inquest with visions of death and nightmares. Yes Private West?”

Dave lowered his hand and stepped forward. “Ma’am, I don’t understand how we could be tried for the death of a squadmate in action. Isn’t that what we do? Better yet, why would they?”

“Because they are afraid. They are terrified that another race could possibly match the might of the human empire and they are willing to use anyone as a patsy to pretend that it isn’t true.” The captain replied, “Fallout and follow me.”

The squad sat in silence as the lift lowered them from the ring city to the planet below. Staring out at the metropolis as it grew larger and larger, Jack was taken aback by art-like architecture in nearly every building. Not a single one was built like the common Earth skyscraper, instead they had a level of artistic beauty in each.

“They say that you never forget your first view of this place.” Summers said, taking the seat beside him, “That when you’ve only known Earth, the creativity of humans free to do as they please is really quite impressive.”

“Free to do as you please?” Jack asked with an eyebrow raised.

“Yes. You see, on Pheonix, every artist that wants to add to the cities grandeur can do so. They simply bring the design to city hall and a Light Architect helps them with the hard part. From there, the artist can either sell the plans to someone for a large sum, or simply build it themselves provided they can afford it.”

“That just sounds like the standard way things work, doesn’t it?”

“Very true, but once a building becomes abandoned it is torn down immediately. The government will not allow for vacant buildings to remain long.”

“What about the homeless and poor?” Jack asked, getting a little worried about where this was going.

“What about them?” Summers replied, “They are given every opportunity to help themselves. Everything from free housing on Orasinel to free food clothing in exchange for documented community service.”

“But the poor are still forced to live in squalor.”

“No, they’re not. Again, they are given every opportunity to better themselves and get a job that would allow them to live wherever they choose.”

Jack had to ask himself where the line was on a situation like this. On Earth, if a person didn’t work, they simply did not eat. If they refused to better themselves, than you simply stepped over them on your own way to work of school. The homeless and poor had become such a large portion of Earth that it was much more common for someone to live on the street instead of in a home.

But here, every person was given food water and shelter so long as they simply did their part. If a person chose to be more, then they could become more. Sure, the habitation pods up on the rings were not the most luxurois of lifestyles, but they beat the hell out of sleeping in the rain.

The lift finally came to a stop and the Light barrier that acted as it’s walls dissipated into nothingness – apparently, the ban on civilians knowing about their power only extended to earth. Before them, truly unique buildings were set between streets that more resembled a work of art than a paved road had any right to be.

And trees? The people phoenix had gone out of their way not to disturb the megaflora that dotted the streets. In fact – from what they could see – each area incorporated those trees into the mural that was the city of Tara.

“Follow me.” The Captain said as she immediately began walking.

She led their group down twisting streets, and past sights that Jack wouldn’t have believed if he wasn’t there to see it for himself. To go along with the massive trees, the city was dotted with gardens and orchards that were free to any citizen. One of the many jobs that could be held was the maintenance of this city food supply.

Summers’ explaination that the people were given every chance to thrive was obvious now. The only reason for a person to go hungry would be because they simply chose to. Between the free housing and the food, there was no excuse for any person to fall into a place of squalor.

After a short while, a massive sphere became visible through the jungle of buildings and trees. If he was honest with himself, the building looked like a massive golf ball resting on three legs. At the base of one such leg was a row of archway’s that eventually led to a pair of large doors.

Captain Griffin rounded on them, “We are about to enter the seat of human government. I said it earlier, but I’ll say it again for clarity. Be on your best behavior, answer each question as truthfully as possible and do not, under any circumstance, agree to anything without my permission.”

“Yes ma’am.” They all said.

“Good, follow me.”

She turned back to the doors and led them through twisting hallways that always went up. Eventually, they came to another set of doors that were open and waiting. Inside, Jack could see a metallic sheen to the platform where they would presumably be questioned. If he focused on the sounds around him, he could hear a dull chatter comeing from the apparently full room.

Suddenly, a single voice could be heard over the din of noise, “Soldiers of the AHF, step forward.”

Led by their company commander, Jack and his squad entered the senate chambers and stepped onto the platform. Before their eyes, thirteen chairs and small desks materialized from the blue light of the Aegis Corps. Slowly, they each took their place leaving only Captain Griffin standing.

“Good morning,” Senator Bacon said after the doors had closed and the noise had died down, “We are called into session today to hear the recounting of a recent mission taken on by these fine soldiers. Unfortunately, as many of us know, the mission did not go as planned and we lost a few soldiers in the process.”

“Few?” Alec whispered harshly, “We lost one. A grand total of one and he was a damned sight braver than this sack of shit.”

Just as Jack was about to respond, he was cut short by Senator Bacon, “That may be so Mr. Morningwood, but for as cowardly as this sack of shit is, I feel the need to inform you that the desks you are sitting at are equipped with microphones.”

Turning red at the revelation, Alec quietly sank into his chair while the rest of the squad tried to stifle laughter.

“Since you are so willing to talk, please begin our little inquisition by answering a few questions.”

“He will not.” Captain Griffin said, her voice carrying across the room, “I do apologize for PRIVATE Morningwood’s words, however Mr. Senator, I am their commader and will be taking the first response to any and all questions.”

