The fierce battle in the sky was still raging. After launching more than two hundred groups of orbital drop pods, the Acclamator-class assault ship was desperately trying to leave the planet.
Meanwhile, another ten Victory II-class Star Destroyers provided cover from higher in the atmosphere.
But the anti-aircraft defenses on Kato Neimoidia had no intention of letting the Acclamator-class have its way. Countless anti-aircraft missiles and turbolaser cannons fired madly, vowing to destroy the warship that had entered the planet's atmosphere.
Commander Hunter of Clone Force 99 had already led his squad away from the orbital drop site and deep into the jungle. Yet even amid the dense foliage, the ceaseless flashes in the sky lit the surroundings as brightly as day.
Suddenly, the alert device on Tech's wrist sounded an alarm. He immediately whispered, "Take cover!"
Everyone dropped to the ground in perfect unspoken coordination, inching behind cover with barely noticeable movements. A few seconds later, a squadron of Vulture droid fighters swept overhead at low altitude, letting out piercing shrieks. But they did not spot Troop 99 and instead flew toward where their orbital drop pods had landed.
"Careful. Banshee Fighters are usually nearby when Vulture droid fighters are operating in formation. With the equipment we have, we can't detect Banshee Fighters," Hunter said quietly.
"Don't worry. We may not be able to see the Banshee Fighters, but they can't stay cloaked forever. As long as we figure out their patrol pattern, we can avoid them," Tech said. "I'm trying to hack into the Trade Federation's military communications channel..."
His fingers flew over the miniature terminal on his wrist. "The Nox is providing data support right now... but I don't know how much longer she can hold on... No! Get off the ship! Get out!" The latter half