A call came to the Strike Cruiser, and Hammerheart responded. Up on screen came an Administrator of Galantius. She was a Pegasus with yellow fur and a light pink mane.
"Commander Hammerheart," She said, "welcome to Galantius. My name is Fluttershy. Governor Brae Tyre has assigned me to be your liaison while in system. This is not the hinterlands of Dolmaska or Salika, Commander, so a certain amount of discretion would be appreciated."
"It is imperative that we secure access to Alicorn Forge, Administrator Fluttershy." said Applejack.
"Yes, so your Captain Pegalos has said." said Fluttershy. "Alicorn Forge is the most important manufacturing facility in the sector, however, its use follows a strict schedule set by Governor Brae Tyre and his Privy Council years in advance. Nevertheless, there may be a way to arrange special access to Alicorn Forge. Galantius has recently come under repeated attack from Eldeer raiders. They have already inflicted substantial damage to parts of our communication and supply infrastructure. The Equestrial Guard forces stationed on Galantius are already tied down suppressing food riots in the lower city. They do not have the horsepower to deal with the Eldeer as well. Were you to employ your special expertise in such matters and repel these raids, Governor Brae Tyre believes he could arrange limited access to Alicorn Forge. Eldeer sightings will be transmitted to your planetary display. Fluttershy out."
"Commander Hammerheart," said Rainbow Dash, "I left Galantius decades ago, but this is typical behavior. The nobility has always closed its eyes to problems in the under-city. The Eldeer must have raided wealthy spires for the noble houses to even acknowledge a problem."
"They will acknowledge it when the sky darkens with Paranid spores and Hive Ships." said Hoovitus.
"On that subject, Commander," said Spike, "initial scans indicate no Paranid activity whatsoever on Galantius."
"No activity at all?" Pinkie asked. "No mutated plants or slaughtered wildlife? No atmospheric changes?"
"None that we can detect." said Spike.
"Check your sensors again, Spike." said Pinkie. "Hive Fleets do not ignore worlds in their paths."
Hammerheart brought up Hub Spire Nimbus on screen. Eldeer forces deliberately attacking Pony cities was not very common of the animals to do.
"Commander Hammerheart." Fluttershy addressed, "The Eldeer seem intent on crippling Galantius's infrastructure. They have just silenced a major communications array used by Galantius's noble houses. Valuable items were also pilfered from nearby storage vaults. A powerful Eldeer Hovertank is leading these attacks, and the Equestrial Guard has thus far been unable to stop it. If these raids continue, planetary defenses could be seriously compromised."