As the Cyclonian Empire expands it's territory across Atmos, the Interceptors have been called to halt the Cyclonian invasion of the Terra and aid the Blizzarian defense. For three days and nights, the Cyclonian invasion force has besieged the Blizzarian capital with no end in sight. In the Blizzarian capital, food and ammo are running low. As Starling prepared for the next attack, Carth approached her. 

Carth: Did you get any sleep last night, Star?

Starling: Not at all. I've been keeping watch all night. 

Carth: You should've woke me up. I would've been more than happy to switch shifts. At least take this. One of the Blizzarians told me it's the coldest it's ever been and it's cold enough as it is. 

Carth then took off his jacket and offers it to Starling. Starling smiles upon Carth's kind gesture as she puts it on.

Starling: Thanks, Carth. 

Carth then sat down next to Starling. 

Carth: So when the war's over, what's next for us?

Starling: I don't know. This war's been going on for as long as I can remember. It'll take time before any of us can adjust to peaceful lives. 

Carth: I'm sure we can. I for one could use the peace and quiet. Fighting a war does get old after awhile. 

At that moment, Starling and Carth began to bond with one another. In their time as Interceptors, they grew closer with one another. Suddenly, distant explosions were heard. Starling picked up her binoculars and scanned the area. She soon spots a large Talon army heading this way. 

Starling: We need to inform Ironwood!

Starling and Carth rushed to the command center where Ironwood was speaking with the Blizzarian Queen. 

Starling: Sir, the Cyclonians are moving! They're bringing in a massive army here! 

Ironwood: Damn. I thought we had more time. There's no way we could hold back another attack. 

Blizzarian Queen: Then we must evacuate the city. I will not allow my people to be killed and enslaved by the Cyclonians. 

Ironwood: We'll hold the line for as long as we can. O'Niner's working on getting evacuation transports ready. It's going to take time. 

Suddenly, loud explosions were heard. The Cyclonians had begun their final attack. The Interceptors soon joined the Blizzarians in holding the line long enough for the evacuation ships to arrive. The fighting proved intense as the Sky Knights held the line against wave after wave of Cyclonian Talons. During each wave, they Sky Knights were slowly pushed back. O'Niner soon joined the fight. 

Ironwood: O'Niner! What's the status of those transport ships?! 

O'Niner: It's going to take some time! 

As the Sky Knights fought for their lives, Ironwood was wounded by a Talon. Starling immediately rushed to him. 

Starling: Ironwood! Are you all right?!

Ironwood: Don't worry about me! We got bigger concerns at the moment! We need to hold the line long enough for those transports to arrive!

The Interceptors continued fighting alongside the Blizzarians as the Cyclonians pushed against the Sky Knight defenders. Soon enough, the first wave of transport ships arrived and began evacuating the Blizzarian civilians out of the city. Only the Blizzarian Queen remained as she allowed her teenage daughter to escape. 

Blizzarian Queen: May the Maiden watch over you, my darling Suzy Lu...

Meanwhile, the Interceptors continued to fight alongside the Blizzarians as the Cyclonians continued to besiege the capital. It was clear that the Cyclonians were going to take the city. 

Mason: We can't hold out for much longer! The Cyclonians are going to take the city! 

Ironwood: We have to hold the line until those transports arrive! 

As the battle dragged on, Starling and Carth fought side by side as the Talons kept pushing into the city. The Blizzarian Queen soon joined the fight as the next wave of transport ships began to land. 

Carth: Here's our ride! Let's get the hell out of here!

With that, the Sky Knights began to get to the transport ships. The Blizzarian Queen and her royal guard stayed behind. 

Blizzarian Queen: The hope of Terra Blizzaris lies in you! You must continue the fight for all free peoples of Atmos! 

As the Queen and her royal guard stayed behind, a Talon sniper took aim at Starling. As the sniper fired the shot, Ironwood took the blaster shot, fatally wounding him. 

Starling: Ironwood! 

The transport ships took off as Terra Blizzaris fell to the Cyclonians. The queen would be executed. On the transport ship carrying the Interceptors, Mason was tending to Ironwood's wounds. 

Starling: How is he?

Mason: It's not good. That shot did serious damage. 

Ironwood: D....don't. I know a dead man when I see it. 

Carth: Save your strength! Mason will get you in shape! 

Ironwood: I'm...I'm not going to make it. 

That revelation stunned the Interceptors. Starling and Carth were deeply shocked as they looked up to him as a father. Starling felt that what happened to Ironwood was her fault. Ironwood then pulled out his Energy Nunchucks and presented it to Starling. 

Ironwood: L...lead them, Sttarling. Lead the Interceptors....

As Ironwood said this, he died on the transport ship. All the Interceptors were deeply saddened by his loss. Starling had now been named commander of the Interceptors despite not feeling worthy of the responsibility. The price of a mile proved to be a heavy cost as not only Terra Blizzaris had fallen to the Cyclonian Empire, but Ironwood had been killed. Starling must now guide the Interceptors through this war.