Chapter 1: Return to Alpha Centauri

2014th Infantry Regiment

Combat Outpost Paluma

New Eden, Rhea System

Republic Army Captain Jala Rutherford once again sat on a chair just outside his command tent under a large, camouflaged tarp. After finishing a considerable amount of time on his handheld device sorting out his company formations, he lifted his back and sighed. He took in the gentle pattering of raindrops. It provided a brief moment of relaxing sanctuary, in a world rising from the ashes of war. Their company was on another world. A place no average man ever knew existed…

Captain Rutherford was anything but average. Having been born in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, his entire career had previously revolved around being a liaison between the Republic and the Asian Alliance. His father was an Australian Republic veteran that served as an advisor to the local defence forces. His mother descended from the people of Rotuma, in the faraway island nation of Fiji.

Jala possessed a strong sense of right and wrong, being privately willing to admonish even his authorities when he recognized an obstruction of justice. Rutherford tried to exercise a more cautious leadership style than other leaders of his Company, such as General Kiernan or Major Innisfail, have been known to use. He maintained the dutiful, loyal attitude he bore as a civilian, and tried hard to heed the opinions of his teammates as well.

In his daydream, he remembered his days under Republic General Arryn Kiernan's command. Of all his stationed positions in his career, that was the one he remembered most fondly. The General was benevolent, noble and unwavering in her conviction. Such a personality earned her many loyal soldiers at the Proxima Training Ground. With her leading the way by her example, Jala and his comrades knew they would prevail.

But sadly, all goods things still came to an end. General Kiernan was reassigned to another station in the Jovian Moons. Commanding the Callisto Garrison, she would ensure that the mining vessels were safe from pirate attacks. It was moving to see her leave, but Arryn's words would echo in Jala's mind ever since…

"Don't ever forget…"

His mind went back to his DTS-I. A new message had arrived, one that made his whole world freeze…

Captain Jala Rutherford.

Third Army Headquarters has received a request from Republic Alpha Centauri Command to transfer a contingent of soldiers to the Alpha Centauri system.

Terrorist attacks have suddenly increased in the region, particularly in Proxima Centauri B. In recognition of this, Third Army Headquarters as approved ACC's request. You have been selected to lead these soldiers, as evidenced by your experience at the Proxima Training Ground.

A transport will be arrived at 1700 hours to extract you. You may be allowed to take some soldiers to accompany you on this task.

ROCNE-South

The thought of another terrorist attack in Alpha Centauri made Jala snarl to himself. He knew who these terrorists were. He had trained the Centauri soldiers to fight them, and fought them several times himself. But he also knew that Alpha Centauri did not take kindly to extremists disrupting their vital supply chains.

"Kusadasi!" he called out.

The Sumerian Private entered, "Captain Rutherford!"

Jala sighed at the sight of this Private. Kusadasi was loyal to his superiors and followed his every order, most likely out of gratitude, as Jala liberated his slave family from when New Eden was known as Clovis. Part of this behaviour came from the fact that he had an inherently innocent, almost childlike mindset.

"This is a crisis," Rutherford said bluntly, "A large crisis. In fact, if you've got a moment, it's a twelve-storey crisis with a magnificent entrance hall, carpeting throughout, 24-hour portage, and an enormous sign on the roof, saying `This Is a Large Crisis'. A large crisis requires a large plan. Get me Lieutenant Foulke and a whiteboard."

"Yes, sir!"

Within minutes, Lieutenant Julius Foulke arrived in the command tent. The young Vanuatuan Republic soldier was one of dozens trained at Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila. His member state was small compared to others in the Republic, but he vowed to do his part, nonetheless. Foulke was an experienced solider whose skills were well known among his comrades in the Republic Army. He was deeply affected by the ravages inflicted on both sides during the war.

"What's happening, sir?" Julius asked.

"While there's a break in the combat, I am to be transferred to Alpha Centauri," explained Rutherford.

Foulke looked slightly surprised, "Oh… Where in Alpha Centauri?"

"Bermbermgle."

"Ah… the Oceanian Settlement."

Their conversation was briefly interrupted by a screech of a nearby Stymphalian Bird. It was rather unnerving, even to a soldier.

Creature attacks were quite common, especially in the Frontiers. One infamous example was where a correspondent from a fringe news group, who took a firm idiotic grasp in being sent to prove the government was working with the aliens to shut down freedoms. He stepped out in the open to prove that it was all just propaganda and there were no aliens were attacking... as the security unit he was embedded with was attacked by a Stymphalian Bird. The guards with him were frozen with shock, then horror at the attack and its results, some of them nearly becoming casualties when they had to make noise to vomit, and after the first few seconds the video of the event is classified at the highest level as too horrific to be viewed. However, Captain Rutherford knew that many of those guards were so fed up with this man's obsessive ramblings that they were glad to see him gone. Considering his media's reputation, he was sure many of the soldiers wanted to see that deep down.