Seeming a touch taken aback, the man continued, “Well then, Yes, lets have it. Ms. Griffin, your men located the package at around 09:00 hours on the day of the mission, but did not send said package to the ship until 09:45. Can you explain the loss of fourty-five minutes of time?”

“Yes I can. As a Captain, it is my job to allocate the resources of our Company accordingly,” She emphasized her rank, but otherwise remained calm and composed, “I decided that a team of soldiers with an Optic would be advantageous in the event that the engine was disassembled. I intentionally kept both a Possessor and Dragoon beside me so that, worst case scenario, he could’ve used their expertise. Luckily, this wasn’t needed due to the combined mechanical and technological genius of Privates Morningwood and Alexander.”

“Your point, Ms. Griffin?”

This guy was really starting to piss Jack off. It seemed that he simply didn’t want to acknowledge any rank, regardless of who it was.

“Give me time Jim,” She said in a placating tone, “As it turned out, the engine was completely torn apart on arrival. My men went agead and rebuit the machine from the ground up, using only basic schematics in a language neither understood. All with a hot battle raging just outside the door.”

“Again, you point?”

“Again, the bottom line here is that it takes time to rebuild. The fact that these two soldiers did so while in battle is truly impressive.” The captain said, sitting in her chair with an aire of finality on the subject.

“I disagree, they were trained to work under pressure. This was pres...”

“Put a sock in it Jim, the odds of these soldiers pulling it off were already slim to none.” Senator Granger said, “They don’t need to die from your stupidity as well.”

Shuffling some documents around on his desk, embarrassed, the senator continued, “That brings me to my next question. Ms. Griffin, I would like the answer for this one to come directly from the private.”

“Depends on what you ask.” She replied, getting visibly annoyed.

Quickly connecting to his commanders HUD, Jack said quickly, “Ma’am, do not loose your cool here. It isnt the time, nor the place.”

She calmed a little before responding in kind, “Don’t say anything stupid. And… Thank you.”

“Mr. Monroe, you allegedly lost a member of your squad on this mission. We are aware of his supposed death at the hands of this ‘monster.’ I believe that if you would have simply used the gate that was open at the time of his death, we would have one more soldier still in this squad of yours.”

“Your point, Mr. Senator?” Jack said flippantly, catching the look of surprised outrage on his commander’s face.

“My point, boy, is that YOU were your squad’s commander and YOU allowed a so-called brother to die. Doesn’t that make you unfit to lead?”

“First, I want to address some things before we move any further.” Jack said as expectant silence fell, “Mr. Bacon, you have staunchly refused to use any of our ranks during this farce of an inquisition. That said, until you spend a year on Algol – building your new family from the ground up while being physically destroyed – you have no right to use our names without the honorific.”

Jack was not going to allow this man to disprespect any member of the AHF if he could stop it. “That said, your timeline is entirely wrong. Four soldiers, including myself, were inside the Lab reconstructing the engine and securing the data. The last five were outside, fighting off the opposition, it was during this phase that the creature attacked. At first, we had no idea that this thing could do. Hell, I think most of the defensive crew simply assumed that it could be killed like the countless others. So, to answer your question – both implied and literal – No, there was no way for us to ‘simply use the gate.’ As for whether or not I am fit for leadership, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I did everything I could for my soldiers. To include putting myself in great pain to finally kill the thing.”

The sounds of minor conversation broke out across the room as senators from all parties began speaking. Was it wise of him to speak to the senator as he did? No, but it needed to be done. If this man believed he could run an assault squad better, then Jack would gladly hand it over. But until then, Jack would defend himself and his team fervently.

“I find it hard to believe that a private on his first real mission has a better timeline than my own intelligence.” Bacon said angrily, “Mr. Monroe, if my intel states that the gate was available for use, then it was available.”

“Fine, then how about we put you on that planet with nothing but a radio and see if the targeting computer can find you.” Jack retorted, “In fact, lets make sure it’s recorded.”

“You have no right…”

“I have every right to defend myself and my actions.” Jack interrupted, “Do you want to know why the computer cant find you? Why we had to stay back? That planet has more interference than any I’ve seen during the past five years. It took a concentrated effort from both myself and Alexander just to create a small opening.”

The senator banged his gavil. “Silence!”

“No, not now senator. You chose to ask me questions directly against the will of my commander, if you can’t deal with the truth, then don’t as for it.” Jack reached into the Light spectrum, fully intent on linking his own mind to every senator in the room. Before he could do so, however, First Sergeant Summers placed a hand on his arm, pulling him back to the present.

“Senator Bacon, since you obviously cannot be subjective about this subject, I will take over the questions.” Said a person from another part of the sphere that Jack’s HUD identified as Senator Cliff Bergman. “Private Monroe, I do apologize for my colleague but your honest answers are highly valued.”

As he spoke, his own platform floated down, stopping beside Senator Bacon’s. “We can understand that intel is not always perfectly accurate when it applies to the exactness of timelines during battle.” He said, shooting a glare at the Senator beside him, “But I must ask; if it wasn’t one of the local species that killed your friend, what was it?”