Prologue 

 “It is the opinion of this tribunal that Lt. Commander Raven Hargrave did, knowingly and willfully, disobey a direct order from her commanding officer. It is agreed that this violation did result in the deaths of three members of the Special Tasks Group, of which she was commander of. As such she is summarily dismissed from the Command Special Forces of New Terra. Due to Commander Hargrave’s meritorious service, sentence is relegated to time served.” The head justice said sternly to the slight woman, in full dress uniform, that stood at attention in the center of the military court room. “Does the convicted have anything to say on her behalf?”

 “Only that I did what I thought was right, and I have no regrets.” Replied Raven strongly. 

 “This Military Tribunal is now concluded, MP’s remove the convicted for out processing.” She was then flanked by military police and ushered out to the holding cells to be processed. 

 When she arrived at the end the hall at a cage for personal effects with a guard, her cuffs were removed, and she received a few electronic forms to sign. She pressed her thumb to the screen and a audible chime rang out a affirmative. The guard said with a bored tone, “Ok, personal effects, one brown leather vest, one pair of knee high combat boots, one long sleeve blue shirt, um… Let’s see one belt with holster, service weapon removed. One pair of black thermal leggings, one pack of chewing gum, novelty keychain, one black leather long coat. And whatever this is.” As he put down the disguised communicator, that looked like an antiquated hearing aide. “The rest of your effects are in reclamation storage, give them your name and your effects will be returned to you. You can change out of your uniform over there. Please return the uniform for recycling.” She did so and quickly changed out of her uniform and left it with the guard. 

Raven then left holding area to the street and in spite of the present circumstances felt free. She hadn’t gotten more than three meters before she heard a familiar voice from behind her. 

“You planning to walk all the way to reclamations?” Said the voice. She turned and saw the hulking mass of her trusty first officer, Talon waiting for her just next to a waiting air car taxi.

 “Did they kick you out too?” She asked.

 “No, mustered out. Just couldn’t stand for what they did back there, using you as a scapegoat and all. Figured you’d want some company anyway.” Talon explained. 

 “You didn’t need to do that.”

 “But it felt good to stick it them for a change.” 

 “Fine but I don’t know what I’m going to do, or where I’m going” said Raven. 

 “Don’t worry about that, I got something all lined up.”