~Before the Battle of Judecca~

"So, you're just leaving me behind? Just like that, been taking care of me your whole damn life, and you just leave?" Joseph asked, clenching his fists tightly. He took a step forward, but soon retreated, trying to think of everything as simply a bad dream.

Richard laughed dryly, simply folding his arms and shaking his head. "You're almost my age, and you still think that you can't handle yourself? Mom and Dad died when I was just a kid, and I had to look out for the both of us, and you know--"

"No, you know that that isn't the same thing!" Joseph was shouting now, losing his temper and tossing Richard to the ground with a single shove. "If you go off to Judecca, I know you're not coming back! The estimated death tolls are in the millions, Richard!"

Getting up, Richard basically ignored the rude gesture, getting back on his feet and brushing himself off. "I volunteered for this on my own time--the Alliance can't do this alone, I'm saving millions of lives out there, and the only thing you can think of is yourself! Your own damn self!" Richard snapped back, fiercely grabbing his brother by the collar of his uniform. "I'm not coming back in a body bag, and if that's what you think, then you can kiss my ass. That's a guarantee." Richard let go, turning his back to the younger man and scratching his head.

"I'm going on my own, and that's final. We'll finish this when I get back." Without saying another word, Richard was gone, already walking out of the docks, and towards his apartment. Joseph said not a word, simply lowering his head and clenching his jaw.

~After Judecca~

"I'm sorry, Joseph. We... think he's dead, but we can't say. Lost contact in the middle of the battle, his com system just drew a blank..."

Joseph stood in his dormitory, trying to remain at attention, but allowing his lip to quiver slightly before retaining a straight face. He clenched his fists more tightly, resisting the temptation to break down in front of the Admiral in front of him.

"He was the best damn sergeant I've seen in years--you couldn't have asked for a better brother," the Admiral said, attempting to keep his face as solemn as possible.

Soon, the quiet became unbearable, and the Admiral left, leaving Joseph to curl up in a ball in his cot. He stayed there for the rest of the night, not saying a word, and not shedding a tear.