I had to take off the helmet as a neutral frown paints my lips. The balcony had a beautiful view of the palace, glittering pieces of stone pattern the glossy walls, making the entire complex look all the more pristine.

As beautiful as the sight is, my eyes were reserved for the skies above, enjoying the last vestiges of solace provided by the fading darkness. All of this seems so surreal, it's hard to truly contemplate what was unquestionably the most confusing week of my entire military career, even with the considerable time spent up here.

The Rift...New Eden....so unreal.

Being alone as a self defence mechanism during times of uncertainty, it was one of the only traits I willingly kept during that transition from a civilian to a soldier. It represented the only remnant of who I was in the past, a wreck who had no defining motive to fight for.

"Purpose in life..." In contrast to the almost silence whisper, the three words bellow loudly inside my head. The answer to that fickle question is different for every person. It was something that would inevitably enter a person's thoughts once society glares down at them with expectant eyes.

One thing I still struggle to understand even after all these years, is why I had such a different answer compared to the majority. This job is my purpose, being part of a greater whole. Was I born with this mindset? Or was it forged by the specific set of circumstances during my young life.

This way of thinking has made my heart numb to love, the vestigial word had long since lost its significance. This life has its ups and downs, but it works well and that is all the assurance I needed affirm my own ideals. Marriage is out of my grasp forever, but I gained a great many things because of it.

The frown eventually gives way to a light smile, coinciding with the sun as it begins to peek over the lovely horizon. Those who walk alone sometimes have brightest direction in life.

The illusion of peace is then shattered by a stoic voice behind me. "Mind if I join you in solace?" I turn around, eyes coming into contact with the golden visage of the native general Thellius.

Sensing no reason to be cold, I give him my approval. "Of course not..." I avert my eyes back to the horizon, watching the sun steadily claw its way up. Soft, meaningful footsteps draw closer stopping just to my right.

A hint of gold covers the corner of my vision as the General speaks up. "You have my most sincere of thanks."

I said nothing only giving a nod, watching as dawn fully breaks onto the sky with a radiant yellow. These people have an entire civilization, untouched by the hand of humanity. Was it really right to interfere with their conflict for the sake of knowledge?

Duty above all, that is a creed I strongly adhere to each day even when doubt lingers in the shadows. "No need for that..." I remark, casting a neutral look to the Aged man.

Mission before the thoughts. "We were just doing what is required of us."

His eyes now hold a curious tint, slightly bordering on suspicious. "Indeed.."

"You seem to truly care only of living the ways of a warrior, stoic and unwavering to matters not of your immediate concern."

"Your words have merit, sir." I pause, using the moment to place the helmet back on, reverting my image to that of an intimidating soldier. "This is who I am, I live each day with satisfaction because of that." This is the pinnacle of life, to make a good difference to the world in the best way you see fit.

"I have seen many warriors like you through the ages." The General centers his gaze to the sun, tone being soft but commanding at the same time. "Their burn brightly, thriving at the zenith of their lives, however short or long it may be."

I cast a strange look to his withered expression, wondering where is he going with this. The subject is straying into red zone territory. "Are you suggesting that is a bad thing?"

"Perhaps," He replies, the reminiscing look in his eye speaking of memories that have long since passed. "I too was once like that."

Several seconds pass by unnoticed as the weak rays of yellow continue to strike our forms with increasing intensity. In the case of the enigmatic man beside me, it served only to further highlight the glare of his gold tinted armor.

Knowing the topic is too deep to abruptly push aside, I take the wheel of the conversation, intent on giving him the perspective of a Special Forces operative.

I begin, taking a deep breath. "When in doubt, always follow your heart. That's what I did, no regrets."

My voice then takes on an amused glint, rightfully complementing the novelty of this unexpected conversation.

"Has its ups and downs, the good and the bad. We are all where we're meant to be, well I still hope this still holds true for me," I murmur, tracing the marble ledge as a loose formation of Banshees glide across my field of view. 

Something new everywhere you turn.

The General hums in agreement. "On this we can agree" his glare bores deeply into my head, instilling a sense of apprehension. "There will however come a day where you will your body shall betray you... what then?"

I break my eyes to the ground below, finding the sight to be preferable to resting them on the Tactician's own. A cold wave of realization travels up my spine at his chilling statement. The sun's reassuring warmth did little to ease the prickling uncertainty pooling inside my gut.

I grind my teeth in a potent mixture of annoyance, surprise and anger. I refuse to have doubts on this way of life. "It is a worthy sacrifice..." Fort Benning should have killed of any lingering doubts I had, how could it come back to haunt me?

As if sensing my troubles, the Tactician wisely switches the topic. "Regardless, your actions helped us in a great many ways."

"I've personally come to deliver you my thanks, you are after all their leader." He must be refering to Fireteam Desert.

A nod is given as I raise my head back up, confidence reinstated. "Duly noted sir." This isn't our war, though the satisfaction is still there.

