Fiction:Eriaroon-Yorchi Conflict

Within the expanse of the Milky Way Galaxy, two very different civilizations began their journey to take their place amongst the stars.

The Yorchi Union, a militaristic society of beings who inhabited a sulfuric volcano world, dispatched probes across space, seeking out new worlds, new locations to colonize, new resources to exploit. They were newcomers to the interstellar community, yet to encounter another intelligent species. For them, merely touching most other species would result in death, for their biology was adapted to a highly acidic and water-lacking environment.

The Eriaroon Eugenic Republic, a star state of aquatic cephalopods who lived within an ocean beneath frozen ice, sent crewed vessels- they lacked mechanical computers, and their curiosity led them to consider venturing into space as great accomplishment, if a risky one- to gain new information on the systems that surrounded them. Space- or the Great Beyond, as they knew it- was a recent and revelatory discovery. The moment they had first broken the ice to witness the void of space, seeing the dim yet detectable light from the distant furious blaze above that most would call a star, their world had changed from limited to infinite.

To one civilization, water was a deadly acid. To the other, it was the air they breathed, the world they moved in. One saw any other beings as a possible threat to their security, the other saw other such beings as demons from beyond.

Their first encounter with one another would not be a pleasant one.

First Contact
The Iopel system was a relatively small and insignificant one. Filled only with barren worlds and frozen wastes, it was certainly not a very inviting location, perhaps fit only for a mining base or space station. The searing blue star scorched the world closest to it, yet even its vibrant light and intense heat could not bring warmth to the small icy world at its outskirts. Between these planets was Iopel II, a warm barren planet with no atmosphere, covered in craters, and mostly comprised of dust and rocks.

In orbit above this easily forgettable world was a vessel of the Eriaroon Eugenic Republic. Onboard, Eriaroons swam through the water-flooded hallways, using their tentacles to grab onto holding points on the walls- to an Eriaroon, all such surfaces were walls, not ceilings or floors- and pull themselves towards their destinations. The craft was a small one by Eriaroon standards, and certainly so by the standards of most civilisations.

Floating through the water inside the vessel’s primary chamber, the equivalent of a bridge or command centre, was Rangoa Shemnum Luso-Teressu, Vibrant Scholar of the Eriaroon Eugenic Republic. Surrounding her on all sides- for she could see it all at once- was a holographic display, showing data from the world she was currently observing. Orbital speed, length of day, estimated content of minerals and valuable resources, habitability rating, all of these details and countless others were revealed on the hologram.

To her, this world seemed to be made of dust and rocks. The materials found at the bottom of the abyssal ocean floor on her home planet, Uroncayde. At first, such missions had been fascinating, even exciting. Eriaroons enjoyed furthering their understanding of the universe, and a Scholar even more so. But gradually, even Rangoa had begun to experienced tedium as she discovered planet after planet of dust and rocks.

She was not yet aware of the vessel that appeared, the distorted mass becoming clear and solid as the probe warped in.

The heat outside was sweltering on the volcanic planet of Moriahra, as the personnel of the Yorchi Union’s Interstellar Operation’s Bunker prepare themselves for another exploration mission. Unwilling to spend resources on sending crewed vessels simply to look at new, slightly different planets, the Yorchi preferred robotic probes for such assignments.

The craft was directed by living personnel- their robotics technology had not yet achieved sentience, and they didn't trust automated systems enough for space exploration- as it began to send back scans of the surrounding area. There was a fiery rock planet, a barren rock planet, and a frozen ice world. Orbiting the rock world was a pair of small, irregular moons and a strange energy source.

“Wait. What’s that energy source? Tell the thing to get closer.” commanded Director Seroktamchun, who was the one in charge of the mission. He paced around the room slightly to ensure everyone was operating their computers and doing their jobs right, his deliberate stride giving him an air of authority. He kept his upper pincers clenched the screen faded into static, a result of the probe warping to its destination. The Yorchi had access to superluminal communication, but they could not send or receive information between vessels and bases whilst said vessels were travelling in warp.

After a brief moment, colour returned to the screen. The Yorchi present now saw a closer image of the batten world’s cratered surface lit blue by the starlight, the distant stars far beyond this system, and a black and cyan vessel the likes of which the had never before witnessed.

“It can't be…aliens?”

