Once a Soldier, Always a Gunner

[Dyl 2088]

 

“Sir, you have a message. It is from your Uncle back in the lands of Arcas.”

 

“Oh?” the grey-haired man replied, “Hand me the message affendi,” The messenger dipped his head, handing the man his message. “Now what does that old man want with me? I’m in retirement!” he’d cackle, going to open the scroll. Upon reading it his warm smile began to fade. 

 

“Nephew,” it began, “the Empire needs you once more. The flames of war once more creep towards our home. I am sorry to call you out of retirement this early, but we need you again.” Accompanying the message would be a painting of several men in their red uniforms, each one holding out a Helena Heater Shield. After reading the message, the man tossed it aside and turned his gaze to the painting. Memories came rushing back to him, memories he never forgot, but he did not think about much these days. 

 

The Siege of San Kala, Operation Lady-in-Hightower, the two decades upon His Imperial Majesty’s Cabinet- he thought, “I’ve dedicated more than half my life to the Empire and yet they ask for more?” A smile would return to his face as he jolted to his feet. The old man walked from the beach to his room within Ba’as and headed straight to his bedroom. After packing his belongings he headed into another room, his study and stopped in front of a uniform, the same uniform in the painting he received earlier. He held up said painting and began to read off the names, “Jasper, Rupert, Aplex, Beezlebub, Gustav…” he crumbled the paper, “We’re still alive, keeping our legacy thriving. Three decades after we disbanded and they still need us,” he’d chuckle, going to turn his head to a nearby servant, “Polish this uniform and package it up, but do not fix the scratches, those are memories.” 

 

“Yes sir,” the servant replied, going right to work upon the man’s request. 

 

He turned to several other servants assembled, “Get me passage to Oren, the fastest ship you can get. I wish to leave at dawn.” The old man walked onto the balcony as the sun set and night arrived. He sat himself in the nearby chair. “An old man, coming back to serve his country in a war once again. I’m no soldier anymore, but I will always be a Gunner…” 

 

And with that Sir Jahan Basrid embarked again to uphold the legacy of the Gunners, and fight for Oren as he’s always done.