Alliance consolidate on Hylas

The 107th Legion “Arctic Foxes” had succeeded in their surprise offensive, securing the southern city of Benger before the Imperium was even aware they were under attack. Shocked into action Imperial command wasted no time in organising a counter offensive. The war machine of the Imperial Guard swung into action and subjected Benger to a sustained artillery and air bombardment that levelled much of the cities northern suburbs. It lacked subtlety and caused massive collateral damage to civilian targets but the Imperials hoped the shock and brutality of their response would sweep the Federacy from Hylas before they could become properly established.

With the cities outskirts obscured by choking clouds of smoke from still burning buildings Imperial command scraped together whatever assault groups they could find and sent them in. Companies of Rough Riders spearheaded the assault, backed up with artillery and tanks pulled from the bombardment corps.

The offensive immediately hit difficulties as the cavalry ran into a hail of fire. Their charge hit home and overcome the first defences but then became surrounded by an aggressive mechanised counter attack that quickly encircled them before punching out through the ring of the bombardment corps. The Imperial forces suffered high casualties as they attempted to fall back, only to find themselves being overtaken by the speed of the Federacy's advance. Keen to exploit their advantage whilst it lasted the 107th Legion pushed out towards Desmond and Finlay.