Meanwhile, inside the Eriaroon craft, Rangoa’s tentacles spread further apart, as the holograms revealed the presence of the mechanical explorer. Her eyes were incapable of seeing true colour, as her kind saw only light and dark, but if she could have seen the craft in full colour, it would have seemed a dull grey and brown metallic vessel. Her mind raced, as she prepared herself to operate the joint-mind. These biologically engineered brains served as the computers of Eriaroon vessels. The crew around her blinked their bioluminescent flesh in surprise as they too witnessed the information flooding in.

“Demons?”

The two species send communications to one another. In the Yorchi bunker, the screen had an extra panel added to it. Appearing upon the screen was an abhorrent organism, blurred somewhat by the liquid that surrounded it. Its tentacles drifted slowly in the substance, cyan patches glowing on its black, slimy skin. On top of its head were four horns, some kind of armoured plate in the space left between them.

In the Eriaroon starship, a holographic image appeared. If Rangoa could have seen colour, she would have seen the brown and grey on the being’s chitinous armour. It was a monstrous creature, with a pair of legs and two pairs of arms encased within exoskeletal plating. One set of arms ended in three-fingered hands, whereas the other set ended in three-pronged graspers, lacking an opposable digit. This particular individual had a few pieces of clothing- specifically, a captain’s hat and a few military decorations.

It was the Eriaroon who spoke first. Rangoa decided she would say the most courteous greeting in her society. She interfaced with the joint-mind, hoping translation would be accurate. Her own language often involved tactile and optical communication, which she wasn't certain these demons were capable of.

The distorted mechanical voice blared out the words in the Yorchi Bunker.

“My condolences.”

In the bunker, panic began.

“Condolences? For what?” came the hasty reply.

“For your presence in this world.”

To an Eriaroon, this statement was a simple explanation. Their greeting was an offering of apology, that another being had been trapped within this accursed afterlife of the unworthy. To the    Yorchi, however, this statement was seen as a dire insult. These aliens had only just made contact, and already they mocked the Yorchi Union. Seroktamchun himself pressed a button, arming the probe’s limited weapon system.

“How dare you insult us!”

Rangoa was now confused. How had they been insulted? Did they consider her greeting to be too informal?

“I know not to what insult you refer. We seek only to aid you in your liberation from this existence.”

Rangoa was attempting to be diplomatic. She was offering these beings assistance, the support of her government, so that together they may one day ascend from this afterlife. But Seroktamchun did not see it that way. As far as he was concerned, this “liberation” had two possible meanings- liberation from their government of order, which he would not allow. Or, allternatively, they viewed the end of life as liberating. Both were hostile.

The Eriaroon vessel was shielded. The Yorchi only shoulder their military ships, and saw no reason to send such a large craft just to explore. The Director concluded these craft were going to attempt an attack on the Yorchi Union. This was war. And in war, it was always beneficial to get the first shot.

“You seek to destroy us, and call it liberation? Enough! You are the ones who will be “liberated” from your existence, aliens!”

A pair of missiles streamed from the probe. Bullet fire began. The Eriaroon craft, designed purely for exploration, was not designed to withstand this assault.

“Know that with this idiotic action, you have entered a state of conflict with the Eriaroon Eugenic Republic. May you be purged, degenerate demon!”

Those were the final words of Rangoa Shemnum Luso-Teressu, as her craft shattered in an explosive blaze, fragments of water boiling into steam and freeezing into blocks of ice as the vacuum of space consumed all on board.

The Yorchi Union and the Eriaroon Eugenic Republic were now at war.

Battle of Naraduul
The Yorchi Union, being a highly militaristic civilization, had the initiative in the conflict. To combat the Eriaroons, they formed the Union Interstellar Expeditionary Force out of their armed space forces. Robotic exploration probes were refitted into missile gunships and scouts. This fleet was divided further into two theatres- the Offensive Theatre and the Defensive Theatre. The former would launch an assault on alien worlds, whilst the latter would defend Yorchi colonial holdings and mining bases.

From distant observation, the Yorchi found their first target- the frozen moon of Naraduul. This world was in the outskirts of Eriaroon territory, serving mainly as a research base for low-gravity environments and forge world. The Yorchi believed it to be a mining base, as the Yorchi Union used small worlds for such considerably. The Union Interstellar Expeditionary Force dispatched a small scout force to a nearby fringe world as a distraction, before the fleet proper approached Naraduul. The Yorchi sent a considerably sized force, to demonstrate their strength.

