"Contact!" came a shout over Kaine's communication's device. Soon thereafter, he too felt the shudder of a transport softly hitting ground.

Destrillion's surface rugged, jagged and seemingly only suitable for the mining that Dubrillion's charter indicated it was used for.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Visibility is pratically zero..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"Respirator check!" he ordered and each transport commander went through the familiar motions.

The General was disappointed that the surface of Destrillion was not really suitable for an AT AT landing..

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> The hulking monsters would be ineffective here..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> he gave a mental sigh.. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Back to the support units..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

Several AT ST's lumbered out followed by Kaine's favorite, AT-RH's.

His scanners showed how the ground troop recruits of Stygian Fleet fared in an environment not optimum for ground combat.

He briefly wondered where the veteran forces of Stygian Fleet were...

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Probably on Carida...enjoying themselves..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


The expansion of the Empire saw the need to train more soldiers.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> And what better way to train them than in an actual mission.. If even only a walk in the park..<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"Sir?" a soldier ran up to him, interupting the General's reverie as he stepped out of the transport to check the positions of those guarding the unloading of the transports and deployment personally.

"Yes, Lieutenant? (junior grade)" he inquired, setting off in one direction.

"Seems this atmosphere plays havoc with our equipment." drawing up several scanners.

The General absentmindedly glanced at what the soldier was carrying and was about to continue on to his destination content to let the him fill out a report to the appropriate Stygian Fleet officer when his mind snapped him back.

His sixth sense was tingling as he stopped and narrowed his eyes at what the junior grade Lieutenant was holding.

"Those are holographic scanners, soldier." he said, not as a question.

"Yes..yes.. sir. As I was saying, the atmosphere seems to.."

"You <!--EZCODE BOLD START--> don't<!--EZCODE BOLD END--> use holographic scanners in a ground action...<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> especially<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> out in the field." the General interrupted.

"But..but.. this scanner covers more..." the soldier started but before he could go further on about the technical superiority of the holoscanners, Kaine pulled one from his arms and turned it over.

"It's functioning, Lieutenant..." he stated, noting the tiny lights on the bottom.

He then pulled out his personal transmitter and set it for wide reception.

"We should be picking up the mining beacons, since the atmosphere doesn't interfere with our communcations...just our visibility.." but as soon as it was activated, only static came through.

"Damn." he muttered and shouted to a nearby Major.

"Bring us to alert.. someone is trying to interfere with our scans and transmission reception..and Sith knows what else.. Move!"

Soldiers were in a flurry and Kaine turned back to the gaping young Lieutenant. With infinite patience he explained.

"Holoscanners are impractical because, in combat conditions, it's easy for an enemy to fake equipment failure. Had we been using the correct, if inferior technically, flat scanners, we would have known immediately that we entered an area blacked out.

A holoscanner projects nothing, when blocked, despite the fact that it is functioning smoothly."

His eyes narrowed.

"You are in charge of this, correct?" and when the young man swallowed and nodded, Kaine continued, "I have the proper scanner on my transport...Does any other division have them?"

The soldier looked like he wanted to crawl away and die but he sucked it up and shook his head. "Given the technological advancement of the holoscanners, I had them all changed out by the equipment stores officer."

"Wanted a commendation for progressive thinking did you?" but he knew the man felt miserable.

"If you live through this, soldier, know that you will clean the grime of this planet off of every transport when we get back."

The soldier blanched but nodded.

"Good. Learn from your mistakes but pay for them like a man."

The General suddenly grinned. "Someone wants to play with the Imperial Army? Well he's about to get bitten. Follow me and learn something."


The howls of the opaque winds suddenly had knew meaning for the General and he smiled grimly.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Fighters...<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"How exactly did our scanners <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> miss<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> an Imperial-Class <!--EZCODE BOLD START--> STAR DESTROYER<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->, WITH support craft, Captain??"

The Admiral's question rang out in a callous manner. Daemon Hyfe paced back and forth behind his command chair, an enraged look fixed upon his livid face.

"Their ships were hidden behind the planet's moon, Admiral... Something about it must have affected our sensors. It's obvious their placement was very strategically planned, sir." The Captain tried his best to make his justifications sound sufficient, but his voice was giving way.

The High Admiral would have none of it.

