They were sent into space years before as part of a Settlement project. The original idea was for them to mine ore and grow foodstuffs to send back to the Earth. And the Earth would inturn send them supplies. But the Earth's demand grew exponentially, while the supplies sent, dwindeled. The inevitable happens, war.

Why was their mission kept secret? What is so important about the Defender class starship? And what will the soldiers of the E.D.C. do when they find out they have been fighting their own kind?

Bailey
Oh captain, my captain?

stalker
What is it Bailey?

Bailey
Well, I just happened to over hear that a certain, very good looking captain, was picked to head up the beta Mona Lisa Overdrive test.

Stalker
And?

BAILEY
We were wondering...

mason
we were wondering who you planned to use as wing men for your mission.

Not looking at either of them directly, Stalker answers with:
STALKER
I gotta be honest Mason. I can't pick you because your Stinger and Wasp flight scores haven't come back yet.

BAILEY
Ha! Sucks to be you bro.

STALKER
I can't pick you either Bailey.

BAILEY
What? But Jason...

Stalker gives Bailey a stern look and he quickly corrects himself.

BAILEY
I, mean, Sir. I passed my flight exam with the best scores of anyone on the Dauntless.

STALKER
Exactly. So how can you be my wing man, when you are going to be leading your own flight.

BAILEY
Leading? You mean...

STALKER
That's correct. Congrats on your promotion...Captain Bailey.

Stalker salutes Bailey and he salutes back. Mason Just stares sheepishly at the table.

STALKER
Hey, Mason, listen, There's really nothing I can do for you until your test scores come back.

MASON
Sir, I'm not expecting a promotion after...what happened. But can't you at least get me reinstated to flight status so I can be Bailey's wing man?

Before Stalker can answer, an alarm sounds.

WOMAN
(V.O.)
Attention all combat flights...Thirty bogeys inbound...fifteen Triton class fighters...fifteen Charon class fighters...Attention all combat flights...

V.O. continues as everyone in the mess hall jumps to their feet and race about. The three men head out of a door and down a long hallway the emerges out onto the flight deck.

INT. flight deck - earth base zero one
As they emerge from the hall way, Stalker grabs Mason by the shoulder.

STALKER
Mason, where are you going? Stand down soldier.

Mason slowly jogs to a stop as the others keep going. He watches with longing as the others board their ships and begin launching from the hanger bay.