As soon as the force arrived, the attack began. Yorchi interceptors launched from their carrier craft, moving at rapid speed to wear down the Eriaroons. Commanding the attack was Admiral Aryakmanchinor, a fearsome if arrogant leader. The Admiral did not command from the front. Rather, he directed his forces from the safety of his bunker on the volcanic planet of Ohrandaka.

Eriaroon vessels were larger and more ponderous, yet they did not require agility as their bubble shields absorbed the incoming projectiles. Flashes of blue and violet light glowed as laser fire began, tearing the Yorchi interceptors apart with pinpoint accuracy. Compared to Yorchi bullet- or rather, round shot- fire, theses beams had a very much slower rate of fire. However, when they were fired, they were far more likely to hit their mark. The speed advantage of smaller vessels was minimised by this weaponry, causing the Yorchi interceptors to pull back from their attack runs.

The Yorchi fleet still had a significant numerical advantage, even disregarding their ineffective interceptor craft. The constant barrage of bullets, flak rounds and missiles was beginning to wear down the shields of the Eriaroon vessels. The heavier, armoured Yorchi warships were designed to take a large amount of damage even when their shield shielding was taken down. Even as one gunboat exploded in a vibrant blaze of fire and energy, its missile bays were emptied as shot after shot trailed through space, most of them hitting their large, bulky targets.

Admiral Aryakmanchinor examined the information inside of his bunker, shouting commands to each craft under his command. With its shields disabled, the largest of the Eriaroon craft present was torn to shreds by flak, dismembered fragments of the former warship scattered across the stars. Some Yorchi officers let out a loud, high-pitched roar in celebration of the destruction of the greatest hostile threat. Even Aryakmanchinor allowed himself a slight smile. The Eriaroon ships, without their shields, lacked heavy armouring. As such, their main advantage began to falter as shields were finally taken down. Yorchi victory was certain.

Then, it happened.

Out of nowhere, there was a flash of brilliant white light, then another and another, as a battle fleet of Eriaroon vessels materialised. The forces that had been sent to deal with the Yorchi decoy assault had predicted that the Yorchi would launch a follow up there, and amassed massive numbers. When they had realised the Union fleet was attempting to attack another system, they had moved with haste to reinforce. The Yorchi Fleet, many of its ships in tatters and flames, was no match for these unexpected defenders.

"Commence tactical withdrawal!" ordered Aryakmanchinor, his voice holding a tone of fury. The Yorchi vesssels began to turn around to warp out of the approaching massacre. However, many Eriaroon ships had already begun firing. Torpedoes were launched into craft with damaged engines, devastating the defenceless warships. Many Yorchi ships were about to escape, when ionic weaponry impacted their hulls. With their controls short-circuited and their power supplies disrupted, these unfortunate Yorchi vessels were trapped, unable to escape their fates. The few remaining Yorchi vessels became distorted as they left the system, in shame, anguish and terror.

As the final Yorchi warship departed, Aryakmanchinor received a transmission from the enemy. Calming himself, though still frustrated at his failure, the Admiral opened communications. An alien appeared in the screen, writhing its tentacles and emitting glows that did not quite synchronise with the belated mechanical translation of its words.

"I offer no condolences, demons who dare to assault our worlds. The strife you seek to bring upon the Eriaroon Eugenic Republic has been extinguished, the dying light of your faltering will soon to follow. I am Merulmnos Zolom-Rashaal, Purgator of the Demon Retribution Fleet, and I have been tasked with the enactment of your destruction. I inform you of this, to offer you one final opportunity. You have one chance to concede, before the full extent of my wrath, and that of all my kind, is brought upon you."

The image vanished, the screen returning to its display of combat data. Aryakmanchinor did not even try to give a response, his seething rage only growing as he closed communications. The Yorchi Union would never surrender to these aliens. They would fight, with all of their strength, until their foes had been crushed beneath their feet.

Offensive Preparations
Merulmnos Zolom-Rashaal drifted inside the central chamber of the Infinity class battleship Avenger of the Forsaken. The Purgator had performed in a satisfactory manner during her defence of Naraduul. The enemy had been aggressive, but their decoy strike had been too obvious a diversion for an Eriaroon commander such as herself to fall victim to the fallacy of believing it to be the primary attack. These demons- the Yorchi, they called themselves- had proven their strengths and weaknesses in their disastrous assault. They had courage, were capable of decoys, but their confidence had been turned against them. Their appeared to lack a command ship, and this led her to believe that the enemy commander did not lead from a vessel, but remotely from one of the Yorchi Union's core worlds.

