Lieutenant Commander Conrad Morris was staring out at the Nevada desert outside the window. It was a colorless, inhuman world, but at least there was no sign of any organic matter to give off a foul stench. It was because of that he didn’t hate the scenery. It resembled the lunar seas.

From there, the effects of the Delaz Fleet’s colony drop were evident. Although the area around him avoided direct damage, large craters were created and ginormous rocks were blown away, drastically changing the terrain. This was clearly evident from far away.

“For this reason, we need you to take up defending someone…”

As Conrad gripped the can in his right hand, he stared straight back at the officer in front of him. He was stout and obese with considerably thin hair. He was Conrad’s superior officer.

The rank insignia that he wore was that of a Commodore in the Earth Federation Forces, however, he had no respect for someone such as him. Commodore Eddie Southwell, one of the typical elite. Having no combat experience whatsoever, he sat behind a desk at headquarters as several wars passed. Moreover, he was the officer in charge of the Earth Federation Forces Legal Affairs Bureau, a position that exposed the unlawfulness within the Federation Forces and tried them in court.

Commodore Eddie Southwell was one of those who mistook the power of law as their own power. A danger if set loose. As a subordinate, Conrad always felt compelled to keep an eye on his superiors.

“I will accept any job.”

The Commodore threw a stack of files on the top of his desk. Conrad picked it up and stared at it in his hand. Without even thinking, a smile grew across his face.

The Commodore wasn’t pleased with the look on his face.

“And what exactly is so funny?” he asked, angrily.

“I’ve heard about this Lieutenant’s story. I’m willing to bet that no one else wanted to take him on.”

“That’s not the problem. I question whether you’re motivated enough to do it.”

“Motivated?” Conrad asked, smiling again. “So think this one has no chance at all?”

“None whatsoever,” repled the portly, thin-haired Commodore. “But, defending soldiers placed in front of a military tribunal is the role of those of us here at the judge advovate. At the very least, we should try getting his sentence reduced.”

“Reduced?”

“Look, I get what you’re trying to say. There is no way to get his sentence reduced. As it stands, he’ll probably end up in front of the firing squad. And if that happens, it’ll be a blemish on your otherwise spotless record. As a lawyer, you’re one of the best we’ve got. So, you can pass on this case if you choose.”

Conrad quietly sighed. The man didn’t understand anything.

“I’m not considering reducing his charges.”

The Commodore nodded as if he knew what was going on.

“Well then, you’re declining the job. Fair enough. I’ll assign it to someone else. But, the result will be all the same.”

“I don’t want his charges reduced. If I can, I’d like to find him innocent.”

“Innocent?” his superior officer scoffed, staring at him in wonder as though he had just told a lie. Although he was surprised, he soon smiled as he understood.

“What you’re saying is next to impossible for him. Look at the charges. No one can save him.”

The defendant’s name: Lieutenant JG Eliard Hunter, member of the Titans. A young man just twenty-seven years old. There were rumors about him within the Federation Forces. Several charges were listed. However, the most severe one involved his actions during the struggle for the Colony Laser between the AEUG, the Titans and Axis.

“So no one can save him?” asked Conrad, feeling angry, “So then why are we defending him?”

“It’s our job. It’s what we do.”

“A young man’s life hangs-in-the-balance!”

“And he very well could have died during the war. There’s no need to worry about it.”

Conrad’s anger quickly grew at the Commodore’s brief comment.

“That’s why his life is so valuable. So valuable…” Conrad replied, biting back his tongue as he stared at the man.

“He came back alive from the war. I cannot possibly allow him to be placed in front of a firing squad for that.”

Because he was desperately trying to hold back his anger, it made his tone all the more quieter.

“You too came back from the war.” Southwell replied quietly, “I suppose your leg wound is your medal, huh?”

The man had a tendency to scoff at those with combat experience likely brought on by an inferiority complex. There is a unique empathy between those who served. War gnaws at a person’s heart yet at the same time, strengthens the bond amongst fellow soldiers. It’s something that especially isn’t forgotten over one’s lifetime for those who survived the same operation.

Southwell had no such experience and it was possible he harbored a jealousy towards those who did.

Conrad was a former mobile suit pilot. He piloted an early type GM and fought in the One Year War. Wounded at the Battle of Solomon, he was forced out of the cockpit. The use of a cane for walking was a reminder of that; a future as a mobile suit pilot forever lost.

Nonetheless, he remained in the military, knowing that it was the only way he could make a living. He was a soldier through and through. He had to find a way to survive in the military, and had no time to pity himself. While still with the military, he enrolled in law school and after much hardship, he qualified himself as a lawyer with the hope of transferring to the Legal Affairs Bureau.

His request was immediately accepted. The Bureau was always short on superior personnel. With his courage and quick wittedness demonstrated in mobile suit battles, he would now show them from a seat at court-martials. He was in fact, a remarkable lawyer. He saved the lives of countless soldiers and officers.

“It is,” Conrad replied to Commodore Southwell, “which is why I simply cannot let young soldiers who just came back from the front lines die so easily.”

The Commodore stared back at Conrad for a moment, sensing a scornful expression in his eyes. Perhaps Conrad was enjoying all this. Perhaps he was no one else who would save the young man.

“Very well then,” he said, “So then I’ll assume you’ll be taking up the case?”

“Do you consider me crazy for doing so?”

“No, not at all.” The Commodore said laughing, “You sure like to volunteer for the hard ones.”

With the files under his arm, Conrad gave a silent salute before quickly turning around and leaving the office.