Captain's fingers lightly tapped on the table, the rhythm slow but powerful, as if setting the stage for the impending heavy news. His gaze was locked onto Leo, seemingly searching for the most suitable way to convey the unbearable truth. Captain's face bore an elusive expression, with a mix of determination and a hint of regret.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and slow, each word carrying a heavy weight: "Second Lieutenant... you must board the transport ship back to Earth. This is an order from the command headquarters."
The words exploded in Leo's ears, leaving his mind in chaos. He widened his eyes, a mix of astonishment and disbelief on his face. He struggled to swallow, trying to make sense of the unexpected news, but all he could manage was to stammer, "Captain... I'm sorry, what did you just say?"
Captain Damian shook his head, the helplessness and heaviness on his face like a heavy cloud. He gently but firmly said, "Second Lieutenant... you know very well, you have been recalled, you must return to Earth."
These words echoed in Leo's heart like thunder, stirring up a storm of emotions within him: confusion, anger, loss, and even a hint of helpless relief. He felt as if he had been suddenly pushed to the edge of an unknown abyss, unable to control his own destiny.
Leo's mind was filled with countless questions and doubts. He didn't understand why he was suddenly being deported, he didn't know what he had done wrong, or if his actions on Four Minnow Star had caused dissatisfaction among his superiors. He replayed every recent action in his mind, trying to find answers, but the more he thought, the heavier his heart became.
Captain looked at Leo, his eyes filled with reluctance and understanding. He knew how sudden and cruel this order was for Leo, but as an officer, he also understood that orders were not to be disobeyed. Captain's gaze revealed sympathy for Leo, but also a decision that could not be reversed.
Leo's eyes were filled with confusion and struggle. He felt like a small boat swaying in a storm, helpless and lonely. He tried hard to control his emotions, but the shock and helplessness in his eyes revealed his inner turmoil.
The sudden turn of fate left Leo feeling like he had lost his way. His soul was filled with anxiety and uncertainty about the future, not knowing what he would face upon returning to Earth or if his military career would come to an end. Sitting there, his body stiff, Leo's inner turmoil could not be expressed to anyone. He could only silently accept it all, facing the unknown future and the inner conflicts and struggles.
There was a glimmer of determination and pleading in Leo's eyes. He took a deep breath, trying to express his determination and desire to stay. His voice trembled slightly but remained firm: "Captain, although the war situation with Four Minnow Star is stabilizing, the defense forces are still weak. I don't think I should leave now. Can I complete the defense mission here and then return to Earth? I..."
He hadn't finished speaking when Captain Damian placed his hand on his shoulder, his eyes revealing a hint of sympathy and helplessness. Captain shook his head, his voice low and authoritative: "Second Lieutenant... After hitting Major Jack, you should have known this would be the outcome."
Leo's heart trembled, a hint of confusion and self-blame flashing in his eyes. That impulsive act now seemed to have become the catalyst for his deportation. He instantly recalled the anger and helplessness of that moment, as well as Major Jack's provocative words. That punch seemed to have not only landed on Jack's face, but also shattered his future in the Interstellar Federation.
Captain Damian's eyes revealed deep regret. He understood Leo's abilities and contributions, but the discipline and rules of the military organization were not to be challenged. He gently patted Leo's shoulder, as if silently telling him that everything had been decided and could not be changed.
A surge of uncontrollable anger flashed in Leo's eyes, and his voice became sharp and firm, as if every word was squeezed out from between his teeth: "He is not worthy of being an officer at all, cowardly and lacking any tactical sense! Everything is focused on his own safety, he almost caused the major cleanup mission to fail!"
Leo's breathing became rapid, and his fingers involuntarily tightened: "He killed my soldiers, even my friends! In my eyes, he is more dangerous than any enemy. This bastard can still spout off there, it's an insult to all the victims!"
Captain Damian faced Leo's anger, but his expression didn't change much. His eyes revealed a deep understanding mixed with helplessness. Captain knew well the power and political games within the military, and the impact of these games on frontline soldiers. He said softly, "I understand your anger, Leo. But in the military, things are not always simply right or wrong. I completely understand your emotions, but you must know that your actions have violated military discipline."
Leo's heart was filled with a strong struggle. He knew that Captain's words had some truth to them, but his sense of justice and mourning for his comrades made it impossible for him to accept such an explanation. His gaze became deep, and the inner conflict and pain in his heart raged like an unstoppable torrent, difficult to calm.
"Perhaps, I really don't belong in a place like this," Leo's voice was low, filled with helplessness and self-mockery. "Perhaps, I really should go back to Earth and find a path that belongs to me."
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