This planet would become a living hell.
T'au, underground command center.
Shadowsun watched the light marking the third Shield Generator wink out on the Tactical Display and let out a long sigh.
"Confirm the human commander's status," she told the communications officer.
"Life signs detected. The target is still active and moving toward the next target area."
"Damn it..." Shadowsun clenched her teeth.
The self-destruction of the entire generator, along with the sacrifice of thousands of warriors, had failed to kill that human.
"Commander, the Imperial Fleet is conducting orbital bombardments through the gap in the shields. The first defense zone requests support. Their heavy artillery positions are under attack."
Shadowsun studied the tactical map. A vast red area had appeared in the shield network, marking the region where protection had failed. The Imperium's orbital fire rained down relentlessly, destroying every exposed military target.
She had to make a decision.
"Order the Mobile Force to head for the gap immediately. Use underground shelters and buildings as cover to evade orbital strikes. Move all heavy equipment underground."
"Yes!"
"Also." Shadowsun paused. "Inform the Supreme Ethereal that I need greater authority."
"What authority, Commander?"
A terrifying gleam flashed in Shadowsun's eyes:
"Full authority. If we want to win this war, we cannot keep fighting with traditional tactics. I need to be able to adjust our tactics independently as battlefield conditions demand, even if those tactics violate the teachings of the greater good."
The communications officer froze. "But, Commander, the Supreme Ethereal's orders were-"
"I know his orders," Shadowsun cut him off. "But I also know that if we keep fighting like this, we will lose. Completely. So either give me the authority to fight this war my way, or find another commander."
The communications officer swallowed, then said, "I... I'll relay your