Morning light spilled through the glass walls of the STF Headquarters, bathing the command floors in a soft gold hue. The capital planet, Tenrihines, stirred far below, its vast cities and airship lanes alive with movement. From his quarters on one of the upper levels, Ian rose to face another day.
Ian sat at his desk, surrounded by glowing datapads stacked with the latest intel reports.
His eyes lingered on one, "The Light – Codename, Walking Army." The words felt heavy, unnatural.
The office door hissed open. Optimus walked in, his usual confident stride echoing against the metal floor.
Optimus, energized, "You hear the intel wing found another portal? We can finally take the offensive side again."
Ian's voice was calm, but there was a shadow under it. Ian, "I know… but we still don't know what The Light really is. And that worries me more."
Optimus leaned against the wall, folding his arms.
Optimus, "I'm putting Steel and Stark on that case." Ian gave a small nod, thoughtful.
Ian, "Good call. We'll focus on the portal."
Moments later, Steel and Stark entered, armor glinting in the pale light.
Stark, "So, we're tracking something called The Light?"
Steel, "The Light? Who comes up with these names?"
Ian didn't crack a smile. His tone was iron. Ian, "Don't worry about the name. What matters is this thing is powerful. You'll slow it down, keep it occupied. I think it's a demon… but I'm not sure."
Stark raised an eyebrow. Stark, "No military support? Just us?"
Ian, "If we send an army, they'll get in the way. You two move faster without dead weight slowing you down."
Steel grinned, pounding a fist into his palm. Steel, "Easy enough. How long do we have?"
Ian, "Three days. Use them wisely."
The two nodded and left, already debating strategy in the hallway. Later, Ian returned from a quick intel debrief and dropped heavily into his chair. His datapads still glowed with unsettling readings. The office door opened again. Blade walked in, katana at his side, expression uncharacteristically serious.
Blade, "You sure Steel and Stark can handle this Light on their own?"
Ian looked up, weary but firm.
Ian, "They're among the strongest we've got. They've faced demons far larger and far stronger." Blade shook his head.
Blade, "Yeah, but this one feels different. They're calling it a walking army, Ian. What if it's not just another demon?"
Ian exhaled through his nose, staring at the datapad one more time before setting it down.
Ian, "…Then we'll need perspective. Let's pay a visit to the First and Second Greats. See what they think.".