7. Everybody Has Their Reasons

Complete story — includes the ending

The 2nd Mass find Naval Station Norfolk staffed with soldiers from the 14th Virginia division. The CO is one of Weaver's old friends from a previous war. After an initial warm welcome, Tom becomes suspicious when he notices that the soldiers are focused on targeting people whom they believe to be Espheni collaborators, instead of taking the fight to the Espheni. Ben is targeted and has one of his spikes forcefully removed after being attacked by a group of soldiers. The CO orders that Tom, Hal, and Ben be arrested and accuses them of being Espheni collaborators when she learns and compiles a dossier of the experiences the 2nd Mass has been through. Weaver unsuccessfully reasons with her and sends Matt to the distillery to get reinforcements. Tom is aggressive and belligerent at his court martial, and his righteous indignation only succeeds in him and his "co-conspirators" being given the death penalty. Meanwhile, an Overlord watches the events going on in the base.