//------------------------------//
// Claw of the Hive Mind 
// Story: PonyHammer 40,000: Magic of War II 
// by Dragon Heart 
//------------------------------//

	Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes succeeded in destroying the Pyro Prism that was leading the Eldeer attacks on the spire, and returned back to the Ponigeddon.

"Barley Dixon of House Tolrant passes on his thanks, Commander Hammerheart." said Fluttershy. "He looks forward to the recovery of his stolen goods and the repair of the damaged array."

"Is this liaison unaware that a Paranid Hive Fleet is descending upon this sector?" Hoovitus asked.

"We are currently reviewing the full extent of the Paranid threat, Sergeant." said Fluttershy. "We have yet to find evidence that Galantius is in any real danger. Fluttershy out."

"Equestrium TechDonkeys have been working to restore an ancient astronomical array deep in the jungles of Salika." said Spike. "If reports are accurate, this array is capable of detailed scans of an entire sub-sector. This data could allow us to uncover a critical weakness in the Hive Fleet. We will have to make contact with the TechDonkeys at their base camp on Salika, and ask for the location."

A call came up on screen from the Stampede of Fury. "Commander Hammerheart, Captain Pegalos here." said Pegalos. "You must defend the capital world and secure Alicorn Forge. It will all be for naught, however, if we cannot develop weapons with which to attack the Hive Mind itself. You must locate and secure the Astronomic Array hidden on Planet Salika. You must also obtain a sample of the Hive Fleet's bio-toxins. Pegalos out."

The Ponigeddon left Galantius and returned to Dolmaska to carry out a crippling strike to the Paranid swarm. Hammerheart brought up the map of Angus Settlement, where Paranid activity has been brewing strongly.

"Commander Hammerheart," said Pegalos, "orbital sensors have located a powerful Paranid target.  This creature of the Mantodea genus exists to channel the voracious might of the Hive Mind. Victory here will help us on all fronts, Commander. We will push the infesting swarm back a step, gaining us precious time. We will also gain valuable information that could help us locate a primary hive."