The Red Jack

After the conclusion of the trail, Kita was escorted back to the MP office for discharge process. He was being dishonorably discharged, which was a red mark on anyone's record. As anyone with one would never be able to get back into the military. Kita's Military career had basically ended. But he didn't care about that anymore. There was nothing left for him at the military.

After everything was processed, Kita left the MP building. He saw York waiting for him. So he approached York.

"Hey, Why're you here?"

"I'm here to pick you up. Let's go, The other's are waiting for you."

York led the way to air car. After which they got in. Kita sat at the back with York. The car began to hum shortly as it fired up it's engines. It took off and headed away from the MP office Building.

Kita looked at York and asked,

"Where are we going?"

"To the Red Jack. Dr. Kbom and the others are waiting for you there."

"They are huh."

"Of course. Don't tell me you didn't think we won't come right?"

Kita remained silent.

"You did huh. Well, that hurts."

"I…. I'm sorry." Kita said in a low tone.

"What are you apologizing for? C'mon man."

"I ruined the mission. You guys missed out on such a huge opportunity because of me."

"It's all fine man. Don't fret over it. The mission was basically dead the moment they died. Continuing after that would've just left a bad taste in my mouth."

"Still….."

"Still Nothing. Just relax for a bit."

Kita fell silent after that. He didn't know how he could respond. But York's acceptance of his actions made him feel unsettled.

Not just York. Even Dr. Kbom and the other's didn't blame him for what he had done. Everyone just sympathized with him. For some reason, Kita felt deeply unsettled because of this. He wanted someone to say to his face that what he had done was an idiotic move. And that he was an Idiot. But no one ever did. His friends all said the same thing. They just accepted what he had done without any questions.

Kita didn't like that. His actions had caused problems for everyone. But no one blamed him for some reason.

As Kita thought about all these different feelings inside him, the car had reached their destination. Both Kita and york disembarked from the Car and headed towards a big building.

It was a highly popular restaurant on this planet known as the Red Jack. It was frequented by Military officials as well as normal military personnel.

York Led Kita inside and they were guided towards a private suite where everyone was waiting for him.

As Kita entered the suite, he found everyone standing and looked at the door, waiting for his entrance. Which took him a bit off guard. It was Lieutenant Holland who spoke first.

"Good to have you back." He said as he approached and gave Kita a tight hug. He didn't expect that. Kita had stolen Holland's credentials and operated a turret without the proper authorization. Holland had for sure gotten in trouble with the MP because of that. He expected Holland to be angry at him. But he found that to be on quite the contrary.

The man had a huge smile on his face, and looked at Kita as if nothing happened.

"Lieutenant… I…. I'm so…"

"Oh, Don't apologize.. There's nothing to apologize about. What's happened has happened. There's no point in fretting over it. Just look towards the future."

"Lieutenant….." Kita didn't know how to respond to that. He didn't expect him to disregard his actions just like that.

Kita turned to look towards Dr. Kbom who was standing to the side, Looking at him in a calm gaze.

Kita took a deep breath, and managed the courage. He approached Dr. Kbom and stood in front of him.

Before he could say anything, Kita gave a deep bow. In that position he said.

"Dr. Kbom. I'm sorry that I've let you down. I'm sorry that I couldn't live upto your expectations. And I'm sorry of my past behaviors. As my mentor, you've guided me much of my life and professional career. I can't hope to repay the kindness you've shown me. But, from the depths of my heart. Thank you for everything."

He remained in the bowing position after that. He didn't know how Dr. Kbom would react. So he didn't move.

"Oh, get your head up. Why are you acting like that? Are you an old man or something? You're young. Everyone makes mistakes when they're young. I've made plenty myself. Don't worry about that. Just look towards the future. Come with me."

Dr. Kbom said as he turned around and approached the bar. Everyone else got the cue to leave the two alone for now. Dr. Kbom wanted to talk with Kita about something important.

Both of them approached the bar and sat down.

"Waiter.. Give us two of your best drinks.", Dr. Kbom said before turning to look towards Kita.

Kita had his head down. He expected a lecture. So he was fully prepared for that.

Dr. Kbom didn't say anything just yet. He looked at Kita for a bit.

His gaze made Kita feel a bit uncomfortable. He didn't know what Dr. Kbom would say next.

So he decided to break the ice.

"Dr. Kbom I…"

"Kita, Firstly, I wanna say I'm sorry for your loss. I know words don't mean anything, but that's the only thing I can do for you. I'm sorry to have pushed for the expedition of the B1, I'm sorry to have put Helen's life in danger. If I knew how dangerous it was, I wouldn't have pushed for it. I'm truly sorry for everything I've done.", Dr. Kbom said as he got up. And gave a bow.

"Dr. Kbom, Please don't do this. It's not your fault. I should've been more aware of the events. Then maybe, I would've been able to prevent this from happening. Please don't blame yourself.", Kita said in a hurried tone.

"How can I not? I was the one who pushed for the expedition. The blame fully lies with me."

"Dr. You.."

"No, don't say anything more. Let me shoulder what's mine to shoulder."

Dr. Kbom stood up and than sat again on his seat.