"Don't YOU tell me what's obvious and what's not, Captain Essian! What's "obvious" is that you lack the initiative to carry out the proper sensor sweeps and gain bearings on our situation. Did I not order you to deploy scout ships and carryout a THOROUGH sweep of the system? What seems "obvious" is that you've either FORGOTTEN proper Imperial protocol, or you've disobeyed a direct order! I can only hope, for your sake, Captain, that it is the former."

Essian looked flushed, but he opened his mouth to speak.

"Sir - "

"When I give you an order, you had damned well better carry it out to the BEST of your ability, or I'll find myself a <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> new<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> Captain for this Division's flag ship. As long as that's perfectly clear, we've now got a situation on our hands...”

Essian inhaled minutely. "Of course, sir." he managed rather weakly, but without stutter.

"Very good." The High Admiral broke his stare, and turned his attention to the BAC visualization display in front of his command chair. "Now, Captain, bring this ship about. Have the 2nd attack group to go ahead and engage the enemy. They should be more than a match for these fools... whoever it is they are."

After the Captain confirmed these orders, the High Admiral glanced to his tactical command console to see the blips of the four enemy craft coming about from the far side of Destrillion's moon: one Star Destroyer and 3 old Imperial Lancer-class Frigates.

"How long until we, and the rest of Group 1, are within range?" Admiral Hyfe asked hastily.

The Captain studied his console for several seconds. "Just over four minutes, sir."

"The landing force is under attack, Admiral!" a comms officer suddenly shouted. "Enemy fighters are targeting our drop ships and heavy artillery!"

Admiral Hyfe cursed heavily under his breath.

By the time he gave the order, fighters were already being launched from the Victory-Class Star Destroyers.

"Get me a link with General Kaine," the Admiral commanded.

The Captain seemed to be shaken from a momentary daze.

"Yes sir. I – I'll try."

"POWER DOWN NOW!!" Kaine shouted to the transport pilots.. "POWER DOWN OR I'LL BLOW YOU OUT OF THE SKY MYSELF!!"

The General moved with extreme irritation ordering a squad of soldiers aboard the craft to facilitate his orders.

"Airborne transports...The order is: Scatter.. I repeat.. Scatter.."

"That's an affirm.." crackled the response through Kaine's comm unit.

The rather cloudy, dirty wind starting to move once more across the surface of the transports as soon as their engines were powered down.

Already the recruits were splitting into divisions of equal number, each being commanded by the most experienced soldiers he could find. Some having no experience at all.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> The amored support would have to suppliment what they lacked.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

The divisions of troops began a systematic scattering themselves so as to not make their large numbers a convenient target should a fighter locate them.

"With visibility as it is, the thrusters of the transports cleared a path through the whisps of wind and clouds which would inform any nearby enemy pilot of their location." The General told the young Lieutenant following.

"But.. why tell the transports in the air to scatter?"

"Because once they rise high enough, a fighter may stumble onto the group and extrapolate their origin point thus leading them back to us."

They moved quickly through the nearly opaque winds and they felt the gravel feeling of the ground change to one of sand.

"Keep to the gravel.." Kaine ordered, remembering his time on Sotel. He did not want the AT-ST's or AT-RH's stuck.

"Wouldn't.. wouldn't Captain Chandler's fighters also not be able to tell where we are? They won't be able to head to us."

At that the General stopped and turned to the young officer. "Why would our fighters need to rendevous with us? They need to rendevous with the enemy and blow them out of the sky. If there is an enemy support base here for those fighters, then our new assignment is to locate and destroy it."

Then he put his hand on the soldier's shoulder. "Now find me a way to locate the base."

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Why didn't we know it was here! We've landed green troops in hostile territory.. damn.. damn.. I am going to skin that intel officer alive!<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"General!" and Kaine turned to barely see another soldier coming up.

"Transmission from Admiral Hyfe.."

"Bounce it between the transports and several divisions before receiving it here. Even if it's encrypted, it might still give our 'friends' the position of our ground force command unit."


While the officer complied, Kaine continued. "I want tight databursts with each division. I want to know where they are and how fast they are moving. It'll be hard enough not seeing past three feet.."

"Sir, I have the Admiral."

Kaine knelt down, and an officer through a small tarp like covering over the unit. Removing the respirator unit and pulling up his protective eyewear, he shook off the grit on his skin and clothes and spoke into the comm unit.

"This is Kaine," he spoke briskly.

"We have engaged the enemy, sir!"

Hyfe ignored the call as he continued keying in commands at his Tactical Command Console, his eyes flicking back and forth from the various holographic displays.