I give the native a rigid look. "Is that all?"

The response came swiftly, if a little soft. "Yes..." The solace is over, and morning has completed its takeover. No reason to stay here, any longer and I risk inviting more doubt into my system.

I remove my hands from the ledge. "I'll let you have the balcony to yourself." I pause the steps, waiting for any sort of acknowledgement. His shoulder pauldrons are slumped, with eyes overlooking the palace with a noticably tired gaze.

The signs of sleep deprivation are there. Clearly he has alot on his mind, a slew of issues that he must tackle himself. I leave the weary Tactician to his own devices, making my way with quiet footsteps back into the grand hall.

One last glance is taken to sate my curiosity. His cape dances to the rhythm of the morning winds as he stands there, with arms clasped behind his back. Despite that blissful silence, he prefers to maintain a military posture.

He isn't here to find solace...

It didn't take much to realize he has alot of responsibilities pulling down on his shoulders, even now. It is an omnipresent factor in his life.

That is one similarity we share...

======

-0601 military hours

To the rest of the palace inhabitants, day has officially begun.

Maids, butlers and palace retainers, clad in their respective uniforms went onwards with their tasks with well practised efficiency. Despite the battle lines being just 25 kilometers away, everything seems normal.

Alluring songs are being sung by an assortment of admittedly attractive maidens, some holding onto musical instruments never before seen. These people seem to be fond of music, that much is certain.

I power through the lukewarm tension set by their melodies with my lips set in a rigid line. It is painfully obvious I am the odd one out in this crowd, everywhere I went a wide berth is given.

Some of the eyes had fear, others had intruige running rampant. Whatever the case, it was apparent I was acknowledged with a semblence of respect. These people revere strong warriors, that much is certain by Richard.

As the De-facto and rather unofficial consul of humanity, he held a significant deal of knowledge in regards to their culture. This seemed like a sure fire way to solidify the friendship between us and them, there is however more underneath the surface that we willingly kept hidden.

Every member of the delegation knew under this pretense, this was strictly an intel gathering operation. The locals are officially speaking, still unknowns.

Faction Alpha represents a huge variable to the Tartarus security issue. No one can predict what the hell they would do next once their conflicts with the opposing faction come to a conclusion.

For the rest of the journey, the thought occupies my head. I keep up the strides, occasionally sending an icy glare towards the shimmering weapons of the guards, looking half poised to strike.

The cold demeanor manages to get me through to the other side of the grand hall without any troubles. Huddled in that corner table, is the UN delegation, all seated and immersed in a serious discussion.

Situated several meters away at the literal corner of this massive room is Fireteam Domino, constantly scanning the massive room with careful focus for any signs of suspicious behavior. With the crowd close to a hundred, the risks are definitely there.

I close the distance to the four gentlemen on the table, giving a nod of acknowledgement to my fellow operatives at the corner.

I made my presence audibly known. "Sirs."

"Are the assessments finished?" I immediately ask, directing the message to Cooper.

A careful look is given to my surroundings, making the effort to be inconspicious about my intentions.

Cooper discreetly slides a small bag to the edge of the table."Here it is, report contains everything we know about their way of life." He whispers in a hushed tone, urging me to take custody of the bag.

I take the item, imprisoning it in my gloved fingers. "Understood." The wait is over.

"We're still dealing with the fallout from your idea...." Cooper unexpectedly remarks as I turn around. "That mission definitely helped in smoothing over the relation despite the differences."

"While I can't argue with the results, I disagree with directly interfering with their conflict.."

"Noted." I said, pausing to fomulate a longer sentence. "I understand your concern sir....but it's a preferable alternative to failing to complete my given task." If my team fails to deliver on our well rounded efficiency in intelligence gathering, we might as well not exist.

The elite troops of both factions were one hell of a surprise on the field, as much as I'd further elaborate about the importance of knowing their capabilities, this is not the time. The diplomats had more pressing matters to be concered about, that much is evident from their furrowed expressions.

I begin making my way to the exit, respectfully leaving Cooper and his aids to enjoy the morning cultural event. God knows this isn't a place for me to be in, the natives are happy and carefree. Given the war's glaring proximity, their emotions could only have been driven by nothing less than pure ignorance.

My mind, fueled by years of cold hard logic couldn't even begin to comprehend what drove those people to ignore the dangers of a war so close to home. Civilians are ignorant, the only thing that concerns them is their own personal sphere of influence, the fact still rings true in this world.

Emotions over logic, that is a recipe for failure and death, if only they had more faith in the cold harshness of the truth.

My legs bring me to the entrance of the grand hall, and into the hallways. The ambient music diminishes with each step taken, as time went on, the only sounds came from my boots as they met the marble ground. Once again, I fall into a trance of well needed solitude.

Fireteam Domino will ensure the continued safety of the delegation as my fireteam returns to Tartarus. A treasure trove of infomation is waiting to be examined, the intelligence department better be ready for a string sleepless nights.

