After the encounter in the abandoned facility on Phobos and the inexplicable alteration to the moon itself, Captain Thorn and Lieutenant Marlow regrouped with the remaining team members. The rescue team, already on standby, facilitated their return to the Kar've Space Center.

Upon their arrival, Captain Thorn wasted no time reporting the unusual encounter to Commander Mori. Following the plan Marlow and he established on Phobos, he shared only the details of the discovered list, withholding the rest of the important information they gathered.

Commander Mori, frustrated, recognized the severity of the situation. In a serious meeting with the captain, she showed both disappointment and the understanding of the dangerous circumstances they faced. Emphasizing the importance of unity and preparation for the next mission, she made it clear that failure would not be tolerated. The captain, accepting the gravity of the situation, promised to ensure the team was ready for whatever challenges awaited them on the next mission.

***

Sar'ka M.B.O Barracks

In the dimly lit barracks, Captain Thorn, weary from the events on Phobos, decided to take a solitary shower before bed. The cascading water offered little relief as his mind grappled with the enigma surrounding the incident. Attempting to formulate theories, his fatigued mind proved uncooperative, leaving him feeling drained.

Exiting the shower, the captain encountered Anya Marlow by the entrance, disregarding the captain's state of undress. Unperturbed, Marlow informed him of a team dinner:

Marlow: “I made a reservation for dinner at a restaurant in the city to discuss the idea we agreed on.” mentions the lieutenant as she leans on the entrance hand crossed.

Thorn: “Sounds good to me. But you know that if the commander calls, the dinner has to be canceled.” responded the captain as he began to dry himself with the towel.

Marlow: “Yes, I understand.” countered Marlow, staring at the captain.

The silence reigns in the room for a few seconds before Marlow proceeds to break it quickly.

Marlow: “I don’t need the test tube I lost anymore.”

Thorn: “Why is that?” asked the Captain curious.

Marlow: “Is clear that the contents on it are not important anymore.” responds Marlow as she changes her view to the steamed wall.

Thorn: “You are right.” said the captain as he stepped his right foot on the top of a bench and started drying it. 

Marlow: “Also, what happened at the meeting?”

Thorn: “The commander is not happy.” mentions the captain after a sigh.

Marlow: “But then again, she never is.” jokes the lieutenant.

Torn laughs discreetly and continues, 

Thorn: “After mentioning the encounter, she thought that we were not able to gather any information, so I went with that and only mentioned the list. But anyways, long story short, next time she is expecting results. Something tells me that soon we won't be able to continue in this investigation.”

Marlow: “Oh…Ok.”

As the captain dried himself, the showers fell silent. Marlow stood, her gaze unwavering, while the captain absorbed the weight of his responsibilities. Once dry, he lifted his eyes, finding Marlow already departing. 

***

Minutes later, in the sleeping quarters, he settled in beside the team, offering a quiet goodnight to Marlow, reciprocated in hushed tones. The room succumbed to silence as they drifted into a night filled with unanswered questions and uncertainties.

***

Under the Martian sun, the team gathered outside, ready for their dinner outing to the city restaurant. Captain Thorn and Kuznetsov found themselves engaged in an animated conversation about a cutting-edge firearm while waiting for Tanaka and Tatsuki to join them outside.

Captain Thorn, leaning against the car with crossed arms, initiated the discussion, 

Thorn: "You heard about the new EM-95 the military is working on?"

Kuznetsov, seated sideways in the co-driver's seat with one arm hanging out of the window, turned to Thorn with genuine interest, 

Kuznetsov: "EM-95? Haven't heard of it. What about it?"

Thorn: "It's an Electromagnetic Rifle. Uses magnetic fields to accelerate projectiles. They claim it can pierce through most known energy shields. Advanced stuff."

Kuznetsov: “Magnetic fields? Sounds like I want it.”

Thorn: "The military is betting big on this technology. They say it's more efficient and accurate than traditional firearms."

In the middle of their discussion, Simmons exited the vehicle from the back passenger side, disappearing back into the barracks. Sensing an opportunity to join the conversation, Marlow, who had been seated alone, decided to contribute her insights into the firearm topic. 

Marlow: “It's effective, but it has limitations. The weight of the rifle sacrifices somewhat that efficiency you are talking about. We need something more versatile.”

Kuznetsov, seated beside her, nodded in agreement, 

Kuznetsov: "She has a point."

Marlow: "We need firearms designed for versatility and efficiency, something that matches different situations. Maybe a combination of traditional ballistics and energy-based weapons."

Surprised by how well informed the lieutenant was, Sargent Kuznetsov jokes, 

Kuznetsov: “I guess the lady knows her guns.”

Marlow: “Being a lieutenant comes with benefits.” Marlow countered with a weak but kind laugh.

Moments later, Tanaka emerged from the outpost, donned in formal attire and brimming with excitement for the upcoming dinner. Kuznetsov, struggling to contain his laughter, tried to divert attention while Marlow gave him a playful nudge.

Marlow: “Leave him alone.” said the Lieutenant, smiling.

Thorn: “Looking  good there, Tanaka.” The Captain complimented Tanaka's appearance, who was attempting to retrieve something from the outpost door. 

Shortly after, Tatsuki comes out, sporting his usual attire but with the addition of a magnetic tie. Kuznetsov erupted in laughter, prompting the rest of the team to suppress their amusement. 

Simmons, passing by, complimented him, 

Simmons: "Looking Hot."

