Chapter Text
Milkaway System
Quadrant One
Sector A
Planet: Whenua (Headquarters for the Tuhinga)
“Sir, you wanted to see me?” Major Choi Seungcheol asked, poking his head into Colonel Kim’s office. The Colonel looked up, waving him to a chair in front of his desk. Seungcheol bowed slightly before sitting down.
“Major Choi, thank you for coming. There’s an urgent matter that needs to be dealt with quickly.” Colonel Kim stated, getting right into the briefing, “There are rumors of a civil war potentially breaking out on the planet of Xernia in Quadrant Six. I need you to report there and collect as much information as you can. The situation between the Vaghans and the Dustaians have gradually worsened over these past years and the Tuhinga have been asked to help cool the situation down by one of the neighboring Planets. We are hoping that war can be avoided.”
Seungcheol nodded as he flipped through the file in his hand. As he skimmed through the notes, something caught his eye, “Xernia is not a part of the Tuhinga Alliance?”
Colonel Kim sighed and leaned back in his chair, “That’s part of the problem. The Vaghans are a proud people and do not take kindly to strangers. They refused to join the collective alliance with the rest of their Quadrant. The other planets are worried that if the Vaghans fall to their enemies, they will be next to go. Kator is especially worried about this, since they are the closet ones to Xernia. They’re also the ones to call us in.”
“Can I ask why Kator doesn’t send aid themselves? If they are so worried, wouldn’t they send what they can to help?” Seungcheol inquired.
“Kator and Xernia had some disagreements years ago when the Tuhinga first came to their Quadrant seeking to add them into the alliance. Kator accepted, while Xernia said their freedom was worth more. Their political relations have been strained since, as well as with the other planets in the Quadrant. Besides that, fact, Kator has tried to send them aid, but Xernia refused to accept it.”
Seungcheol shook his head, the people of Xernia seemed too prideful and that would be their downfall.
“Who are the Vaghans’ enemies?”
“They are a people called Dustaians. They came to Xernia years ago and have been vying to take control of the planet for years. No one knows where they came from and why they fixated on Xernia. Well, let me rephrase that, no one not from Xernia knows why. I’m sure the Vaghans’ ruling family knows, but they haven’t shared any intel regarding the matter.” The Colonel explained.
Seungcheol nodded again and closed the file, “Is there anything else Sir? I’d like to get my team started on researching this immediately.”
“Actually, there is, and it’s the part you won’t like Major.” Colonel Kim held up his hand to forestall Seungcheol’s words, “This is not just going to be your team. I am adding Captain Lee Jihoon’s team onto this mission. He is from Kator and is familiar with the area and customs and might be able to provide some knowledge about the Vaghans and Dustaians. His father also sits on the Katorian Council and might have more information as well.” Seungcheol nodded, still not seeing what the problem was. He’d worked with Jihoon’s team before and they were all capable men; their Captain was one of the best, “I am also adding Captain Kwon Soonyoung’s team to this mission.” Seungcheol blanched at that one. There was the problem and he could already feel the headache forming.
“No offense Sir, but you do realize that Captains Kwon and Lee absolutely refuse to work together. They can’t be within 50 feet of each other without almost exchanging blows. They haven’t gotten along with each other ever since that mission on Satri. I’m not questioning your decision, but do you really think putting them together on this mission is the right call? I understand why Captain Lee is on the mission, him being from Kator helps a great deal. And his father being on the Council could help shed some light into the conflict as well, but why Captain Kwon?”
Colonel Kim looked at him for a moment and sighed, “Trust me, I know better than anyone about the two of them. The amount of paperwork from the Satri Incident still gives me nightmares, but there is no other way. As for why Captain Kwon, he and his team are one of the best and will be extremely useful with their abilities and skill set. I know I could just assign this to his team and give him a solo mission, I have done so before, but this is something that requires more than just him.”
Seungcheol reluctantly nodded, “Aren’t they on the injured list though? I heard their latest mission was a hard one.”
Colonel Kim laughed, “They are only on the injured list because Sergeant Xu hacked and put them on there, and because they refused to go to the Med Wing and get properly checked out. As much as I want to give them a rest, there is no choice. Kwon Soonyoung and his team will be a part of this mission.”
Seungcheol looked up curiously, “Why is he so important for this mission?”
“That’s classified Major.” Colonel Kim replied, staring intently at Seungcheol who frowned at his reply.
“If I’m to be leading this mission, do I not have high clearance to know everything?” Seungcheol questioned.
Colonel Kim shook his head, “Not on this. You will be the overlooking leader on this mission, and Captains Kwon and Lee will be your right and left hands. That is all you need to know.”
“Sir, I do not like the way this mission is starting to sound. I need to know everything so I can make sure my team comes home safely.” he pressed.
The Colonel narrowed his eyes, “Major, my patience is thinning. I understand your position, but right now you do not have clearance into the matter concerning Kwon Soonyoung. You have everything you need to know for now, depending on the information you gather, your clearance will change as seen fit. As for now, you are dismissed.” Seungcheol sighed and bowed before making his way out of the room. He sent an alert to his team to meet in the strategy room at HQ, as well as alerts to both Kwon and Lee, asking them to bring their teams as well. He shook his head as he started his way there himself.
He already hated this mission.