Federal Forces establish Foothold at Hylas Reach

In the later stages of 10.024M42, the Federacy forces operating in the Zadoc Subsector had faced mounting setbacks. The Night Lords, notorious for their brutal void raids, had repeatedly targeted Federacy supply lines, causing critical disruptions to the Alliance’s logistical capabilities. Compounding this, recent failures in boarding actions on Caitlen Station revealed vulnerabilities in Federacy void warfare tactics, making it clear that improvements were needed if they were to achieve dominance in the sector. In response, Federacy command initiated a rigorous series of training exercises, aimed at refining their fleet boarding and defensive tactics.

Led by elite Yaegir Kill Teams, the exercises tested the mettle of Hartak League troops in simulated strikes on various installations. These exercises highlighted key weaknesses and identified areas for enhancement, with command implementing and rapidly acting upon these recommendations to bolster both defensive and offensive capabilities. With improved tactical cohesion and disciplined boarding drills, the Federacy forces emerged from the training cycle with sharpened void combat readiness.

No sooner had these exercises concluded than the Federacy saw an opportunity to put their training to the test on Hylas Reach Station. This outpost, located on the critical warp lane leading to the Mabb Nebula from Zadoc, used to be an Imperial mining installation of moderate size, having served as a stopover point for merchants traveling to Hylas and New Cerberex (previously known as Coronus). However, following an Ork invasion on 2909.023M42, the station had become a bastion of Greenskin infestation. Given its strategic value for controlling trade and movement in the region, recapturing Hylas Reach was deemed essential to the Federacy’s plans.

Employing their newly honed tactics, Federal breacher teams launched a precise and concentrated assault on Hylas Reach. In coordinated attacks on key areas of the station, the Hartak forces swiftly overwhelmed pockets of Ork resistance with compact yet highly disciplined teams, relying on layered overwatch positions to contain the bloodthirsty Orks as they advanced. In a matter of days, the Federacy forces managed to secure a foothold on the station, though large sections remained under Ork control.

While the operation achieved its initial objectives, the infestation was far from eradicated. Hartak command anticipated further skirmishes, understanding that the capture of Hylas Reach would require an extended campaign of precision strikes and specialized operations. In their minds, securing this station intact would offer a critical asset, providing the Alliance with a strategic anchor in the sector and an opportunity to exert greater influence over Hylas and New Cerberex.

With the Orks still swarming over much of Hylas Reach, the campaign remained uncertain, yet the Federacy’s recent improvements in void warfare and station-clearing tactics indicated that they were prepared to see this battle through, one bloody step at a time.