"Relax," Rutherford assured, "They only eat stupid people… You were saying?"

"I would like you to accompany me for this brief stationing in Prospero Barracks. You have just as much experience there as I do."

"Ah, yes. That I am only too honoured to do!"

"Very good. Let's assemble a team for departure."

"Yes, sir!"

Prospero Barracks, Bermbermgle City

Proxima Centauri System, Alpha Centauri System

It was a long and tedious flight through space, but after several days of continuous warp, the RNS Melbourne finally arrived at Jala Rutherford's old home…

When humanity unlocked interstellar travel with the Alcubierre Drive, Alpha Centauri was the first and foremost target for colonisation. A primary target for settlement was Proxima Centauri B, the second planet that orbited the red dwarf of the three stars. While the Republic secretly aimed for the Rhea System, the Tri-Parte Alliance of European and Asian settlers were sent out to Alpha Centauri.

The city of Bermbermgle was Captain Rutherford primary destination. It had been settled primarily by Oceanian countries, particularly ones from Australia. Even though the nation was under Republic allegiance, it encouraged anyone who was willing to enlist themselves for a new opportunity to the new world. While New Berlin continued to grow, the descendants of these veterans grew accustomed to life on this new world.

However, even after terraforming, the planet was still subject to many harsh weather phenomena. Settlement on the planet it was still an arduous task, as a battle of weather continued. Proxima was a red dwarf, and ejected lethal amounts of radiation in bursts. Even then, in spite after many radiation storms and terraforming-induced rainstorms, the people of Alpha Centauri have found peace and content living a new life in the biodomes. A peace made possible by Alpha Centauri's lack of full-scale warfare… for the time being.

The new civilization of Alpha Centauri descended from the European, Chinese and Oceanic settlers. The Supreme Leader of the former Asian Alliance guided them through the mining and harvesting enterprises that made up its economy now. Said economy, however, had seen many trials over history and continued to develop today.

The dream of prosperous world for all was still far from reach. Many people lived below the poverty line, and many of them went to great lengths to stay above it. Being late on your rent was no laughing matter. Just a few kilometres away from Bermbermgle, was the settlement of Palm Oasis. It was reported that the community suffered from chronic alcohol, drug and domestic abuse, high unemployment and an average life expectancy of 50 years. A major outbreak of disease also plagued the community.

As soon as the transport's engines winded down, Captain Jala Rutherford was already making his way to the exit.

The night-covered view of the Town High Barracks surrounded the Captain as soon as he went out the door. The first thing he saw was the flag of Alpha Centauri hoisted high, flanked by the flag of the Republic and the local provinces flag.

"This is the Oceanian Settlement," Jala explained, as if he were a tour guide, "Offered by the Asian Alliance… Took its name after that given to Alpha and Beta Centauri by the Australian aboriginal Boorong people of northwestern Victoria. Named after two brothers noted for their courage and destructiveness, who speared and killed Tchingal – The Emu, represented by the Coalsack Nebula."

"Oh…" Kusadasi could only say.

"Seems to be a common theme with the cities," Lieutenant Foulke added, "Nan Men is the local capital here."

"What's it like to live here?" Kusadasi added.

"Pretty fair, given the circumstances," Rutherford said, "The Council that we're talking to plans to discuss it with the Alpha Centauri Politburo."

"I thought only dictatorships had those," said Kusadasi innocently.

"Well, actually, the people are fine with it. Life here is the same as it was in many Asian countries. As long as you have family and steady income, that's all that matters. It's just how it was…"

"But… what about free speech?" Foulke asked, "And… democracy?"

"Well… It's not like capitalism was so different after all," sighed Rutherford, "There have been small extremist groups, like the Save Centauri Front. But their terrorist methods gain them little support. They should have resorted to public debate instead of killing innocents and blowing up transports."

"They did that?"

"Yes. Knowing them, I would've thought that if you told them to blow up a bus, they'd burn their lips on the exhaust pipe."

"Oh, so they're lowlifes?"

"Public certainly thinks so…"

Bermbermgle Council Headquarters

A short time later

In the High Town suburb of the city, the Council building was standing tall. Its eccentric architecture displayed a unique artistic design. The mahogany complex was an iconic building designed to reflect traditional structural design of the Proxima people. It was decorated with traditional carvings and artwork to demonstrate the rich heritage of the hundreds of tribes that were now joined together as one people and one nation. The Council Headquarters was to be respected by all Members of Parliament and all people in general, as it was home of the principles of democracy of Proxima Centauri.

