Despite our differences, I can't deny that Mars was a damn good leader. Wasn't a talker. Never was. He just led by example, by knowing what he's doing, and by having his heart in the right place. He led us through so much - the War, the… Bleed, and then worlds, universes, timelines, whatever they're called.
He always did what was necessary to protect as many people as possible.
I've never met a member of the Shield so suited for his purpose.
So it took me a long time to come to terms with his final decision. When he told me he wanted to leave Eunomia, I threw a wrench at him. He tried to talk to me, many times. He said he wanted to do what is right. He said he wanted to help people. He wanted to protect people without harming others that he want to protect. I heard him out but just wouldn't buy his reasonings. I thought him a coward. A deserter. We were both stubborn. Still are, probably. So when he left Eunomia I didn't go say goodbye.
Then we started hearing stories about heroes fighting crimes where the military can't reach, saving merchants from pirates, travellers from slavers. Legends of how the Janus always appears at the right time in the right place, thwarting evil plans of evil men.
It all sounded like children's tale. But the galaxy was made safer by them. And I finally understood what Mars meant when he said that the Order doesn't only work in Eunomia; there are other ways to do good far away from one's nation.
I had to concede that Mars wasn't wrong. Lost a damn bet to Lepp for that.
But… I'm glad I now understand. And I can now say with pride: It had been an honour to serve with Champion Mars. Wherever he is now, I know the Order is with him.
-An Excerpt from Wars that Never Were: a Collective Memoir of Soldiers from Distant Pasts, collected by Visionary Narva
If you thought you know the history of the SevenSystemsTM, think again! Travel back to the beginning of EVERYTHING with the Janus duo and see them join force with Hell's Bells, Crimson Thorn and the mysterious Agent of Time in an attempt to avoid a catastrophe that will destroy ALL KNOWN HISTORY! But will they be there in time? Can they catch the elusive Time Spy? And what secrets has the Lone Fox stolen this time? As doom looms ever closer, Mars starts hearing whispers from… wait, is that his Incandescent Cape? Is it… MAGICAL!?
Get the latest issue of the Saviors of the System before the timeline changes! Mars’ MAGIC Cape is lovingly rendered in new nano material!
“C'mon, James, Arteus, it's dinner time!”
“Coming mom!”
James stands up, stretches and starts packing up the training swords scattered around the garden. He glances at his brother, who's still looking intensely at his sparring partner.
“Just hurry up and beat him, Lucia.”
“Shut up, James.” Arteus snaps, but has to end his sentence and jump back as the girl's sword whooshes past him.
“Concentrate, Champion.” Lucia winks at him before advancing again.
James shakes his head and lets out an exaggerated sigh. He swings the sword-bag onto his shoulder and heads back into the house. A moment later, a tall and grizzled man walks out. With his hands on his waist he calls the youths in.
“Don't keep your mother waiting, Arteus!” Arteus makes a face where he thinks his father can't see and hurries into the house. His father then smiles at Lucia, who's now packing her equipments. “You're always welcome to stay for dinner.”
The girl flashes a smile. “I feel so guilty for always doing this, but yeah, I truly can't resist Vespin's stew.”
They leave the garden together and closes the door behind them. Warm yellow light pours out of the windows, softened by the curtains.
In a tall building afar, a man turns away from the window. One of his eyes - a clear cybernetic implant - flashes an unnatural red, with black holographic flames flickering within. He shakes his head and both the red light and the flames die down.
He walks away alone.