Coupe

Cuirassiers were on Wei, but Davion dropped regiments in on them, as per past attacks. The other two worlds have single battalions defending them and are facing full regimental combat teams."

Tsen Shang shot a haunted glance at the holographic map as a dagger of red stabbed deep into the heart of the Sarna Commonality. "By the gods, they can't." He looked up at Justin, then over at Alexi. "Have you got confirmation?"

Alexi's head sank forward as he nodded. "I've got enough Jump- and DropShips for at least two RCTs."

Justin stared open-mouthed at the world now slowly burning red. I don't believe it. They've actually done it!"Sarna!" he said aloud.

Maximilian Liao's head came up as a deep, insane laugh echoed from his throat. "Sarna. They actually struck at Sarna."

The harsh sound of his laughter echoed in the room, and struck Justin with a momentary fear. He's lost it. The Chancellor has finally lost it."Highness, this is their deepest and boldest stroke."

Liao's eyes narrowed until they were no more than black, reptilian slits. "Have you forgotten, Justin Xiang, that you yourself anticipated this attack? McCarron's Armored Cavalry has not left Sarna. They will smash the invaders and then, with 'Mechs strengthened by the new myomer fibers, we will force the invaders from our domain." Liao smiled cruelly. "Hanse Davion does not realize it, but he has overextended himself. This attack is the begi

17

Landing Zone Pulsar, Sarna

Sarna Commonality, Capellan Confederation

27 May 3029

Captain Ala

As her 'Mech hit, the landing did not jar Ala

The Victor'ssensors gave her full view of the wide, shallow valley that Invasion Command had designated Landing Zone Pulsar. Off to the west, on a slow rise, was an evergreen forest with trees so tall they dwarfed even the BattleMechs. The thick green growth broke against the rolling hills toward the north, where the Gray Mountains rose up to form the northern horizon. From their snowy heights flowed the broad, muddy river that had overflowed its banks to flood the valley. The mountains tapered off toward the east, but more hills in that direction restricted visibility as well. Only to the south, where the sluggish river escaped, was the landscape wide open.

Ata

"Roger that, Captain. I bet old Heart-of-Stone closed his eyes and touched the map to plunk us down here. Yuck! A swamp."

Ala

Rex knows he’ll get another slug on his record for that remark when the battletapes are reviewed, but I suppose it won't make any difference to him. He's too good to be busted out of the service, and the AFFS knows it. I think they keep him a Leftenant just so he won't stir up trouble among the enlisted perso