Inside the large complex, the Council was in full motion. Looking around, Rutherford saw the usual members, and recognised many from when he was last at one of these meetings. He sat in a business suit in the Military Council section.

Members of the Council were seated in a similar manner to other Westminster system parliaments. They began murmuring to each other. On the right of the Speaker stood the Government benches and on the left were the Opposition benches. The Ministers of Government and Shadow Ministers of the Opposition sat in the front benches. All other Members were the Backbenchers seated in the rows behind.

"The meeting is open at 6:30PM, Proxima Mean Time," began Speaker Jo Ruxton, "First is the Colonel's report. Brought forward by its urgent nature."

Representing the local military division was Colonel Bi-Han. Physically, the Colonel was looking worse. It was good that he had his brother, Kuai Liang, to help him out. Engaging the enemy in combat, so his superiors could use his physiological data to improve in the war against the terrorists, had always taken a toll on Bi-Han's body. But today, he was really showing his age.

"We're seeing rebel attacks become more frequent," Bi-Han spoke up, "Intelligent has found that they're using backchannels and undergrounds to become more coordinated. We are preparing to launch raids against them, but it'll take time."

"We don't have a lot of time, Colonel," the Premier said bluntly, "I'm sorry, but if attacks continue at this rate, we'll have to declare a state of emergency."

Bi-Han's head lowered. Sometimes, he could be so stubborn, nut deep down, he knew what he was doing was right. He was a man of grit. If his flight suit wasn't enough to protect him, the scientists couldn't imagine how many blows he took during the battles. As a soldier, he exceeded all their expectations…

"Council members..." Bi-Han said, "Rushing to attack without full knowledge of the enemy capabilities would definitely put the survival of Alpha Centauri at risk..."

"Then what do you propose?"

"According to the newly recovered data, we have one more chance..." added Bi-Han, before motioning toward Captain Rutherford, "We have been preparing a series of manoeuvres that they will not expect. It is for that reason that I have summoned our New Eden heroes..."

"We have to be careful," warned Captain Rutherford, "The people who do believe these guys I'm sure aren't that intelligent. However... One thing they are telling the truth of is the solutions to the problems they are lying about… I have assembled a team, the very best our planet has to offer to this end."

"Now for the treasury report…"

All eyes turned to Treasurer Clarence Chapman, with her documents in hand.

"It's a disappointing outcome, I'm afraid," she said, "The likelihood of economic recovery in next few months remains unlikely. It's that damn mystery disease. It's gone through our society like a dose of salts..."

When the settlers began to spread out onto the planets, they had encountered something known as the Alpha Centauri Mystery Disease. Hiding underneath Proxima Centauri's surface were small pockets of alien life – but not like the ones encountered on New Eden. Instead, it was colonies of bacteria underneath the ground, safe from Proxima's deadly solar flares. One of which was a deadly pathogen. People coming from Earth, having long since been immunized from a majority of their native diseases, were unprepared. The disease had swept through the Alpha Centauri communities at a rate not seen since the COVID-19 Pandemic of the 2020's.

"We've already enacted extra safety precautions," Premier Slater added "It is already having an effect. Also, as a reminder, by order of the Supreme Leader, anyone caught openly disobeying disease control measures will be executed."

Foulke looked at Rutherford, who shot him a look and used his Neurolink to write a note on Foulke's handheld.

Yes… This is how they deal with troublemakers.

"Premier's report…" the Speaker said once the Treasury Report ended.

"Alright…" Slater began, "I've got some good news, something which people are quite hard to find nowadays. the council has granted the upgrade of our defences."

Some of members cheered at that. such an upgrade was a long time coming, longer than some of them had actually served.

"Unfortunately, the main reason we had to be pushed up to the top of the list was because of a large amount of attacks we've had over the months. I'll have a meeting with Nan Men later over it."

The major city within Proxima Centauri B was Nán Mén, meaning "Southern Gate." The name originally referred to an asterism consisting of Alpha Centauri and Epsilon Centauri. Consequently, the Chinese name for Alpha Centauri itself was "Nán Mén Èr," meaning "the Second Star of the Southern Gate."

"Over there, many leaders have been raked over the coals for not taking this threat seriously," Premier Slater continued, "I won't be counted among that crowd, having clashed with bureaucrats over this higher security."

Jala Rutherford grumbled silently to himself at the ignorance conveyed by some of those leaders.

"They have eyes, but will not see," commented Bi-Han…

"Exactly," Slater said, "Colonel Bi-Han, you have the go-ahead to initiate your counter-terrorist raids. You may assemble your teams however you see fit. I wish you luck."

With that, the motion to initiate was passed. Captain Jala Rutherford steeled his nerves, as his fate for the next few weeks, possibly months, was set in motion…