"Admiral?" Essian called again.

A deep calculation was in Hyfe's gaze, such as which Essian had never seen before.

"Adm - "

"Very well, Captain! Would you like a pat on the back, or perhaps a glass of Vlg’dmar to celebrate?"

"I – no, sir."

"Then keep those picket ships in position, and let Rear-Admiral Hayt do his job. Our ETA?"

"Two minutes, sir..." the Captain replied uneasily.

"Connection established, Admiral!" came a shout from comms.

Hyfe tossed the Captain a nod, and leaned forward in his chair.

General Kaine's unmistakable voice sounded: <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> "This is Kaine."<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

Hyfe spoke softly but firmly into the comm. unit. "General, I’m not going to bull @#%$ you. We've got a problem here. It appears we greatly underestimated the forces at Destrillion. A moderate assault force has rounded the planets moon, and sensors are picking up a military base several hundred kilometers to the north of your current location... It is unknown why our sensors did not pick it up before. I assure you... someone is going to have hell to pay..."

"The even more immediate problem, General, is that you've got incoming hostilities approaching from the North East. We can't get a clear reading on the numbers... but it's a formidable mass. Bombers are being launched to take out the enemy base, and we'll have those wasps above you cleared out shortly. Your problem is those incoming troops..."

"What is your current situation?" the Admiral questioned.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> "What is your current situation?"<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->


"Our sensors are being blocked down here and we are not prepared for a long, drawn out battle. We will need a quick and decisive victory or we will defeat ourselves. Unable to move armored units to immediately meet the enemy due to terrain."

Kaine paused for a moment. <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> This was supposed to be a training exercise! Dubrillion had already capitulated.<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"The ground forces do not worry me as much as the birds in the air. Let me know when their umbrella has been removed and we shall converge and destroy the enemy troops. I am sending several divisions toward the base to cut off any supply lines.

Any special orders?"


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Where the frell was Captain Chandler?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

"Cutting of their supply lines would be wise, General, just make sure you stay clear of the main base. Bombers are being launched as we speak. Our pilots are accurate, but mistakes can happen," the Admiral warned.

"Of course, Admiral" came the voice of Kaine.

"And you can rest assured that the fighter coverage will be eliminated shortly. Several squadrons are on their way," Hyfe assured.

He paused for a moment, pondering.

"Why not fight fire with fire, General? I can spare two whole squadrons of Scimitars to make strafing runs on those approaching troops. Their force will be in shambles by the time they reach you."

"With visibility as it is down here, I'm not sure how effective that would be, Admiral."

"I think it's worth a try. At least while the enemy forces are still a distance away from you."

"Yes, sir. That would certainly be a great help."

The Admiral nodded, forgetting for a moment that Kaine couldn't see him.

"I have the utmost faith in you, General Kaine. Twice now I've had the pleasure of serving with you directly. You have my deepest respect. Best of luck," said Hyfe. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a battle to fight up here. For the Empire," he said.

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> In the meantime... Aboard the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Innuendo<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--><!--EZCODE BOLD END-->


The massive Attack-Class Carrier Sphere, a huge 1,600 meter globe of destruction, powered towards the enemy pirate fleet. The many orifices covering its entire surface hinted at it's immense number of lethal TIE Devil fighters contained deep within it's bowels, and its 50 heavy turbolasers told of it's undeniable power as a attack ship in it’s own. Perhaps one of the New Order's greatest inventions...

And on the small, circular bridge within, Rear-Admiral Hayt watched the nearing fleet with malice in his eyes.

Hayt was a small man, weak looking. He had a thin weaselish face, with mouth like a slash in leather, twin ink spots for eyes. Despite his size, there was a casual air of brutality about him, a sense of toughness and poise that would send a shiver through many a man.

Their TIE fighters were swarming ahead of them, heading toward the defenders now beginning to take up rudimentary attack formations. On the BAC display, occasional flashes of turbolaser fire flickered as both sides began to fire ranging shots.

To Hayt's great regret, upon further examination, the two forces were more equally matched than he had first realized. Superior commanding would be essential for victory, or at least for 0% losses until Attack Group A arrived to provide additional support.

The Rear-Admiral could hear Commander Grigmon-Rautha spilling orders in the backround, working just as efficiently as usual. Prestigious Imperial training at its finest.

"Squadron A-4, move to sector twenty two," the Commander ordered.