The Purgator examined the holographic display surrounding her in all directions. It was a three-dimensional representation of her segment of the Demon Retribution Fleet. Her tendrils connected with a nearby interface, which itself was integrated with the vessel's joint-mind, which served as biological main computer. After manipulating the controls for a few seconds, her communication was broadcast to the entirety of her forces.

"Enlightened of Uroncayde, the demons dare attempt an assault upon our worlds. The speed at which they were defeated indicates that they suffer the delusion that they possess an opportunity to achieve victory. We shall correct that degenerate belief. The Council of Salvation has convened, and we have been provided with our orders. We are to commence our own attack, to bring desolation to a colonial holding on the outer expanse of demonic territory."

Upon all her display, a hologram of the world in question appeared, accompanied by information on the planet. "Our offensive shall commence in orbit around the world they have designated as "Hrandurka". This is a planet of rock and fire, a wasteland upon which colossal geysers spew forth magma and sulphur. The demons find such hazardous locations as these comfortable to inhabit. Our observations have confirmed that they have a presence there, believed to be mining complexes stretching deep into subterranean caverns."

The Purgator now addressed a specific individual, the natural lights upon her body blinking between brightness and darkness and tendrils making gestures as she "spoke". "Director Nozol Zhalai-Sho, are our surface forces prepared for deployment?"

Nozol Zhalai-Shaal was the Director of the fleet's lead Absolution class reclamation vessel, a ship designed to carry, transport and deliver surface forces of the Eriaroon Eugenic Republic. "That is correct, Purgator Merulmnos Zolom-Rashaal. Considerable resistance is anticipated."

"Then we shall have optimism that the recently developed Extermination Striders placed under your command shall serve their purpose effectively. All vessels, we shall commence our assault immediately upon conclusion of the next twenty zhoms."

The communication ended, and Marulmnos began her contemplation. The enemy had access to many small craft, similar in concept to the Eriaroon Eugenic Republic's subfighters. Depending upon agility, they had found themselves ineffective against the high precision weaponry and operation of Eriaroon vessels. However, it was possible their swarming would delay assaults upon larger craft. The portion of the Demon Retribution Fleet she commanded had possession of several Redemption class destroyers, the primary ship used by the Eriaroon Eugenic Republic. This was in addition to the Avenger of the Forsaken and the Transcendency, both Infinity class battleships with powerful defences and a high amount of firepower.

The most unusual addition to the force was a type of vessel that had not been present for the defensive effort. This was the Disruptor class support vessel, a craft that was designed with only ionic weaponry and which could interfere with and jam enemy communications. If her hypothesis about the enemy remaining safely within the Yorchi Union's core territory was correct, this would prove to be a valuable asset, as if could prevent the demons from receiving orders and cause confusion during chaos amongst them.

Her objective was simple- destroy all space defences, and deploy the invasion force to destroy any ground-based defensive structures. From there, orbital bombardment would assault the Yorchi with impunity until capitulation or obliteration. If Eriaroons could smile, Merulmnos would have. Instead, she allowed herself to glow dimly with pride.

''This combination of our advanced technology and superior tactics against a foe that displays such brazen tactics shall be the ultimate culmination of the power of righteous strength of the Eriaroon Eugenic Republic. I shall demonstrate my aptitude, ensure the annihilation of my adversaries, and purge theses demons until they repent their needless violence and submit to reason.''

Defensive Preperations
Admiral Aryakmanchinor was disgraced. His failure to achieve victory was infuriating. Time seemed not to reduce his anger any further. ''Those aliens can go to Akh after this. They worked out my plans...well not this time! Not THIS TIME! My forced are replenishing. We'll strike back soon enough! The fury and fire will destroy those aliens!'' He slammed his grasper into the table in front of him, furious at his humiliating defeat.

He examined the reports in front of him, bot the digital displays and the physical copies. His interceptors had proven to be completely useless, and they formed the backbone of his strategy. Adjustments would need to be made. Perhaps they could at least prove a distraction to keep the enemy from firing upon more important ships.

The remnants of the Yorchi Forst Expeditonary Fleet were stationed at Hrandurka, a minor mining outpost on the outskirts of their territory, to resupply and recover after their loss. It would take some time for morale to return to acceptable levels. But he had to prepare for another attack. If the enemy had the initiative, things would be even more difficult.

