Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes manage to defend the array from Hog Bandits, and they headed back aboard the Ponigeddon.
"Excellent work, Commander Hammerheart." said Spike. "Losing that array would have been a devastating blow in our fight to save the sector. Losing it to the Hogs would have been particularly painful since their plan was to loot it for parts."
"That would have been a blow." Applejack said in agreement. "No arrays of this type have been made in two millennia."
"That is correct, Sergeant." said Spike. "We no longer have the technology to make these arrays. Losing one is a blow the Equestrium never fully recovers from."
"Your victories against the Hogs and Eldeer have stabilized the situation on Salika for the time being." said Goliath. "Not all news is good, however. We are receiving numerous reports of local vegetation mutating and attacks by hordes of leaping animal creatures."
The last sentence grabbed Pinkie's attention. "These creatures... What do they look like?" She asked.
"Most of the reports are from citizens, Pinkie," said Nule, "and their fear makes for unreliable descriptions. I need you to return to Dolmaska as soon as possible. Bangshocka's Hogs have gathered for another major strike against the planetary capital. Without your support, I fear Dolmaska will fall."
The Ponigeddon made its return to Dolmaska, and received more information of the Hog attack from Captain Nule.
"Commander Hammerheart," said Goliath, "Mek Bangshocka and his Hogs are set to overrun Angus, the planetary capital. If they do so, all of Dolmaska will fall. I have set up a defense, but the initiates and Pony Marines there need your support. You will drop south of their position and drive to secure the gates. I have taken a few Pony Marines to the east, and have cut off the Hogs' main approach. Dolmaska must not fall, Commander."