### Octagonal Gate
The highest court within the Spacystro Military Tribunal, where those who have committed serious crimes face their day in the Supreme Court.
The interior is octagonal, with eight judges seated high above to look down upon the defendant and deliver their verdicts. This was my first time entering, and I truly felt for the first time that the name “Octagonal Gate” came from the fact that judgments were made from eight directions.
Facing me was the Chief Commander of Spacystro’s infantry. Since I am currently part of the infantry, I could say that he is the commanding officer directly above me in my current position.
To his sides sat the Chief Commander of Spacystro’s aviation and the Chief of Staff of Spacystro’s headquarters. There were five others sitting as well, but they were out of sight unless one turned their head.
I could turn my head to see them, but I simply couldn’t bring myself to do so. The only thing I remembered was that when they entered, they scattered and sat in eight different directions.
“Let’s start by reviewing the reports.”
The Chief Commander of the infantry opened his mouth while looking at the documents on the desk. I swallowed hard and waited for him to ask his question.
“You’ve been in contact with the HunterKiller Team for a long time, yet there has been no report. Is that correct?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Why didn’t you report immediately?”
I needed to choose my words carefully. At the time, the contact with Yubin happened unexpectedly during surveillance. While I reported the surveillance, I did not report the actual contact.
It could easily be misinterpreted that I did not report the contact because my superior, Luche, had not done so.
“I judged that there was no need for a report since there were no significant developments after the initial contact. Given how frequent contact with the enemy is during Spacystro’s invasion, I believed there was no need to report unless there was something particularly noteworthy.”
There was no lie in what I said. Initially, I intended to report once I found proper evidence. However, I became closer and eventually started dating the girlfriends before I could find enough information to make a proper report.
“Why wasn’t your relationship with Red reported back then?”
“Like I said earlier, I believed there was nothing significant to report. Although our relationship developed, I did not think it warranted a formal report.”
I didn’t feel any tension until I finally spoke my first words. All I could think about was delivering my answers as smoothly and clearly as possible.
“The reason for the prolonged lack of reports is to more clearly present the results of my personal endeavors.”
I recalled the content of my report. Since I based it on facts, there was no confusion.
The investigation into the hyper-human was conducted independently, and given its independent nature, I thought a more detailed report was necessary. Of course, later I hesitated to report due to concerns about the impact on the girlfriends.
“Was the reason for reporting the raid on the radio base?”
“Yes. After hearing about the radio base, I judged that there was a high probability that the hyper-human and the HunterKiller Team were involved.”
Although I heard about the radio base, I considered it separate from the investigation into the hyper-human. However, during the collection of data on the hyper-human, I realized there might be a connection to the radio base, and with Klugger’s help in finding the code, my suspicions were confirmed.
“Even though I acted independently, I reported everything up to now to seek permission for the surprise attack on Earth’s facilities. I believed that even if the operation was not carried out, the higher-ups would make a proper judgment.”
“Understood.”
The Chief Commander of the infantry nodded and put down the documents he was reading, glancing to the side. I followed his gaze, feeling like I was under some spell.
“When reporting on the HunterKiller Team, was there any personal bias involved?”
He was the Chief Judge of the Spacystro Military Tribunal. Everywhere I looked, there were people I had never seen before but knew existed.
The tension I had felt before seemed to return, but I suppressed it to give a clear answer.
“There was.”
There was no need or reason to lie.
“I thought reporting everything to superiors would harm the girlfriends, which is one of the reasons I delayed the report.”
Although this could work against me, I had to tell the truth. Even if I lied to get out of this situation, the lies would eventually come back as arrows of truth.
When I admitted that personal feelings were involved, I saw several eyebrows furrow on the defendants’ bench.
“Considering all the activities you’ve undertaken and the numerous penalties you’ve received, didn’t you think that omitting a report could affect those penalties negatively? On the contrary, withholding reports for a long time could harm the HunterKiller Team.”
“I don’t believe it’s my place to correlate past penalties with the current situation.”
While it’s true that I’ve received many penalties, the Chief of Staff knew about these records.
It was true that I thought omitting a report could lead to penalties, and I also considered that previous penalties might have an impact.
But it’s not my place to judge; I need to focus on the task at hand rather than dwelling on past penalties.
“Do you think your actions were correct?”
“No. I believe my actions were wrong and deserve punishment.”
I bear responsibility for what I’ve done. Not reporting to superiors about the girlfriends’ safety, while being a soldier of Spacystro, was undoubtedly a mistake.
However, for human A, it was the best and most regret-free choice.
“Are there any other reasons for reporting besides the radio base?”
“Yes. There was a terrorist incident in Seoul targeting Spacystro.”
Although months have passed and it hasn’t been mentioned in the news, the terrorist incident was significant for Spacystro. It resulted in casualties in violation of the rule of no killing on Earth, affecting both Spacystro soldiers and civilians on Earth.
“At the time, I suffered severe injuries and was urgently sent back to the ship for recovery. Since the handling was left to superiors, I focused on recovery. During that period, I had one thought.”
“What was it?”
“My own inadequacy.”
I realized the limits of my abilities. In investigations and battles, I found that none of it could be fully accomplished with my current capabilities. My habit of trying to solve everything alone made me feel constrained.
“I realized this more clearly during the investigation into the radio base and decided to report it to superiors.”
“Were you not considering the damage to the HunterKiller Team at that time?”
“I did. But I believed that conducting a thorough investigation would yield greater benefits.”
“What led you to that conclusion?”
“Through hacking, I obtained information from the Earth Defense Union Seoul Branch’s main computer. I learned that the hyper-human has an extremely short lifespan. Whether this is due to their abilities or biological limitations, I concluded that I couldn’t resolve this issue if I acted independently.”
