At the bottom of the valley, over three hundred Federation Martial Artists had constructed a simple defensive line, relying on wrecked hovercraft and the natural rock walls. Fatigue and tension were etched on every face, but their eyes remained resolute.
"Deputy Commander, the Feathered People have completed their encirclement," a scout reported in a low voice.
The middle-aged man they called Deputy Commander stood behind a rock wall, observing the sky through a scope. A dark mass of Feathered People troops blotted out half the sky like a swarm of locusts, the sound of their beating wings merging into a dull roar.
"Stick to the plan. Hold your ground." The Deputy Commander lowered his scope, his voice steady. "Reinforcements will be here soon."
In truth, he didn't know the specific plan for the reinforcements; it was top secret. But as the bait, he had to keep his subordinates' hopes alive.
In the sky, the Feathered People forces began their descent.
