From his command tower, General Pepper watches with pride as the Cornerian people live perfectly in harmony, taking elevator tour rides, socializing at shopping in grand malls and dining at fine cafes until a tremendous tremor interrupts everything, shaking the surface as the warp zone opens above the command tower. The Striders overwhelm the tower so Pepper orders the tower to evacuate and stays behind since the army has come for him, but two loyal Dog Soldiers say behind with him.