Tides of Change

[Jeremy Hunter]

Coronado
Yuma High Orbit

Jeremy Hunter had been in Yuma's orbit for almost a year. He had coordinated enough combat operations, relief efforts, and black ops that, quite honestly, he wondered if a small government hadn't been toppled somewhere along the lines by accident. He chuckled lightly, tapping away a few files he was done with before standing. Stretching, causing many snap, crackles, and pops in his weary body, the pretty much ancient Order operative made his way out of the office and into the adjoining room. Empty as usual; his family was on Akabat, like they should be...behind the fleet, the Starbase, and Thebes. Yawning, he fell down facefirst...and then the young, blonde, white-dressed AI appeared.
"Wake up."
"I haven't even gone to sleep, Namine."

She flicked her hair in perfect Izzy fashion, damn Rika. He sighed. "What do you want, you annoying as hell AI."
"Pff, you love me." She twirled. "Anyways~ Orders from the Grandiose Admiral. You are to report to Akabat for an Award's Ceremony in your honor."
"Great. My honor. I just sent a message telling Reeves he pretty much was a whiny little bitch who needs to learn that there sometimes is no multifacet ways to get things done. There's the bad way, and the stupid way." He groaned. "What did Michal say? Am I getting a brand new service pin for being the most ancient bastard still fighting?"
"Yes."
"...."

Jeremy looked up. His cerulean-teal eyes flashed in the light as he glared at Namine. She shrugged, twirling yet again. "He said that the General Assembly has created a new Service Mark - Hunter's Mark. He said something about a "black dawn" was tore aside by your at one point and a bunch of pithy stuff." She shrugged. "it was an order he said. Best get your best on~" The holo crystals dimmed, leaving him alone. He groaned again...then sat up. A new vigor was now within his bones, and he stood up.
"Might as well do what Michal wants. At least it means I get to see them al...al...all...goddammit, I'm going to be exhausted again."

---

Planet Akabat
Giza Military Command

The lumbering quad-mech settled into it's berth, the massive railgun gleaming. The Order had been building up assets to defend from a ground invasion as well, in the case that the Core somehow managed to land. But the massive mech, nor the tanks nearby, were important. What was important was the man currently driving a load of missile launchers from the delivery docks towards...another truck. It stopped for the briefest of moments, a few boxes lighter once it was off. The truck coughed to life and lumbered away, heading for the main gate...the moment of truth.

The truck was soon off, and disappeared from scanners towards the mountains.

---

Steel Legion
Harper Mountain Range

The "Steel Legion" had succeeded. Armed with weapons, intelligence, and the upcoming ceremony, they were ready. The leader was leaning over a map of Akhataten's Overwatch Plaza, eyeing everything.
"Sir. We have everything we need and can be set up tonight."
"Do it." he looked up. "The reign of Golanski, his imperialistic measures, and his lapdog Hunter, will end. The Order will be reborn." He stood, then saluted by placing a fist on his chest, arm at a sharp angle. "For the Legion of Steel."
"For the Legion of Steel!" His men cried out.

The Order would be reborn in blood and fire.