Present day,

The atmosphere was grim. No one said a word as the top military officials gathered in the great wall. They all lined up next to the podium as they waited for the Governor who immediately walked in a few minutes later.

He was a kind middle aged man with warm brown eyes and brown hair. As he took his place on the front podium, he offered a small reassuring smile to everyone present.

"I know you all have concerns following the news our communications team has given us," he began, "But we must not be disheartened. Although we may have lost communication with Fort Eden nothing has been officially confirmed yet. That is why I have gotten in touch with the Prime Minister and the Governor of Fort Ares to send out an investigation team of about 20 brave men and women between each Fort towards Fort Eden's boarders."

Whispers immediately started as soon as he announced this, prompting him to raise his hand to silence them.

"I assure you great thought has been put into this task and I understand the implications. We would have to send many troops between our two Forts. Many will not return as they'd be exposed for long periods in the open without the regular cover of our Fort Walls.

It is with a heavy heart that I speak these words but until we understand what has become of Fort Eden we cannot remain complacent. If Eden has fallen then we must destroy the immediate they they all pose. As such, our investigation division will carry with them multiple rounds of grade A missiles designed to take down even the most bomb proof site should the need be."

More murmurs began but this time they were not as loud.

"With that being said, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to take a moment of silence to honor the brave soldiers who will risk their lives for the sake of this investigation. May God have mercy on their souls"

As he said this, everyone lowered their heads in silence as they offered up a moment of silence. When that was done, the Governor walked off back to his office, leaving mixed reactions to his speech.

"Trust our leaders to throw us all under the bus. Who is he kidding? They're all going to die! And for what? What is the purpose of this darn mission?!"

"Well they are obviously trying to reduce the population. What better way to do so than sending those poor souls to some suicide mission?"

"But it's for a good cause! We need to know if those people are okay, and if not we have to destroy them to protect the remaining human population."

"But why send such a small group then? Eden is over 2000 miles North from here, and about 800 miles from Ares. That's one hell of a journey. Too long a journey for that kind of mission."

Meanwhile, as he got to his office, Governor Eric Harrison slouched down onto his chair, letting out a tired breath. His assistant immediately handed him a cup of coffee which he was grateful for.

"Thank you, Milly. You may take a break now." The Governor said and watched as the young woman thanked him and left him alone with a single one of his assigned security detail for the day.

"Hello, young man. Jackson, was it?"

"Yes, sir." Captain O'Neal replied as he stood straight in attention.

"And Captain too, huh? So young. You must be quite talented." The Governor continued.

"Thank you, sir. You honor me."

"Oh no. We should always recognize talent where we see it. One day you will be at the top of the food chain. You just have to keep that ambition alive." As soon as the Governor finished these words, the door opened and Colonel Samson together with her immediate subordinate and friend , Lieutenant Colonel Luke Adams - or as he was commonly referred to Commander Adams.

"Governor Harrison." They both greeted as he motioned for them to take seats in front of him.

"Luke, Deidre. I hope you have made your picks of our best soldiers." The Governor said as they handed him a brief.

"Yes, we drew up a list of our most promising young Privates, Cadets, Sergeants and Captains." The Colonel replied.

"But before we get to that I have a concern, if you don't mind, sir." Commander Adams pitched in.

"Go on, Luke."

"We're sending men to the battlefield and you send only 20. I understand that a large group would attract unwanted attention but as one of the officers in charge of these kids I need to explain to their families why I am sending them on a suicide mission." Commander Adams explained.

"I understand your concerns, Lieutenant. I have already thought of setting a solution. There are a few bases we reclaimed..."

"Three and all are hundreds of miles apart."

"Yes and one of them is a refuelling factory and the other our Agricultural facility. They will have enough rations to get to and from each base. I know it's a risk but sending an even bigger team will be riskier." The Governor replied. "We cannot risk even more to figure out what is going on with Fort Eden. I know it sounds like I'm being unfeeling but it would be even more unfeeling to not investigate. If only Ares was close to Eden then they would tell us what was going on. Unfortunately both our Forts are in the dark and the Prime Minister is throwing a fit. Besides, that is why we are sending out the best soldiers. Those with a greater chance of survival."

He could see that they were still grumbling as they stood, saluted him and walked off.

"Do you see the worst thing about being in charge? You're always pissing someone off." He said to the young Captain who was still guarding him.

"You are doing a great service for the people, sir. Someone needs to make the hard choices."

"You really think so? Wow, not everyone thinks like you, Jackson. May I call you Jackson?"

"Of course, sir."

"I hope you and I can become friends."

"I would be honored, sir,"

Stifling a yawn, the Governor stood from his chair and headed towards the door to his room.

"I'll be heading to bed now. Goodnight." He said as he slowly shut the door, leaving the soldier on guard in the office.

As soon he carefully shut the door to his master bedroom he froze when he saw the figure standing by the window, looking out into the enclosed city below.

Taking a deep breath he took a few steps forward before getting down on his knees.

"My Lord, your humble servant welcomes you." he said in a humble voice.