Tatsuki: "What?"

The squad, shaking their heads in disbelief, tried to restrain their laughter. Captain Thorn, acting as the voice of reason, finally intervened,

Thorn: “Get in the vehicle.” instructed.

With the team settled in, they departed for the restaurant, leaving behind a trail of lighthearted banter and camaraderie.

***

Sar'ka City Restaurant

Already at the restaurant, the laughter starts again as Kuznetsov playfully teased Tanaka about a supposed romantic interest from the waitress. Tanaka, being the shy teenager he was, strongly denied the allegations, resulting in a light-hearted scuffle around the table.

However, as the laughter subsided, a moment of silence settled over the group. Simmons, ever perceptive, broke the silence with a direct question, 

Simmons: "So, what's the real reason we are here?" The question hung in the air, emphasizing an underlying tension.

Captain Thorn exchanged a knowing glance with Lieutenant Marlow before signaling the waitress. The anticipation grew as the waitress approached their round table, ready to take their next order.

In hushed whispers, Captain Thorn requested Oolong tea for the entire table and a glass of sake for Kuznetsov. As the waitress departed, the team's curiosity heightened, the table now immersed in silence.

A few moments later, the waitress returned with a large teapot, neatly arranged tea cups for each member, and a glass of sake, which she placed in front of Kuznetsov. Observing the item before him, Kuznetsov remarked, 

Kuznetsov: “The reason behind this dinner must be a really important one.”

The captain, acknowledging the weight of the situation, nodded in agreement before turning his attention back to the table.

Marlow took charge, addressing the team with a sense of purpose. She delved into her plan,

Marlow: “Due to lack of information provided by the headquarters, I suggested to Captain Thorn to begin our own investigations” 

Tanaka: “Are you suggesting we go against our superiors?” the teen questioned in disbelief.

Kuznetsov, chugging his glass of Sake, couldn't believe what he was hearing. Marlow clarified,  

Marlow: “Not exactly. You see, our decision making on the field tends to change as we go, because we don’t know what exactly we are doing. Engaging in a mission where you don't know what to expect makes it harder for us, as a team, to come up with good plans on the spot. Look for example the incident on Phobos, if it wasn't because the Captain shot the creature we wouldnt know that plasma rifles are basically a waste of cargo in our mission due to the lack of purpose.” explained Anya in a soft voice.

Kuznetsov, frustrated, asserted the long-standing military principle,

Kuznetsov: “Our job is to follow orders regardless of the Headquarters' reasons. It always been like that, ever since before Mars was colonized”

Marlow: “I understand Kuznetsov. But will you blindly follow orders that could lead to your death because of lack of communication? Will you be ok dying knowing everything could've been avoided if the mission was fully detailed to you?” the Lieutenant countered.

After a brief silence, Dr. Simmons voiced her agreement with Marlow's perspective,

Simmons: “She has a point there.”

Kuznetsov with his mind blown by their comrades' comments countered,

Kuznetsov: “Do you understand the gravity of what will happen if they discover we are doing investigations behind their backs? You know what they will do?”

Tanaka: “Kill us.” the Tech added before stating, "Basically, we have one of two choices: dying because of a lack of communication or dying IF we get discovered trying to understand the mission behind Headquarters' back."

The room fell into silence as the team grappled with the weight of the decision before them. 

Simmons: “I’m In.” Said the doctor, in a careless mood.

Tanaka: “Me too.” The tech also agreed.

Kuznetsov: “Do you agree with this?” asked the blond Sergeant still in disbelief to the captain.

Thorn shrugged his shoulders, nodded and added, 

Thorn: “I think it is fair for the team.”

Frustrated  about their plan Kuznetsov gives in and confirms, 

Kuznetsov: “I'm in, then, I guess,” signaling for another drink. 

As Simmons poured tea into the cups, Tanaka inquired about Tatsuki’s stance, 

Tanaka: “What about you Tatsuki?”

The team just realized Tatsuki had not moved or eaten, and hadn't partaken in the laughter. Something was not right. Tanaka, scared, touched him and a late awakening reaction came from Tatsuki, like he was sleeping all that time. No sound came from him when he “woke up.” 

The team laughed. Afterwards Captain Thorn decided to share the plan with him, and after a short delay, Tatsuki's response was a straightforward 

Tatsuki: "No." 

The squad was perplexed by the response, then Tanaka proceeded to ask: 

Tanaka: “Why?”

Tatsuki: “I do not agree with your plan, but I will stick with the team as long as this lasts.”

The team felt relieved now understanding what he meant. 

Kuznetsov: “I don’t know you guys but that's the longest sentence I’ve heard coming from Tatsuki.” mentions Kuznetsov as he starts laughing and the squad joins him.

Tanaka defended Tatsuki's quiet nature, and the team chuckled at the unexpected turn of events. Despite differing opinions, they found solace in their unity and commitment to face the unknown challenges together.

Simmons: “So, what do we have so far? Regarding the new mission.” asked Dr. Simmons as the Captain’s phone rings.

Kuznetsov: “Oh no.” jokes Kuznetsov when the phone rang, “Bad news on the way.”

The Captain laughs as he excuses himself and leaves the table. In a corner close to the table Thorn answer his phone and the commander voice emanated from it with terrible news,

Commander Mori: “Captain,about five minutes ago, the Mars Political House was impacted with what we believe was a meteor. We don't know if it is related to the other incidents but We need you to go and investigate. Senator Axel Thorn is dead.