The Knights' surprise fleet would move together with the fleet that had been "sunk." As they neared Sarnath's low orbit, they would launch their surprise attack.
The four Skycleaver-class cruisers had to destroy the orbital defenses above the planet within three minutes, then bombard the predetermined target: the positions near Crystal City.
Of course, the orbital bombardment couldn't be indiscriminate. Otherwise, the strategic supplies stored in warehouses on the outskirts would be burned to ashes, defeating the purpose of the surprise attack.
The knights would sit directly in their heraldic mechs and make an orbital drop under cover of the bombardment. Their designated landing site was a hilly area less than fifteen hundred meters south of the warehouse district. Low, rocky hills were scattered across the area, providing some cover without impeding their speed when they attacked.
They were Starrealm Knights, after all, each with exceptional skills. Add the latest Crimson-type heraldic mechs, and their increased combat strength would be far more than the sum of its parts.
That was the battle plan Shamen and Sobek had worked out with the rest of their fellow knights. Frankly, it was a little rough around the edges. But for psykers, an overly detailed battle plan could sometimes become a constraint. It was better to let them act freely.
Shamen's orders were relayed without alteration. The knights nodded and were about to leave for the hangar when Colonel Sobek added, "From the moment the attack begins, we absolutely cannot remain on Sarnath for more than twenty-four hours. Otherwise, the Red Fleet in the vicinity will swarm in."
"You've all heard him. Then you should also understand that this will be a hard-fought battle, and we have no way back! You must be prepared for what's to come!" The viscount gave his fellow knights