[h1]The Schuisse Guardians[/h1]

Nico and Malthis stood outside their command tent, observing the battle before them. The troops of their company fighting side by side with the forces of the so-called Emperor of Mankind, assaulting the forces of Gyptus. Watching their men stand with the mighty Thunder Warriors was a sight to behold, the gene-modified warriors carving a path for their men and others to fill.

"I still don't like this." Malthis said, arms crossed as he looked over at Nico. "He might have a strong army, but he's far from the first person to try to conquer the world just because his army's big and strong."

Nico watched his troops through a set of magnoculars, lowering them to turn and face Malthis. "Your objections are noted, Malthis. But I feel differently. Look at how his troops fight for him. Its clear there's something more to him than just another warlord."

"So he's inspiring? We're mercenaries, Nico, our inspiration should be the biggest pay!"

"We're mercenaries *now*, but you know our heritage as well as I do. We used to serve a cause. We used to have dedicated purpose. We were the Guardians of one of the most important positions on the planet! And seeing this man, how he leads his men, how he inspires them, how he convinces them of his cause, I think we can have purpose again."

Malthis sighed and shook his head. "You're too much of an idealist, Nico. The world our founders lived in is long gone. The only thing important now is making sure you have the supplies to live to fight another day."

"Malthis, my friend. You need to learn to see the bigger picture. We are who we are because of our heritage, our regimentation, our organization. I made you leader of the Honorbound because I trusted you to drill our best and brightest in that philosophy. And you've done a fine job. But now I'm asking you to hold fast to that mindset, see where this goes."

"...Fine. But if this blows up in your face, I won't hesitate to say I told you so."

The two returned to watching the battle unfold. In the distance, a squad of Honorbound leapt to the defense of a pair of Thunder Warriors, lasers from their halberds cutting down the men that had ambushed them. The mercenaries stood at guard as the Thunder Warriors readied to rush back into the fray, and as the gene-soldiers charged forward, the squad rushed in after them, weapons at the ready.

Nico smiled. That kind of dedication to duty was what it was all about.