The vast Dau military complex on Pandora II's second moon had always been intended for purposes above and beyond the current war. In a Dau-dominated solar system, this complex would become a key outpost on the Empire's border. This moon base had been named Jian Yue, or "Sword Moon", referring to the powerful Li'zi Cannon built there. This weapon could fire its devastating ion beam on any territory on any planet in the system.
Heavy fortifications and anti-aircraft arrays were not enough for the Earth Caste architects of Jian Yue. To these they added an ambitious orbital perimeter defense system, which would fire ion beams, similar to that of the Li'zi Cannon, tuned to harm only intruders and spare Jian Yue's infrastructure from any damage.
When complete, Jian Yue would be unassailable. Unfortunately, the Dau stronghold was attacked before it was complete. Many systems and fortifications were not yet fully operational, including the perimeter defense system. An invasion fleet could be shot down, but they could not as easily protect against a small force from making a beachhead at one of the gaps in the Dau's outer defenses. Such a feat would be extraordinarily difficult, but it might just be possible.
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At the main base of Jian Yue, a red Dau Transport ship flew in and landed. The Dau Commander Lu'Rou'De trotted to the ship to greet the guest of honor who arrived.
"We welcome your gracious presence, Huai'Si'Lu." Lu'Rou'De said to the Ethereal.
"I see that our Earth Caste Engineers have made splendid progress in constructing the Jian Yue base station." said Huai'Si'Lu as the ship took off.
"Yes, your Eminence," said Lu'Rou'De, "it is nearly complete. There are only a few gaps remaining in our perimeter defenses, and they are heavily guarded until our Orbital Defense System is fully functional."
Dau troops were moving about the stronghold perimeter, and Dau in large mobile suits were entrenching themselves in key locations.
"Excellent." said Huai'Si'Lu, "And this Li'zi Cannon you have built, quite a marvel, as I understand it."
"Indeed." said Lu'Rou'De, "From this moon, we can fire on any habitable territory in the Pandora System. Do you wish to inspect it yourself?" They walked up to the massive cannon that stood proudly in the center of the main base. "It harms only advanced lifeforms, thus avoiding damage to structures and plant life."
The Ethereal smiled, knowing that the Dau Commander's great weapon is as powerful as he heard. "This is indeed most commendable." He said.
"Our orbital defenses were built using the same technology." said Lu'Rou'De, "Both are controlled from this location."
Just then, an alarm went, and the Ethereal looked around in shock. "What is that?"
"The perimeter has somehow been breached." said Lu'Rou'De. "I must attend to this. Please, your Excellence, return to the Coalition Center."
At the breached location, Guardponies were making their way through, but set off a trap of Battle Drones that bursted from the ground and attacked.
"Yes, that may be best." said Huai'Si'Lu as he trotted off to safety, while Lu'Rou'De headed to his troops.
"Dispatch Way Searchers." said the Commander, "Locate the source of the breach and see that they do not gain entrance and establish a hoofhold. Notify all Flame Warriors and Gryphon Carnivore squads."
All around, Flame Warriors were making ready for the upcoming attack, and Gryphons were heading out on a hunt for the intruders.
"Let us hope that our defenses are strong enough to hold them." Lu'Rou'De prayed.