I expressed my thoughts clearly. I had gathered much information from previous investigations.
I had simulated various scenarios in my mind because I expected to face penalties.
The difference was that these people were sitting in positions so high that even my hands couldn’t reach them. That was all.
I didn’t think I was tense, but the cold sweat on my palms told me otherwise. My heart was racing, and even my gaze towards the Chief of Staff was wavering.
“The report states that all members of the HunterKiller Team have expressed their intention to defect to Spacystro. Is this still the case?”
“It’s been a while since we last discussed this, but I believe there will be no change in their intentions. If there were any changes, they would have told me.”
This was the most advantageous aspect regarding this penalty. Regardless of the process, the higher-ups would likely consider the successful absorption of the HunterKiller Team, one of the most troublesome enemies, as a positive outcome.
“What about the possibility of betrayal?”
“There isn’t any.”
I answered confidently without hesitation.
“The HunterKiller Team initially expressed their intention to defect to Spacystro due to disillusionment with the Earthlings’ underestimation of the hyper-humans. Although I felt disillusioned and kept silent, I did decide to join Spacystro.”
The girlfriends trusted me and expressed their intention to join Spacystro. I trust them just as much. Betrayal? I can confidently say there is no chance.
“What if the HunterKiller Team betrays us after joining Spacystro? What would you do then?”
I turned my head at the question from the Spacystro Foreign Minister, whose sharp eyes pierced through me from behind his glasses.
“Is this a hypothetical scenario about a situation that hasn’t occurred?”
I asked in return, not avoiding his gaze. Even the slightest noise disappeared, leaving a heavy silence in the courtroom.
I trust the girlfriends more than anyone. They have become the reason for my existence.
To even consider the possibility of betrayal and ask such a question feels offensive.
Above all, I was told this was a court, where the sole purpose was to ask and answer questions based on facts. To ask about hypothetical situations felt absurd and beneath the level of this court.
“I hope you answer the questions posed.”
The Foreign Minister’s eyes remained unwavering. It wasn’t surprising that he would ask such a question. As the person responsible for diplomacy between Spacystro and Earth, he must review the possibility of betrayal when a hyper-human joins Spacystro.
There have been instances where defectors caused various incidents during invasions. While it’s a valid question, it’s not appropriate here.
“I cannot answer that.”
It was an unconscious thought. It seems I have a rebellious streak.
In an important setting, asking an irrelevant question about a legal matter rather than focusing on the situation at hand stirred a rebellious spirit within me.
“This is a courtroom, where judgments are made on the crimes I’ve committed. While I understand your intent, I believe this is a matter for the Foreign Ministry, not for this court.”
“Haha! You got served.”
The Chief Commander of Aviation burst into laughter next to the Foreign Minister. I recognized his face. He used to be part of the aviation unit and had close ties with Esmeralda, allowing me to hear stories about higher-ranking officers.
“I agree with the defendant. Let’s postpone discussing the HunterKiller Team.”
“Very well.”
The Foreign Minister responded with a stiff tone and withdrew his question without showing any expression.
“Defendant, have you reviewed any information obtained after raiding the radio base?”
“No. I believe the priority is to let superiors decide on my punishment, and depending on the decision, my circumstances may change. Therefore, I postponed reviewing the information.”
“Did you ever consider reviewing the information before your circumstances changed?”
I did consider it, but I didn’t act on it.
“The information I verified was only a portion accessed during the hacking of the radio base for confirmation purposes. After reporting to superiors, I deemed it confidential material managed by them, not something I should access freely. I believe I currently don’t have the authority to review those materials.”
When I turned my head after answering, I realized the person who had questioned me was the Science Commander. The thought that high-ranking officials were everywhere made me feel suffocated.
“You have a strong sense of security, having been active for such a long time.”
The Science Commander smiled, seemingly satisfied with my response.
“Let’s start with the measures taken by superiors regarding your report.”
Finally, the most pressing matter was addressed. Although it was called a questioning, it felt more like a review of my report.
“Regarding the defection of the HunterKiller Team, superiors are positively reviewing it. Many have defected during invasions, so there’s no need to worry about internal measures.”
As the Chief Commander of the infantry said, many had defected. Although there were many incidents, the positive outcomes were far more common, leading to the development of various manuals.
Given the short lifespan of hyper-humans, I hadn’t heard of any hyper-humans defecting before. Perhaps it would be the girlfriends, making the HunterKiller Team the first case.
“I want to gain their cooperation for the investigation into the hyper-human. What do you think about that?”
“I don’t believe it’s my place to judge. I respect the opinions of all members of the HunterKiller Team. If they wish to cooperate with the investigation, I’ll let them decide. Of course, the same applies if they oppose.”
“Understood. If they agree to the investigation, we’ll proceed with various tests. Although we have the data from the radio base, it’s insufficient to fully understand the hyper-human.”
Since the data was collected from a research facility rather than a radio base, the information was inevitably limited.
“Director. Do you have anything else to add?”
At the mention of “director,” I jumped and followed the Chief Commander of the infantry’s gaze. There were eight judge seats. Facing me was the Chief Commander of the infantry, whose gaze was directed opposite.
Slowly turning my head, I glanced behind me. I met the eyes of a young man who had entered with everyone else.
I noticed the presence of a young person among the eight entering simultaneously.
However, while watching everyone take their seats, I missed the opportunity to identify him, and during the questioning, I was too nervous to pay attention to him.
But the moment our eyes met, I felt a level of tension unlike anything before, and my hands were sweating coldly.
“Question.”
No additional descriptors were needed. He was the representative of Spacystro. The commander of three ships in the 6th Fleet. He was the Commander General of the 6th Fleet of Spacystro.
With dark silver hair and deep indigo eyes, he was scrutinizing me with a sharp gaze.
