Chapter 1

Ears ringing.

Blatant darkness.

A soft click, repeatedly playing over in a tempo, was present in the dark chamber as it was slowly raised into a courtroom.

Orion squinted his eyes in reaction to the blinding lights that surrounded him as he was raised into the room, bound in shackles and a white jumpsuit with orange streaks. On the tag just below his collar, he was marked with a number.

2354.

He seemed rather hopeful than confused. He had a good guess as to his appearance before Earth’s UN Tribunal.

“Inmate 2354. Designation Head Operator. Orion Xanan Hubolt against the United Nations.”

He patiently waited as he eyeballed the empty seats to his right. He expected evidence to be brought up to plead for his innocence.

“Are you aware of what you are charged with?” The Judge asked.

He turned over to the Judiciary’s Assembly. He gave a simple response, though carrying weight to his confidence over his innocence.

“Yes.”

“You are charged with treason of the highest order for infiltrating vital information privatised by national security of several countries under the United Nations. You accused the Allegiance’s representatives in the United Nations committee of several violations to international security with little to no evide-

“Hold on. I have been told that I was able to present evidence before you.” His calmness faded as rage fuelled his sentence.

“Indeed. Though any of that attempt seems unlikely due to the undeniable absence of your representing party.” 

Orion looked back to the empty seats.

“Your honour, if you could give me some ti-

The doors swung open. More reporters barged in as Ava, Ryan and Ajay walked in alongside the Allegiance director Hallstrom. They marched together to empty seats as they settled in, seeming erratically uneasy.

Orion felt relieved. A chance for hope to prevail sparked within him. The corruption he was attempting to snuff out could be revealed today.

To no avail.

He observed their distinct mannerisms. Oddly formal whilst acting somewhat defeated. Neither of them could maintain eye contact with them. Alas, he realised defeat. 

“Thank you for joining us, Head Operators and Director Hallstrom. Without delaying any further, do please present the evidence whenever possible.”

Ryan slowly stood up, hesitant in a sense that Ajay was shocked to see him taking the first step.

“Orion told us that the evidence to win this court sentencing would be in his drive under the command log.”

He gently placed it down, connecting it to the computer before them to broadcast to the entire room. What seemed like a hopeful moment faded as the presented information was blank.

“It seems that there was no evidence to begin with. Unfortunately, Orion was pleading with no further proof and infiltrated allied lines without a justifiable motive. I’m afraid…”

For once, Ryan looked over to Orion. He was greeted with a face of aghast. A face of the betrayed. The face of a fallen brother.

He maintained his composure, though he felt his heart shredding to pieces as he forced out words to finish his sentence.

“I’m afraid that we can’t justify his actions. He is a guilty man and should be sentenced for his criminal actions against the world.” 

Before Ajay could attempt to leave the courtroom, a hand pulled him back to his chair.

“Careful, they’re watching.” Ava whispered to Ajay.

“With that in consideration, I shall move forward with the sentencing of Orion Hubolt.”

Orion faced back, staring into empty space as his mind drifted. The powerful core that held him together to be a fighting force shattered.

“I hereby approve the life sentence for Orion Hubolt in the galactic supermax prison on Matyria. Transfer shall commence in 5 working days after prisoner processing…”

Indeed it was his duty to protect Earth. A duty assigned since he was young. The allies he met. The people he’s faced. All of the time he spent since the day he crawled out of the cave as a young man was a gift.

A gift to be loved by someone of purity in her soul. 

A gift to play his duty under the comfort of his friends.

A gift, unravelled to be an inevitable betrayal.

His purpose has been fulfilled. To protect this planet. He remains to be casted aside. All of this. Perished by a judgement call. A call that will haunt the galaxy for years to come…