''If they do go on the attack, where will they strike? Will they target our home woled, Moriahra? Maybe they think they can break through our defences there. But these monstrous abominations are in for a rude awakening if they believe they can defeat us Yorchi in our natural habitat! The flames will consume them, those alkaline-swimmers. Especially with our defensive platforms.''

Aryakmanchinor was already growing impatient. He wanted progress, and he needed everything to be in order before his attack. He activated the communicator, contacted Harachkimdarin, the General of the Hrandurka. Garrison, who was in command of the logistics of resupplying the Admiral's fleet. The General was known for being a courageous warrior, and his exceptional ability to endure intense monotony allowed him to run a mining base effectively.

"General! This is Admiral Aryakmanchinor. I need to know when my fleet will be ready for the attack!" he shouted. Patience was a virtue rarely possessed by an arrogant, irritable and recently defeated Yorchi military commander. It was all Aryakmanchinor could do to avoid damaging any objects around him.

"It will be three rotations before the repairs are complete." came the calm response. Harachkimdarin was not easily angered or concerned, and he was adept at maintaining a polite and unemotional demeanour in the face of extreme hatred or drastic situations. "I cannot make things any faster. I'm sorry, Admiral, but you're going to have to wait."

"If you diverted less fuel to your mining drills and more to my starships, this would be over by now! I can't believe how many resources Kerikoyamchigor wasted on puny defences for outlying worlds, instead of more decently sized actually useful ships!" Aryakmanchinor was ranting now, venting his fury to the General who he viewed as subordinate.

"Sir, with respect, those words resemble treason." Those words caused Aryakmanchinor to pause for a moment. ''Truth is treason now, is it? The last thing I need is to be punished in the middle of a war.'' "Admiral, you have to consider the strategic importance of defending our colonies. Without..." The General trailed off. Now what!?

"What is it!? Why are you silent? General! I demand an explanation, now!" he shouted. Now his inferior was refusing to speak with him? If the General insisted on being so stubborn in undermining his authority, punitive action would be loudly advised to the Supreme Leader. Incompetent and disobedient commanders were the last thing the Yorchi Union needed in times of war.

"Sir...they're here. The aliens. We're under attack! Get to your command post now, sir! Missile batteries, fire! Attention all units! This is not a drill! We are under assault. Assume defensive positions, immediately! Show them no mercy!"

''Of all the times! Right as we're refuelling...we're vulnerable...gah! Those defence stations better be worth the expense. It'll be a while before every ship is ready.''

Aryakmanchinor opened communications with his own fleet. "All ships! Deploy interceptors! Assume formation seventeen! The defensive platforms will annihilate them, just hold them back! Reinforcements will arrive from the repair yards quickly. Follow my orders, explicitly, and we shall avenge the fallen on this day!"

The Onslaught Above
Yorchi gunboats unleashed their missiles. Strikecraft stormed towards the Eriaroon vessels, hoping to delay the enemy attacks on the main Yorchi vessels. But the alien craft did not waste many of their shots on the interceptors, instead targeting the larger craft. Defensive space stations and weapons platforms fired. They had missile pods and heavy guns, but these weapons failed to penetrate the shields of the Eriaroon ships alone.

Down on the surface, several launch stations were loaded. These missile batteries were designed to fire powerful anti-ship guided explosives through the atmosphere and destroy hostile spacecraft with precision, whilst making it difficult for the stations to be targeted from orbit. The combination of defensive structures made the battle far more difficult for the Eriaroons.

Merulmnos observed the battle from within her chamber, the conflict outside failing to disturb her inner tranquility. One of her destroyers exploded in an vibrant flash of light, the volume of projectiles too much for its shielding to handle. The shattered fragments of the hull drifted apart in the void of space, which was now filed with energy beams, missiles, round kinetics and torpedoes.

"Director Nazulm Harashol Semnus-Ralashos, activate disruption field." she instructed. The time had arrived to bring pandemonium upon these demons. ''With our orders, they shall fail to find cohesion. Without cohesion, they shall break, and our victory shall become certain. Their defence is considerable, but they shall falter. No protection is invulnerable, no foe undefeatable. The moment we break through their position, our surface forces shall be deployed. Our foes shall gain their first look at us with their own eyes, and they shall tremble in terror at that sight.''