I crush any doubts with my profound sense of satisfaction. I still have at least a good ten years left as an operative, no need to harbour thoughts about the distant future.

Right now, I am at the height of my career. No two ways about it.

======
-0622 Military Hours
Drossal Inner Garden.

"So we have permission to take the necklace with us?"

"Yes, according to your palace retainer the necklace has a rare enchantment. But they are willing to part with it as a gift due to your actions." With the item firmly secured in a pocket for safekeeping, I no longer had the ability to communicate with these people.

I give Richard a thankful look for the translation as Anhj steps back into the doorway, having completed her customary farewell in the form of a curtsie.

As my former palace retainer left our sight, I shift the discussion to a more classified spectrum. "It might be redundent but....please don't reveal any sensitive infomation about Tartarus."

"I know..." The former head of Expedition six mutters his reply, catching a hint of my worries. "It's a big risk being here in the first place."

"Agreed." I pause, turning to look at my ride. "The V-280 will swing back after the RTB with my team. It will be on station to ferry you and the rest of the delegation after they're done."

"Noted." He replies, holding out a hand.

I replicate his gesture, meeting his hand at the halfway point. A few shakes are given and I release my grip afterwards. After a nod to convey my last parting respects as I turn around to face the dimly litted passenger bay.

My legs bring me up the back ramp as the rotors spur to life. Hurriedly joining my fellow comrades inside, I mentally prepare for the dull journey back to Tartarus base.

The first thing awaiting my Fireteam should be a debriefing, an update on the UN delegation will possibly be included as well. The ramp closes and the aircraft takes off into the morning skies, devoid of any patroling banshee riders surprsingly enough.

From the windows, I was given a bird's eye view of the surrounding buildings. My watchful eyes capture their details, seeing a perfect blend of curves and purple. Beautiful as ever, highlighted further by the morning glare.

As much as I admired the architectural style of these guys, it wasn't familiar at all. My mind prefers to be in the comfort of sharp utilitarian angles, a visual trait favoured by first world cities.

Those characteristics envoked several reassuring words to the forefront of my thoughts.

Civilization, progress, and most prominent of all.

Humanity.....

=======
~0854 Military Hours

-Cygnus Station, Earth.

A gloomy veil of clouds loom overhead as I march further away from the operations centre. With the drones, report and necklace firmly in proper hands, the only thing left to do right now would be the psychiatric assessment.

That translation necklace could have compromised my operational abilities. It's the only possible reason as to why I left the rifle behind, such a mistake is crippling to a soldier's pride.

I set my gait to another building with only the unforgiving cold by my side. Through the door I went, passing by several familiar faces. The ice on my armor melts into a thin sheen of water, making my form slightly reflective to the white LED lights above.

Room B-3 is the area designated for my assessment.

It's time to face the music. There is a small chance I would fail and be deemed unfit for continued service, that cannot happen. I collect my bearings, forgoing my cold mask of indifference in a bid to look more approachable.

With my thoughts organized and with eyes set to withstand even the thoughest of storms, I enter the room coming into immediate contact with a familiar face.

Seated in a chair and fully expecting my arrival, is Julia Evans. As the Station's best mind on New Eden's flourishing marine ecosystem, she had garnered nothing but my utmost respect.

I take the plunge into the light. "Ma'am."

"2nd Lieutenant Simmons." She beckons me to the designated chair. "Have a seat."

I comply without hesitation, treating her words as I would a superior. "Understood."

With my eyes now on her level, I give her the entirety of my attention as apprehension lingers behind my back.

My mouth is kept shut as I wait for Evans to take the lead.

Her words cut through the tangible silence. "From what I've been told, this assessment is specifically requested by you."

I confirm her statement with a curt reply. "That is correct..."

"I've been filled in on your reasons, suffice to say I agree with your theory." She pauses, ordering me to remove my helmet.

"Since your annual psychiatric evalutation is not due for another three months, this session won't be registered." No surprise there, even so I will take this session seriously.

"Understood.." I nodded as Evans grabs on to a clipboard from the desk.

"We're going to start with simple word association for the first phase." She declares, sending a powerful look to my naked eyes. "I say a word and you tell me the first word to pop up in your mind."

As I half suspected. "Ok." I need to be genuine for this one.

"Rifle."

"Tool..."

"Night."

"Peace..."

I notice a subtle pause in her pace. "Civilians."

The answer within came swiftly. "Ignorant..."

My eyes picks up a shadow of intruige running across her expression. "One last word....Love."

My lips curl downwards, barely keeping my surprise in check as the word passes out her lips. Time grinds to a crawl as the word echoes inside my head. It had so many meanings and uses to the common person. Nevertheless, even if I spend the rest of my days finding a way, that word will never have a place in my life.

Duty above all. "Irrelevant....."

===End===

A true soldier prefers to sleep with a weapon rather than a woman, no matter how attractive she may be.