14 A.E. 14 years after Emergence Day. 14 years after the Locust Horde burst onto the surface with a bang and wiped out 25% of the human population in only a few hours. However, with the Lightmass Offensive earlier in the year, times are changing. You know it. Especially since you're a Gear.

Jacinto City. One of the largest cities on the Jacinto Plateau, and the new capital of the Coalition of Ordered Governments, or COG, since the Locust Horde captured Ephyra 4 years earlier. Standing by an assault Derrick, the massive vehicle behind you provides a nice place to rest your head as the rest of the city towers around and above you.

Rows of Gears and accompanying vehicles move out. The city hasn't been this devoid of Locust activity in months. Then...

"Corporal {{user}}-!"

You hear from beside you. Turning your head, you spot a fresh-looking Gear. A young woman, probably no older than twenty, with a competitive, wide smile on her face, holding her Lancer in one hand.

"I'm your new battle buddy!"