The Disruptor activated its disruption field. It did not affect the Eriaroons. However, the Purgator immediately noticed the reactions of the Yorchi. Many refused to move, remaining stationary, unwilling to disobey their latest orders. Others had different plans, moving in various directions, trying to predict what their commander would have wanted. A few vessels simply fell back behind the front lines, self-presevation instinct overcoming military honour.

"Concentrate fire upon their defensive platforms. Ignore their light craft until further instruction. Battleships are to maintain defensive stance around the Disruptor. Confusion has beset the demons. We shall enlighten them to remove their degeneracy, through the purgation of those who remain in opposition to our advance. Bring them destruction. We shall liberate them from their abhorrent forms, and cast them and their ignorance away from this afterlife."

The Yorchi interceptors began to converge. Larger strikecraft accumulated as well, joining the group. The cluster was lathe and without a powerful area of effect weapon, the Demon Retribution Fleet could do little to stop them as the strikecraft swept in, each targeting the same destroyer. The vessel exploded, some of its assailants colliding with the debris. ''It appears they are capable of independent action. However, for how long can they continue this cooperation before their differing perspectives conflict?''

The group scattered, pursuing different targets. Some tried to recombine, but Merulmnos would not allow it. "Prevent any enemy craft from forming a group of significant size. In swarms, they are dangerous, but alone, they are worthless." she commanded. Soon, the lead destroyers would be within range to fire their torpedoes with precision. In that moment, the culmination of her efforts would come to be. The fleet just needed to break slightly further through the demonic forces.

One of the missiles from the surface slammed into her sheep, the shields devastated by the damage. The operators of the weaponry had been too occupied dealing with the strikecraft to intercept. ''Their surface-based missiles are dangerous tools of war. Their destruction will be paramount to a swift victory. However, we must eliminate their primary astronautical defences first, or it is likely our surface units will be intercepted before landfall.''

"Merulmnos Zolom-Rashaal, we are within accurate firing range." came the transmission. The Purgator glowed. The time has come to bring an end to this battle.

"Forward vessels, ionise and obliterate their defensive platforms. Battleships, began advance. Devastate their defences. Destroy all craft observed. Their defeat approaches." The ships obeyed, and she felt the gentle tug on the water in which she drifted as the Avenger of the Forsaken drove forward through space, its turrets opening fire to destroy any opposition it faced. She watched the holographic projection around her, vessels vanishing on both sides.

The ion beams fired, draining aaay the shields of the defensive platforms. Heavy guns fired back, only to be silenced by the paralysing weapons. Torpedoes rushed through the void, detonating and sending shrapnel scattering across the stars as the demon's orbital platforms were destroyed. The Yorchi fleet, at this point, was also scattered, divided into small impromptu flotillas and strike groups. Disorganised, without cohesion, and already demoralised from their past defeat, they stood no chance against the Eriaroon forces.

"Forward divison, proceed towards their maintenance station and enact its annihilation. Rear division, advance and destroy remaining demon vessels. Reclamation craft, the time has arrived to deploy ground units. Your objective is the destruction of their anti-ship missile weaponry on the surface of Hrandurka, and the subsequent pacification of the colonial population. This world shall be known as territory of the Eriaroon Eugenic Republic." And these demons shall know that their destruction cannot be averted.

The invasion craft began to fire objects towards the surface, but these were not torpedoes. They were pods, designed to withstand entry through atmospheres and colliding with solid surfaces. Countless pods filled space, heading towards Hrandurka, orienting themselves so that they would land as close to the enemy as possible without being shot down immediately. After landing, each pod began to morph. Armoured Assault Striders emerged from them, stepping onto the ashen surface. They began their advance, the machines of war revealing no mercy as their operators braced themselves for battle of a most unusual kind to an Eriaroon- war on the surface of planet.

The Battle Below
Yorchi troops raced to their defensive positions, warning sirens blaring in the distance. Some of them carried light weapons, others carried heavier machine guns. Beside them Inferno light tanks and LK-7 battle tanks rumbled across the ash-covered surface, leaving marks behind them as their treads tore through the soil. General Harachkimdarin exited his bunker, taking in the ash and noticing the flow of molten lava nearby, mining equipment being abandoned as the civilians were rushed inside the reinforced structures.