Grigmon-Rautha, a large man, at least a good head taller than any of the others aboard the Carrier Sphere's bridge, stood at his station attentively. Broad shoulders and a firm poise betrayed his extensive military training. He was dark haired, round of face, and his sullen eyes studied the readouts before him intently.

The Rear-Admiral looked to the Commander. "Are pickets in position?"

"Yes, sir. They won't be getting away," Grigmon-Rautha responded.

Hayt nodded, chewing intensely at his lower lip, contemplating their course of action. He was known for giving all his orders at once, and it was expected of the Commander to keep up with him. It wasn't pretty when he didn't.

The Rear-Admiral tightened his face in agitation, then began to rattle of his orders in a rapid manner:

"Let the FCLCs move ahead, keep them in pairs to take on one Lancer at a time. Have them launch both squadrons of fighters at once. One FCLC alone is a fair match against an old Lancer. They should be able to eliminate them fairly quickly. The <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Radiance<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> will assist. Have the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Penetrators<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> full fighter compliment also assault the Lancer frigates. With so many attackers, they will be overwhelmed, and their actions will be sluggish.

"Have the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Headlong's<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> fighters continue to match up with those of the enemy. Our pilots have far superior flight training. These pitiful forces will be no match for the Empire's best. All TIE Devils are to execute close swarm strategy on the ISD, taking out all weapons emplacements, keeping in close so that defensive fire will be ineffective. We will engage the ISD flagship along with the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Headlong<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->. Order Captain Sivvell to take the starboard side."

By the time the Rear-Admiral looked to the Captain for confirmation that the orders were understood, they had already been sent, and Grigmon-Rautha was standing tall with the slightest hint at a smug smile on his face.

Hayt gazed at him grimly for a moment, then let out a chuckle.

His confidence had increased ten-fold. This pitiful force didn't stand a chance against the might of the Empire.

Ahead of them, the Fire-Class Light Cruisers and Lancer-Class Frigates began to lash out with laser fire, tumbling about with each other as if part of some magnificent ballet... only here, the less skilled dancer wound up dead.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> So let's dance,<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> the Rear-Admiral through in amusement.

<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Star Destroyer <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Victory<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--><!--EZCODE BOLD END-->



"Helm, take us to maximum orbit and prepare for .."

"Sir! Enemy vessels appearing!" the nearby Scanning Officer nearly jumped out of his seat.

"You are relieved." Captain Chandler coldly ordered, and another bridge replacement officer was called up.

"We were given the launch authorization from the Admiral were we not?"

The Comm Officer walked up to Chandler, speaking quietly, "Affirmative, Sir."

"Interpret for me," the Captain ordered the replacement personnel as they sat themselves at the Scanning station.

"Multiple ships, vectoring for the Admiral's fleet."

"Any sign that they noticed us?"

"Doesn't appear.. wait. Sir, scanners picking up fighter activity heading toward the Destrillion."

Captain Chandler nodded, thoughtful, "Give me a scan of the planet."


"Scanning... Sir, I think you should see this." and the officer routed the visual to a side monitor. As the image cleared Chanlder noted the outline and exhaled in surprise. "Is that what I think it is?"

"Affirmative Sir."

"Have our support ships rendevous with the Admiral and report this to him." Chandler ordered the Comm Officer.

Turning to his Executive Officer, "Rig us for silent running, and bring us into a low orbit. I want to sneak up on that bastard."


The outline of a giant cannon, in the haze of the winds, still showed through on the monitor.





<!--EZCODE BOLD START--> Dubrillion<!--EZCODE BOLD END-->



"Good thing that the Admiral posted the position of the enemy to us. It tells us that the scanner blockage only a localized event." the Lieutenant said to the General.

Simon grunted putting on his protective eyewear and respirator once more when his mind snapped into action. His eyes bored into those of the Lieutenant as the obvious slapped him like a raw recruit.

"If our ships can relay their position without difficulty, then it stands to reason their ships can relay <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> our<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> position to their forces!"

He grabbed the communication's officer and threw him down near the equipment. "Send all groups the data burst.. arial assault.. evade! I repeat, arial assault, evade!"

Suddenly, explosions were being heard as one adventurous enemy bomber started a run.

"They are trying to startle us! They know were are in this vicinity, but visibility is zero! Hold fire! Don't give away your positions!"

Communications soldiers scrambled to get Kaine's multiple orders out to the groups.

