At 8:00 Blade stands near the entrance with Red Riot beside him. The air hums with energy as a massive Galactic transport ship descends, kicking up dust and wind. It settles gently outside HQ. The hatch opens, and out walks a tall figure wearing a long trench coat and a cybernetic leg that hisses softly with every step.
Blade, grinning, "I see retirement couldn't hold you down, huh?"
Training Sergeant in a deep voice,"Nah. I needed something that didn't involve gardening. These kids chose to work with the STF. They're your problem now. Good luck."
Blade salutes casually, "You too, old man."
The sergeant nods and turns to leave as the wave of new recruit begin to file out behind him, each wearing a standard STF trainee uniform, wide-eyed and trying to keep formation.
Red Riot, curious, "Who was that?"
Blade, with a touch of nostalgia, "Fought beside him during the Third Great War. Meanest soldier I've ever seen. Saved my life more times than I can count."
Red Riot- "Dang. Hope these recruits realize what they're walking into."
Blade- "They'll figure it out fast. Or they'll quit faster."
[ STF HQ Lobby, Morning Chaos] Blade steps up on the counter, looking out over the sea of new recruits.
Blade- "Alright, listen up! This is STF HQ. You'll each be assigned to a department. Once you connect to the WiFi, a map and emergency alert system will auto-sync to your phone. From there—good luck. And welcome to Breaking Point."
The crowd bursts into motion as recruits rush off, scanning directories and checking devices.
[Equipment Floor] White Flash walks alongside a recruit holding a tablet.
White Flash- "So, what's your name and what department are you gunning for?"
Claus- "My name's Claus. I want to join the support division."
White Flash- "Solid choice. I don't know much about the behind-the-scenes stuff, but you got experience?"
Claus- "Yeah, took engineering in high school. Helped retrofit a couple of old Empire cruisers for a private sector gig."
White Flash- "Alright, cool. I'll introduce you to the tech leads and get you set up. Hope you like working long hours in dark rooms."
[Hangar Bay] The Lion is overseeing maintenance as he talks to a fresh-faced recruit.
The Lion- "So, Roger, I hear you're trying out for STF fieldwork?"
Roger- "Yeah! Since I was a kid, I've wanted to be on the team—fighting demons, going on missions, the whole thing."
The Lion gruffly said, "Hope that dream's tough enough to survive this place. We run 24/7, no breaks. It's quiet now 'cause Ian locked us down until 9:30 to get you all settled... but once the lights go green, it's chaos. Don't let this place eat you alive."
[Intelligence Division] Twin Blade Scarlet stands in front of a sleek holo-display, reviewing files as she interviews Janyne.
Scarlet- "So, Janyne—you want in on the intel wing?"
Janyne- "Yes. I'm sharp with analysis, and I've led teams before. I think I'd thrive here."
Scarlet- "It's more than just files and orders. We do field ops, black ops, and anything the STF can't make public. Ian personally runs the Nightcrew."
Janyne- "Why don't you work with Blade more?"
Scarlet, smirking, "I see him enough. Plus, Ian doesn't mix work with romance. Keeps the mission clean."
She leans in slightly.
Scarlet- "Now, if you're serious, you need to be able to lead under pressure. Make the call when things go sideways. Intel isn't just about brains—it's about judgment."
[STF HQ – Meeting Room] The intercom buzzes to life, Intercom Voice, "All new recruits, report to the main meeting room immediately."
Roger walks through the wide halls, eventually finding his way into a massive theater-style room. A towering holo-screen dominates the front wall, and sleek leather seating curves around the floor like a command center amphitheater. Ian and Optimus stand at the front, arms folded, surveying the wave of new faces.
Ian, firm, "It may feel calm right now—but that's temporary. I had the HQ locked down just so you could settle in. We've got dozens of missions stacked up—some from hours ago. You'll be thrown right into it."
Roger leans over and whispers to the recruit beside him. Roger- "This place is unreal."
Billix- "I know, right? It's like a city in here."
Roger- "Way bigger than I expected. I'm Roger, by the way."
Billix- "I'm Billix. I'm here for fieldwork—soldier-type stuff. Not full STF."
Roger- "Cool. I'm shooting for the STF team myself."
Billix, smirking, "Good luck with that."
Optimus- "Doors open in ten. Get to your stations—and good luck."