-IRIDICA, IPTUS SECTOR, FEDERATION SPACE-
The pelican shuddered as its engines shifted into descent mode. Thorne closed his eyes and took a deep breath, held it and exhaled until he felt the jolt from ground contact. A wave of anticipation washed over him. This was the first time he had visited the old castle in what felt like a lifetime. War seemed to blend everything together, including memories and time spent in this Galactic War.
The ramp lowered with a hiss and Thorne thanked the pilot, Wildcat was his name, and he told him he would radio in when he was returning to leave. Even through his helmet's filters he could smell the sweet air of Iridica. The ionization of the planet's atmosphere caused the local flora to develop a strong and unique smelling pheromone, which caused a soothing effect to anyone who inhaled it. Thorne was happy he visited on a day like today; it seemed like Lady Liberty blessed his efforts.
He followed a grown over stone path for several hours, reminiscing in the old memories of sword training, hiking and meditation routines among the pink-hued flowers and pristine beaches. Ribbon-tailed fire-flies glided past him on soft winds, twirling and dancing together without even acknowledging his existence. When he turned his attention away from the fire-flies he saw it. The walls of New Avalon and the spires of New Camelot rising above them.
A deep sadness overtook him as he passed through the gate and into the city. The walls were crumbling from disrepair and were overgrown with violet moss. The only consolation was that they looked beautiful in their decay. Thorne continued on until he entered the grand entrance hall of New Camelot, the castle-headquarters of the disbanded Knights of the Cerulean Veil. He was surprised to see it still standing as he knew it all those years ago. The stained-glass windows were pristine, glowing like a kaleidoscope spinning in the sunlight. The archways were dust free and the marble was gleaming as if it was freshly polished. The tile floor was spotless, and the cenotaphs housing statues of fallen Knights still had fresh candles eternally burning in their memory. The scent of incense was strong, and Thorne knew he would soon find someone that was performing the upkeep.
A Super Earth drone bumbled around the corner of the Grand Dias, holding a feather duster and playing Iridican chants of purity. The drone jerked to a halt and stopped its broadcast as it stared at Thorne. It then called out to someone unseen, and an elderly man dressed in robes appeared from a small wooden doorway to the left of the dias.
"Hello Helldiver!", he said as he managed a shaky salute. "My name is Cedric, and may I ask what brings you to New Camelot?"
Thorne couldn't believe what he was hearing. Cedric was the head caretaker for the castle during the Knights' existence, and he was told to retire and live his life with the other citizens of Iridica.
"Cedric, you may not believe it, but I'm Luthor! Why are you still here old friend?"
The old caretaker lifted a bushy eyebrow and looked over Thorne's armor.
"Your armor is green, good sir. Also, my lord Luthor died in his service to Super Earth fighting against the Great Host, those disgusting squids."
Thorne chuckled at the comment. Cedric always hated the Illuminate more than any other enemy Super Earth fought against.
Thorne removed his helmet and looked Cedric in the eyes.
"It is I, old friend."
Cedric's mouth dropped open in a gasp, and he tried to drop to his knees in reverence to Thorne.
"No no, stand up Cedric, please. I never liked when you did that before, silly man."
"It is just respect, my lord" Cedric grunted as Thorne helped him up.
"Well, you certainly have more scars than last I saw you. Why do you wear green armor, and what has happened since I last saw the Knights? It seems I have missed much!"
Thorne and Cedric sat at a bench near the Hellbomb altar and talked for several hours. Thorne explained that after the Knights had disbanded, he had taken on a different name to end the legacy of Luthor and created the narrative of his heroic death in battle. He stayed hidden and worked as a lone agent for months, aiding Helldivers who called for SOS. He meditated and pondered on what to do next, then returned to B.A.S.T.I.O.N. headquarters using his credentials to resume his duties, just under a different name and with a cover story, making him the "next B.A.S.T.I.O.N. High Command Leader" and Super Earth High Command gave him full authority to create a new unit. It was a second chance, a path to redeem himself and serve Super Earth once again. Thorne explained who and what the Federation Frontline Marines were, and how they were making a difference in the many warzones of the Galactic War.
Cedric listened intently, and sat in silence when Thorne's story was over.
"When the Knights disbanded, I was deeply saddened. I understood why it happened, but it still wounded my heart. My purpose in life seemed to slip away, but I pulled myself together and determined that even if the Knights were gone I would still uphold their memory. Luckily I found this service drone here, and it helps me with most of the cleaning. I call him Merlin, he really works magic with the cleaning supplies!"
Thorne chuckled as "Merlin" beeped in response and saluted.
"I wanted to return to Iridica to remind myself of the past so that I might not repeat it." Thorne said to Cedric.
"The Knights were an order I founded with others who trusted my leadership, and we were decimated to a handful. I am blessed to have several remaining knights that joined me in the Marines, but I carry the weight of all those who were lost in their service. I have hardened to it a fair bit with the War as it is now, but the Knights always carry the pain of an old wound, Cedric."
The old man placed a wrinkled hand on Thorne's shoulder, and gave him a grin.
"Son, I have seen many things and experienced even more in my long life. During my time helping the Knights here in the castle, sure there was sacrifice, loss and pain from defeat. But when the going got rough, I also saw dedication, unyielding resolve, trust in each other and valor in everyone's actions. They knew what they signed up for, my lord. Sure, you carried the burden of leadership, but they carried burdens of duty and knew what came with it. They all gave their lives before they even died in service. They pledged them to our Federation, to defend Super Earth and to defeat the Great Host. It was their highest honor, and that is why as long as I live their candles will burn here in the hall. You saved the remaining Knights' lives by disbanding and dispersing them throughout the galaxy. You weren't selfish in your choice, and you saved lives instead of wasting them against the remnants of the squids, curse their existence. Bury your past here, my lord. Continue on in the present, and lead those Marines proudly into the future. If you ever need me again, Merlin and I will still be here! Also, tell those rascals Wyrm-Knight Onyx and Gun-Saint Astro to come visit! I miss their stories."
Thorne agreed that he would tell the others, shook hands with Cedric, replaced his helmet and returned to the overgrown path. He stopped for a moment and took a detour up a hill overlooking the city of New Avalon. He lifted his cloak and removed his compact shovel to dig a hole at the peak of the hill. Thorne tossed the shovel beside the fresh pile of soil and pulled a small metal object from his right pocket. It was a badge displaying his own personal crest within the Order of the Cerulean Veil, and it was time he "buried his past" for good. He gingerly placed it in the hole and covered it up with the loose dirt.
Thorne called Wildcat and began his walk back to the pelican. Once he got back Thorne eagerly plopped himself into one of the flight deck seats, exhausted from his walk.
Wildcat turned around, blew a bubble with his chewing gum and smiled.
"How'd yer trip go sir?"
Thorne chuckled and shook his head.
"Time to move forward Wildcat. Nuthin' here but relics that are from a different time. Sure is a nice view though! Alrighty, take us on out o' here Wildcat, we've got bots to scrap."
"Yes sir!"
