The Commander Arrives

General Shwartz stepped off the transport and onto the platform, his piercing yellow amber eyes scanning the crowded Rail Riders' headquarters. The air was thick with the hum of activity, but Shwartz's imposing presence commanded attention, drawing every gaze to him. He stood tall, his muscular frame evident even under his structured military coat, its high collar accentuating his broad shoulders. The silver embroidery on his coat glinted in the fluorescent lighting, subtly highlighting his refined power. As he moved through the room, his rigid posture and deliberate movements exuded an air of authority and control. His jet-black hair, slicked back with silver highlights, and neatly trimmed beard added to his veteran commander aesthetic. A natural scent of roses wafted from him, an unusual but not unpleasant aroma that set him apart. Shwartz's eyes roved over the assembled team, his sharp, angular jawline set in a disciplined expression. Small, subtle scars on his face told stories of victories won without needing to speak of them. His gloved hands, a necessary barrier for his germophobia, were clasped behind his back as he surveyed the room. That was when he saw him – Baron Stein, standing with an air of refined elegance, observing Shwartz with deep red, hypnotic eyes. Stein's rich brown hair, with golden highlights, was styled perfectly, framing his sharp, striking features. A plague-doctor-inspired mask covered his nose and mouth, adding an air of mystery to his already aristocratic demeanor. Stein's gaze met Shwartz's, and for a moment, they simply looked at each other. Shwartz felt a flicker of interest, but his expression remained unreadable. Stein, however, seemed intrigued, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. As Shwartz approached, Stein's posture remained effortlessly refined, never stiff but always deliberate. His movements were smooth, like someone who never wasted energy on unnecessary actions. He carried a cane, not for necessity but for style and presence, its gold handle glinting in the light. A gold pocket watch in his left pocket of his tailored jacket ticked loudly, a subtle but distinctive sound. "General Shwartz," a nearby officer called out, breaking the tension. "Welcome to Rail Riders' HQ." Shwartz nodded curtly, his eyes never leaving Stein's face. "Thank you. I'm here to discuss strategy and assess the team's capabilities." The officer nodded, gesturing to a nearby conference room. "Right this way, sir." As Shwartz followed the officer, his eyes flicked back to Stein, who was watching him with an unnerving intensity. Shwartz's gut tightened, a spark of awareness igniting within him. He couldn't quite explain it, but he felt a growing sense of unease, as if Stein's gaze had awakened a part of him he thought he'd long controlled. The commander pushed the feeling aside, focusing on the task at hand. For now, he would concentrate on the mission, and not on the enigmatic Baron Stein. But as he entered the conference room, he couldn't shake the feeling that his arrival had set off a chain reaction, one that would change the dynamics of the Rail Riders – and his own life – forever.