"Inform the Admiral that I would like my skies free....and try to locate the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Victory<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->."

The dust the bombs were kicking up was making the respirators work even harder.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> If there was a way to block the enemy's ship communications to their troops, our positions wouldn't be given away as easily as theirs are... I wonder if the Admiral is having the same thoughts?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

<!--EZCODE CENTER START--><!--EZCODE CENTER END-->


Sweat poured from the humanoids body, his head throbbing like a ripe tomato.

Lieutenant Shrrachell tightened his fierce grip on the neck of Durjell Sl'oska, eyes narrowing in contempt.

“P-please! I - we didn’t know!” Sl’oska screamed, almost squealing under the intimidation of the burly officer pinning him to the wall.

“The Empire does not tolerate TRAITORS,” the Lieutenant spat at the cowering human.

"I- I – let me explain! This was all a misu – a misunderstandi - "

“You agreed to the New Orders terms, yet declined to inform us of a billion credit pirate enterprise housed on Destrillion? You could be costing us THOUSANDS of lives!”

“I – please! It was our only choice!” Sl’oska seemed to plead for the umpteenth time. “Please…” he whined, tugging at the firm grip of Shrrachell. “Ever since the Ordos arrived at Destrillion 4 years ago, they have been manipulating the Dubrillion government, giving us orders with threats of force to motivate us. When you arrived, they ordered us not to give mention of their presence… they… they swore that they wouldn’t give you any trouble! Your Admiral made no mention of his desire to occupy the planet of Destrillion!”

Lieutenant Shrrachell’s grip did not loosen.

“Please, I assure you that we meant no harm! Citizenship within the Empire is just what we needed to escape the clutch of the Ordos!” Sl’oska’s eyes were beginning to water.

“Please, we… we can help you defeat them!” Slo’ska offered.


Shrrachell released the man.



<!--EZCODE CENTER START--><!--EZCODE CENTER END-->


Scimitars screamed towards the ravaged planet of Destrillion, descending into the thick brown atmosphere. The pilots relied entirely on the advanced nav systems, visual flying proving completely impossible.

The Assault Bombers broke formation as they neared the enemy troop position. Because of the localized sensor jam, the bombers were relying on information being fed to them from up above, aboard their host ships, to zero-in on the enemy position.

All 24 Scimitar fighters broke into groups of four, vectoring in on the enemy position from different angles, and began systematic bombing runs. With zero visibility, they would be totally dependant on the instructions being sent from the Victory-Class Star Destroyers.

Explosions reverberated across the planets surface as the bombs began to impact the planets surface, spewing flames of distorted colors through the thick dirty fog coating the planet. Continuing fires barely visible let the pilots know that they had at least hit <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> something<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> other than rock and dirt. Information fed to them from the VSDs confirmed this. They were dead on target… and the Ordos troops were taking a heavy beating.

It was impossible to tell what collateral damage they were taking from possible anti-aerial weaponry, but it was condolence enough to know that they were giving the enemy a pounding.

When the tubes were finally empty, the Scimitars pulled out, as if in a hurry to escape the hellish atmosphere of Destrillion.

They shot forth from the thick dirt cloud atmosphere one by one, and as they neared the VSDs, the sensors aboard the remaining 17 of the initial 24 Scimitars were finally able to inform them on their own that that their attack run had been effective: nearly two thirds of the enemy force had be demolished.



<!--EZCODE CENTER START--><!--EZCODE CENTER END-->


“Sir, the data sent from the Dubrillion Overliege is a complete readout of enemy forces!”

High Admiral Hyfe turned hurriedly to the voice of the informant with an inquisitive look plastered on his wrinkled face.

“Yes, sir... It contains a complete topographical map of Destrillion, with marked locations of Ordos Pirate bases clearly marked. I see here in-depth information on fighter base locations, supply plants, infantry barracks… anything we could possibly want or need!”

The Admiral chuckled loudly as a smile ebbed onto his face.

“I don’t know what Lieutenant Shrrachell did down there, and I don’t care, but he’ll be getting a promotion for this!”

“Yes sir!” the comms officer agreed in excitement, just because he could.

The Admiral didn’t seem to care.

“Have this information sent to Division 2 immediately, as well as to the Captain of the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Victory<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->, and to General Kaine on the planet,” Hyfe ordered.

“Right away sir.”

“Progress on the planets surface?”

The Captain took his opportunity to chime in.