"We have no clue what might be our there, soldiers. Prepare for anything." he ordered. The Bombard mobile artillery platforms, a form of Yorchi artillery, moved slightly forward, facing in every direction, it being unknown where the enemy would come from. They had seen pods fall, but they had no idea where the enemy could be by now.

''They could attack from anywhere, with anything...I hate facing unknown opponents. Do they seek to invade us? Destroy us entirely? Is this a precision strike?'' The General held a flamethrower, wearing on the needed armour to be safe with such a weapon. ''It's likely I'm going to die today. If I'm going to fall, I'm doing so as a soldier, not cowering in a bunker!''

He walked, tanks beside him, infantry sprinting past to reach better defensive positions. Taking cover behind rocks, some of them throwing grenades to create small craters in the ash in which they could find limited safety. The orange sky became clear, storm clouds and accumulations of smoke seeming to dissipate. The tanks had formed a line, ready to push back anything that came close. "Hold your ground!" ordered the General. "The alien threat will not defeat us on the ground-"

Smoke rose on the horizon. Shadows moved within the black mist, which spread almost like fog, an ash storm sweeping in from the distance. Then he saw it, what the enemy had sent for attack them.

Their armour was black, two bizarre guns attacked to each side of a pod placed on top of the strides. Each had four legs, which carried them forward with unnerving speed for machines that should seem so lumbering. Artillery fired, craters forming as ash was sent flying through the air. Machine gun fire commenced, yet seemed to do nothing against the striders.

They marched closer. Then came the flashes. Vibrant blue beams of light emerged from the guns, sweeping across the ground. An infantryman was struck, and there was a bright glow as part of his shell was turned to vapour. He writhed in pain, as though being electrocuted, before falling lifeless to the ground, the twitching ceasing shortly afterwards.

The light tanks moved forward. They fired their guns, denting the armour, only to be torn apart as the electrifying beams touched them. They were set alight, spiralling out of control. Another surge of energy from the enemy machines, and one tank was upturned, it's comrade racing away to avoid being hit by the terrifying weapon. The battle tanks opened fire.

The shell of one of the striders shattered. A cloud of steam rose from the decapitated vehicle as it fell to the ground. The vehicle responsible for the casualty was fired upon, left in flames and shambles as the enemy advanced continued. The striders began emerging from other directions, ascending cliffs effortlessly.

"Fall back! Defend the base!" ordered Harachkimdarin. The Yorchi raced back, tanks turning around, their turrets continuing to aim at the striders and firing as wildly as they could. A few remainee to distract the enemy so that the others could escape. Another strider was torn apart by cannon fire.

Then, it emerged.

Appearing on the horizon, smoke clearing around it, the monstrous machine approached. Four giant legs moved this lumbering colossus with uncanny sped. It had four larger versions of the electrifying and vaporising death rays used by the lesser striders. The gargantuan machine also had a massive main gun. Electricity surged through the weapon, visibly charging and preparing to fire.



The beam emerged, a bright purple, tearing through the ground and leaving a massive crack where it moved. The ruptured ground soon arrived at the tanks, which began to move backwards. But it was not enough, and soon they were cracked open, incinerated and left sparking by the devastating weapon.

Harachkimdarin saw one of the strikers use its foot to grasp a Yorchi corpses, thrashing the body as it stepped forward. Anger filled him. So many had fallen agains these mechanical monstrosities! He raised his flamethrower. I die a soldier...not cowering...

He rushed forward, the enemy striders trying to sweep their beams across his Bodie, but he was able to able to evade them long enough to stand in front of one of the enemy constructions. It turned its guns to face him directly, but it was too late. A seating flame emerged from his weapon, melting away one of its legs. The machine tumbled, but then the fire was projected upon its shell, and it was forced open. He saw a being inside, surrounded by the steam that rose from within, one of the hideous aliens that had done this. It seemed to writhe within. He fired again, leaving the machine alight, and turned to face the others, to be instantly crushed by the legs of another strider, which gripped him tightly, piercing his armour and crushing his bones, before casting him aside. The beam approached, and he knew in that moment, his fate had been sealed.

Soon, the striders reached the base. The Yorchi defended desperately, artillery firing at point blank range. But it was not enough. The Eriarons overran their position, scaling the reinforced walls with ease, striking with a height advantage and tearing other defences asunder. The missile launch platform was struck by a world-cracking beam from the massive strider, and the last Yorchi firing was left incinerated.

The Eriaroons had achieved their second victory of the conflict.