Hey guys! I just wanted to let you all know that some of the facts about military and such in this story may not be true in our current world. I'm not in or related to anyone in the military, so all I have is some research, which, apparently, was not correct on all parts. If you spot what's wrong, could you please PM me so that I could straighten them out? Otherwise, my idea is that in the future (roughly in the 4150s) some rules and ideas will have changed. Thanks!

"Attention!" a loud, over-enunciated word pierced through the thoughts of one Harry Potter as his captain stalked down the line of fighter pilots, all holding their breathe.

They had been ordered out of the mess hall earlier than normal this morning, and many men were apprehensive for what their Captain was going to force them to do now. He was commonly known around the base to dole out the harshest of tasks to his squadron.

When the man had finished his examination, finding everyone acceptable, he settled before the line in a commanding stance- feet shoulder width apart, chest forward, hands held behind the back, chin high- and he began to speak.

"Alright men. We all know that this is the best squadron the US Navy has ever turned out. We have never failed a mission, and I demand that that doesn't start now. For today marks the beginning of a new opportunity for us, an opportunity to be remembered by more than just our friends, families, and cohorts.

"I have been ordered to give you all the chance to come on this mission, as it is the most important one that we've ever been given- yes, Shanely, even more important than protecting the Queen. Once you accept, there is no backing out, as I must warn you. However, Admiral Correston would be most displeased if he had to settle for lesser pilots."

Externally, the men standing beside Harry did not react to their captain's lecture, as it was prohibited, but internally, Harry could feel everyone reeling at the inclusion of the man at the head of the Navy. This mission was coming from the top, and hell, if Harry didn't accept he'd probably get demoted. It was expected of him to go anyway as the commander of the squadron. He and his captain would need to be leading the other pilots that accepted the mission.

"I would be honored to be included in the mission, Captain Pitt, but can I request a bit more information?" The blue eyes of the Captain twinkled at Harry's request as he nodded in acquiescence.

"Of course, Commander Elner." The tall, broad-shouldered man pivoted on one foot and began pacing before his squadron, eye-brows furrowed.

"This mission will most-likely be your last here on Earth. The militaries of several countries are banding together to support RDA- Resources Development Administration for those of you who remain under a rock outside of our training." Here, the Captain threw a mischievous look sideways at some of the confused faces of his pilots. "They have finally been successful in locating another planet with unobtainium, but it is in the Alpha Centauri system and the planet is inhabited by sentient beings. The scientists selected to go will require pilots when they reach this planet, which the organization has named Pandora, for, if the inhabitants end up volatile, we will force them to surrender with the supplied airborne weaponry." The Captain stopped his pacing back at the central point of the line, turning to face the men with a contemplative look on his face. "It's not much different than when we were in World War Three," he shrugged.

"Captain?" a shorter, bulkier man with blonde hair called, his posture tense at attention.

The Captain turned his sharp gaze to look at the man, but the pilot did not quail. No one in Captain Pitt's squadron was a coward. You do not become the best fighter pilot squadron by bullying and putting down your brothers-in-arms. "Yes, Henderson?"

"Will we not be able to return to Earth after this mission? What of our families, sir?" Harry internally sighed. Family. He had not had a family in a long time. Whatever magic had been hidden inside of the Deathly Hallows- for Harry refused to believe he was the 'Master of Death'- made his body nearly ageless. He still aged, mind you, but it had slowed down to the point where he could no longer tell the difference between his appearance now from over the course of a few decades ago.

All of his family had died long, long in the past- hell, the English Wizarding World had died out long ago too. It was their incest and inability to change that ultimately lead to their downfall. Family would not be a problem for Harry.

"Yes, that is a valid concern. Unfortunately, it is estimated to take five years to reach Pandora. This is why I am not demanding you all to come with me, as your families will have to live without you for at least a decade, if not longer. There is no telling just how long we will be needed on this new planet to supervise and protect our people." The Captain sighed, his eyes darkening lightly. He had no choice but to leave his own wife behind, Harry realized. The burly man had always talked of how much he loved Matilda whenever the squad tricked him into drinking too much- and for a man of his size, it surprisingly wasn't much. It must have been hard for him to accept.

A voice cut through Harry's pitying thoughts, as Henderson inclined his head. "Very well, Captain. I would like to be included in the mission," he proudly stated.

Another man of darker skin followed Henderson's lead and nodded his head, "As would I, sir."

A brunette with vibrant red lips smiled as she said, "Same, sir."

A blonde woman Harry had learned to secretly despise smirked as she confirmed her place on the mission. "Of course I will come, sir."

However, no one else offered to come, as the four remaining members of the squadron looked to the floor, maintaining their silence.

Captain Pitt nodded empathetically, recognizing their silence for what it was, but he could not let his good men and women go without confirmation. "RDA plans to launch in roughly six months, and briefing begins as soon as this is over." The Captain stopped briefly when he spotted a few flinches in shock. "Yes, I know this is difficult, but the Admiral was adamant that you all be told the day of."

An older man shook his head lightly, his salt and pepper hair swaying back and forth, "I'm sorry, sir. I have a four-month-old at home, and I can't miss the first ten years of her life."

A slim Spaniard smiled sadly as he said, "I will have to respectfully decline, Captain. I wouldn't be able to leave my parents and husband."

A tall, red-headed woman's face downturned slightly as she declined, "I'm sorry, sir."

Another woman with blonde curls and a proud personality stood her ground as she said, "I am planning on proposing to my girlfriend, sir. I can't abandon her."

Captain Pitt smiled tightly as he shook his head once. "It is perfectly alright to decline. This mission is demanding that you all abandon your families, and you stood up to me for them. I can never look down on you for your loyalty." Splaying his hands outwardly with a shrug, the Captain questioned, "Is it not family first and everything second? We are all brothers- and sisters-in-arms here, but nothing can replace your first family."

Taking a second to look up at the sky, in which Harry knew he was right about Matilda, Pitt turned back to his squadron with a sharp clap of his hands. "Alright. Everyone, at ease. Marks, Lawrence, Stevenson, and Wallin, you are free to return to the barracks. Your time here will finish within Captain Zander's squadron."

The four that refused the mission stood straighter from their semi-slouches as they saluted, "Yes, sir!"

The Captain turned his back on the split group as he began to walk away, towards the primary building for the officials of the navy base. "The rest of you- follow me."