Orders Carry On

[Verse 1 – Arrival]
We sailed for aid on foreign skies
With charts that spoke of rising tides
A growing strength, a nation new
A steadfast ally firm and true
But through the smoke and shattered air
No banners flew, no triumph there
Only ruins stretched below
Where strength was meant to grow

[Pre-Chorus]
No victory songs, no marching drums
Just silence where the past had come

[Chorus – First Statement]
Orders carry on—
Stand fast—steady ranks
Though the world we knew is gone
We maintain our stance
Stand fast—steady ranks,
Through the smoke and through the flame
Stand fast—steady ranks—
Duty holds our name

[Verse 2 – Observing the ruin]
Below, the fields lie torn apart
A broken land, a fractured heart
The crew in silence stands and sees
A different kind of casualties
No clear command, no guiding sign
Just ash and loss along the line
Yet still the Admiral remains
Unshaken by the strain

[Pre-Chorus – Internal pressure]
The weight of worlds behind his eyes
But none will hear the truth he hides

[Verse 3 – Hale]
A thought returns, unbidden, clear—
His son should be out serving here
Captain Hale, his pride, his name—
Within this rising airship game
But not a wing, not signal light
Not one familiar ship in sight
Just empty skies and growing dread—
But discipline keeps words unsaid

[Chorus – Strength under strain]
Orders carry on—
Stand fast—steady ranks
Though the skies may come undone
We maintain our stance
Stand fast—steady ranks,
Though the fear begins to rise
Stand fast—steady ranks—
We do not compromise

[Bridge – Arrival of the airship]
A shadow cuts across the sun
Engines failing, barely run
Canvas torn and rigging worn
A wounded ship the winds have borne
No banners proud, no signal clear
Only something broken near
And in its passing, one command
Shakes the Admiral’s steady hand

[Bridge Hook – The question]
What scared an empire enough to send
That ship limping through the sky?

[Bridge 2 – Decision]
He straightens up, restores command
Voice as firm as iron hand
“Signal this: we hold our place—
We face whatever we must face.”

[Final Chorus – Full Orchestral Weight]
Orders carry on—
Stand fast—steady ranks
Though the world has turned and gone
We maintain our stance
Stand fast—steady ranks,
If the heavens fall to flame
Stand fast—steady ranks—
We endure in the Crown’s name

[Outro – Quiet, human]
No word is spoken, none is shown
But somewhere deep, the fear has grown
A father waits behind the steel…
But duty is the only thing he’ll feel

Imperial orchestral drama, disciplined military percussion, ceremonial brass fanfares, classical strings, formal male