By the time Central Station had been taken, Lieutenant General Minontai had issued another order: "Continue the advance." After a brief discussion, Brigadier General Mikaifa and Colonel Kordi on the front lines decided to make the internal freight-rail track leading from Central Station to Area A, the other half of the fortress, their main line of attack.
One reason was that the route was simple and direct; another was that it was wide and sturdy enough.
Of course, the people on the other side—the Earthlings—could certainly guess that they would choose this route for their main attack. But this was urban combat inside a fortress, with little room to maneuver. Besides, at this point, both sides had a fairly clear understanding of each other's troop strength and second-ring combat capabilities. There was no longer any possibility of tactical deception, of feints and bluffs. Now it had come down to a test of both sides' resolve.
"...If an Imperial soldier really could fight five Earthlings, we wouldn't need to consider any so-called main line of attack. Every direction would be the main attack," Colonel Kordi said.
Brigadier General Mikaifa, commander of the Imperial Stormtroopers' 217th Division, said coldly, "You don't have to believe that sort of thing, but you do have to make your soldiers believe it. Also, if this battle goes well, you might earn a title of nobility. You should start learning the manners of a sword-bearing noble now. That kind of nonsense won't bring honor to your family."
What else could Colonel Kordi say? He could only stammer an apology and agree that his superior was right.
Brigadier General Mikaifa continued, "You worked hard in the battle to take Central Station. This time, I'll lead my fresh troops in the main attack."
Watching him walk away, Colonel Kordi