“Scimitar Bombing raids were 62% effective, sir. The attacking forces have broken formation, and some forces appear to be turning back. After we jammed communications, enemy craft were no longer able to target our own forces, and TIE Advanced fighters were been able to eliminate the bombers above Kaine’s troops.”

Admiral Hyfe nodded.

“And the defense cannon?”

“The <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Victory<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> is on it,” the Captain informed him.

“Things are going our way,” the Admiral said with satisfaction.


Rear-Admiral Hayt had been extremely successful in battling the small Ordos attack force. Two of the three Lancers had already been disabled by the time Hyfe arrived with Division One, and the Imperial-Class Star Destroyers shields had just dropped. The only damage Division Two had sustained was the loss of one Fire-Class Light Cruiser, and heavy damage to the VSD <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Headlong<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->.

With the arrival of the Super Star Destroyer <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Pandemonium<!--EZCODE ITALIC END--> and the rest of Division One, the remaining Ordos forces were quickly decimated.


OOC:

Imperial forces lost thus far:

7 Scimitar Assault Bombers
12 TIE Advanced Fighters
1 Fire-Class Light Cruiser

<!--EZCODE CENTER START--><!--EZCODE CENTER END-->


Kaine's breathing became more ragged as his respirator worked to keep out the tiny grains of sand kicked up by the harsh Destrillion atmoshpere.

The explosions nearby told Kaine that Hyfe's fighters had found the enemy base and his units rushed forward to identify and cut off any routes in or out of the base.

The fighting became fierce as the enemy tried to bring in more support units but were caught by Kaine's flanking AT-ST's.

The RH's were left behind to watch the widening positions of Kaine's army.

Being scattered as it was to avoid the enemy bombers the group communicated by short data bursts to avoid giving away their relative positions.

The enemy, before being torn to shreds by the bombers from above, had crossed the dunes to attack Kaine's command unit as they were trying to coordinate. They were not expecting Kaine's army to have remained on the solid, sturdier gravel ground. They had expected Kaine to hazard the dunes, rendering his machines useless..

They did not expect the RH's to catch them and hurt them.

The sand had patches of fused glass as the shots from the mighty guns of the RH's proved more of a match than the enemy's will to take Kaine's command. In reality, they probably did not realize they were attacking the General's unit.

Simon, however, did not let this circumstance go without answer. He immediately mobilized his left flank to bring it forward and, putting his command unit, in point crossed the dunes after the enemy.

The RH's were left to follow at the edge of the hard surface, under explicit orders not to cross into the dunes and provide support to the right flank units that were attempting to locate the lines to the base that Hyfe's forces had spotted.

The travel across the dunes was tiring extremely poor visiblity. With Hyfe taking air superiority over Destrilliion, the enemy positions were relayed to Kaine.

Adjusting their pursuit they were able to catch them as they exited the dunes, cutting many of their number down. Kaine continued to pursue with dogged determination as the enemy continued their escape.

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Where were they heading?<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->

And suddenly, his blood chilled for in the distance... the shadow of a large cannon pierced the orange wisps of wind.

The cannon was positioning itself somewhere along a space vector.


<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> NO!<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->





<!--EZCODE CENTER START--><!--EZCODE CENTER END-->


"Sir, Cannon has targeted the High Admiral's ship!"


"Do we have a solution??" Chandler growled.

"No, sir... Atmospheric conditions are making it hard too..."

"General Kaine's forces are reported in the area.." Chandler's Exec. came up and whispered in the Captain's ear.

Chandler nodded. "We are out of time! Launch everything we have... I want that cannon taken out now!"

"Aye Sir!"

The mighty ISD powered up their batteries, causing a stir on the planet below as a previously unchecked Star Destroyer suddenly appeared nearly directly above them.

"FIRE!"

Series of missles launched from the ISD as turbolaser discharges rained down on the cannon's sight vaporizing anything within a mile radius.



Blacked dust rained down on Kaine's soldiers but they sucked it up as a grin came to his lips.

"I guess we've found the <!--EZCODE ITALIC START--> Victory<!--EZCODE ITALIC END-->.."


"In more ways than one sir.." the Lieutenant comment. When the General glanced at him, he smiled, "The remaining forces are signalling for surrender."


"Indeed.." was all Simon remarked, spitting out some dust.


He walked off to check on his men a tune coming to his lips.


<!--EZCODE CENTER START--><!--EZCODE CENTER END-->