The launch rail hurls Ellena and Beta Platoon's four mechs into the darkness beyond Terran Republic Space Station Alpha. Their engines flare white against the station hull.
Sergeant Vale remains behind on the prep deck, one hand locked to the command console as the departing machines shrink into tactical silhouettes.
Sergeant Vale
Lieutenant, all Beta units report weapons ready. Railguns charged, armor seals green, maneuver thrusters responding.
The station falls behind as tactical overlays bloom across Ellena's cockpit. A coordinated humanoid insect formation accelerates through the black, converging on Alpha's exterior defenses.
Beta Pilot One
Nearest intercept vector marked. Formation is tightening around the defense ring, twelve contacts and gaining speed.
Amber targeting brackets align with the incoming shapes. Beyond them, Alpha's defense batteries rotate from standby, tracking the same hostile approach.
Sergeant Vale
Beta Platoon is with you, Lieutenant. The station is holding fire for your intercept solution.
Drive away the hostile formation