The death of Ironwood greatly impacted the Interceptors. The veteran members of the Interceptors had served alongside Ironwood for years. Starling and Carth greatly respected Ironwood for his bravery and compassion. But of all the Interceptors, Starling was hit the hardest. Not only did she lose someone she considered to be a mentor, but she also inherited his position as leader of the Interceptors. Starling never once in her life expected to become the leader of a Sky Knight squadron so soon in her life. In Terra Mesa, the Interceptors took time to mourn the loss of their leader. Starling went to the outskirts of Terra Mesa to reflect on her situation in isolation. Starling's isolation was soon broken by Carth. 

Carth: Hey Star. Thought I'd find you here. 

Starling: Carth. 

Carth: You've been quiet since Ironwood's....passing. With everything we've been through, I'm not surprised. 

Starling was silent. Carth could tell that Ironwood's death deeply impacted her. Carth sighed as he sat next to Starling. 

Carth: I know it must be hard on you. First Ironwood dies and then you become the leader of the Interceptors. I can't even imagine the pressure you must be in. 

Starling: Why? Why did he make me leader? 

Carth: I don't know, Star. Maybe he saw something in you.

Starling: But what? I'm not leader material! All I've ever done was follow orders. There were others who could've taken his place. I was a recruit! Out of all the people in the Interceptors, why did he chose me?

Carth: I don't know, Star. But there's nothing that can be done about it. Ironwood chose you to lead the Interceptors for a reason. He saw something in you that convinced him to name you the leader if anything happened to him. 

As Carth tried to console Starling, Starling still felt the immense pressure on her shoulders. She felt unworthy of the position she was given to. Carth could see that Starling was in a state of anxiety. 

Carth: I think Ironwood made the right right call. You're more than worthy of leading the Interceptors. You're one of the bravest and strongest Sky Knights I've ever known. I honestly think you're the best person for the job.

Upon hearing this, Starling was shocked. Despite the doubts she had about herself, Carth seemed to have full faith in her. Starling took a moment to reflect on herself as well as her growing feelings for Carth. After a moment of silence, Starling spoke. 

Starling: Carth, do you have any regrets?

Carth: Why would I? Life's too short to have them. We're Sky Knights. Our job is to help people. Being a Sky Knight is all I've ever wanted.

Starling: But do you sometimes wish that you could leave this life behind?

Carth: Once or twice, but I look at you and realize what I'd be giving up on. If I walked away now, all I'd have would be regrets. 

As Carth said this, Starling felt her heart flutter. Her heart began to quicken and her breathing become difficult. Despite all the horrors she has witnessed in the war, Carth seemed to be the one holding her together. Without warning, Starling pulled Carth over for a kiss. Carth was taken aback by this.

Carth: Whoa....

Starling: I love you, Carth. I love you with all my heart.

Carth: Heh. Glad the feeling's mutual.

The two gazed into each other's eyes. In that moment, there was no war. All there was in that moment was each other. 

Starling: Do you really believe in me, Carth?

Carth: Without a doubt in my mind, Star. If anyone can lead the Interceptors, it's you. I'd follow you anywhere. Hell, I'd follow you into the jaws of death itself. 

In that moment, Starling had found her confidence. After that, Starling met up with the rest of the Interceptors in the outskirts. 

Starling: Interceptors, this is for the record. I was bestowed the heavy responsibility of being leader of the Interceptors by Ironwood. In his final words, Ironwood named me leader of the Interceptors. I....I accept this responsibility. This war is far from over. Ironwood is gone, but his memory will live on. I will lead the Interceptors as Ironwood did. I will fight with honor, dignity and courage. 

Argus: If Ironwood believed you worthy to lead us, then I will believe it as well. 

O'Niner: I'm with you, Starling! I'm ready to fight beside you wherever the fight takes us!

Mason: I've known Ironwood for years. I was among the first to join him in the Interceptors. He was like a brother to me. I followed whatever orders Ironwood gave me without hesitation because I believed in him. Now I will follow you the same way I followed Ironwood. 

Carth smiled as the Interceptors rallied around Starling. Despite her young age, the Interceptors accepted Starling as their leader without hesitation. Starling was beyond shocked by the quick acceptance of the other Interceptors. 

Starling: You all honor me with your words. I am honored to lead you all. I will not let you down. 

In that moment, Starling accepted the responsibility of being the leader of the Interceptors. Despite her own lingering doubts, Starling would  fulfil the responsibilities of her position to the best of her abilities. As Starling assumed leadership of the Interceptors, the Interceptors resumed their war time activities, ready for whatever mission the Sky Council would have in the war against the Cyclonian Empire.