The tow missiles lit up the night sky like twin suns as they streaked towards their target. The massive dragon that the invaders had purchased in an effort to counter what John had done in purchasing victory points for his people to use in the duel was engulfed in twin infernos of force, heat, and hate.

The beast roared in rage and agony, as the three Bradley Fighting Vehicles let loose a second wave of missiles half a heartbeat later. These didn’t just hurt the creature, they ripped it clean in half. The explosion sent viscera and large chunks of its body in various directions. But the invaders were far from at their limit yet either. Fire balls rained from the sky like meteors, landing on the lead Bradly. The vehicle's reactive armor did little against the sustained inferno.

As the fire continued to rage over the one APC, the flanking vehicles advanced over the hill to where John’s spotters had told them they could get a clean vantage point from where to strike at the magic users. Six robed figures were protected by two cohorts of roughly two dozen invader infantry each, but as the APC’s main cannon’s opened up even their red magical barrier could do little against the sheer physics behind the automatic cannon fire. The Thump, Thump, Thump, Thump of the cannons filled John’s heart with hope that this might be over soon.

“I am surprised you and your people have done so well.” The Emperitor said as he crunched on the popped corn John had his steward provide for both of them. John hadn’t touched the stuff, but the Emperitor had taken to the treat with delight. “But surely you’ve nearly exhausted your reserves. Let us stop this. At this point, I would even be willing to declare a draw between our forces.”

John was interested in that, but the fact that he would offer meant that the Emperitor was afraid he would lose. The lives involved would be preserved, John was sure. The only issue was, was he willing to risk losing more vehicles and equipment he couldn’t easily replace?

“I am willing to do this mainly because it is ignoble to attack someone who is dealing with internal conflict as you are.” That made John’s eyebrows raise. “My scouts spotted the unrest on your border about ten minutes ago. I’m surprised you are not yet aware of it considering your surprising level of coordination between your forces.” John looked back at his people. He had told them to hold anything not critical to the survival of the fort until after the dual. A minor attack from outside forces on one of the outposts might not have risen to that level yet. He found two aids, waiting with messages, both with concerned expressions splattered all over their faces.

“If you will excuse me for a moment.'' John didn’t wait for the Emperitor’s leave, he just walked into the command center, extended his hand, and took both messages.

“Attack in progress. Non-standard troops, what appear to be giant apes and dog-men are acting as specialists. Attackers unknown.”

He took the second message and read it before starting to give orders.

“Attackers retreating. It appears they took 7 captives. QRF in pursuit, request air-support.”

“General Stevens issued commands for the blackhawks to lift off in support General. Any orders sir?” One of the aids asked. John thought about it. Stevens seemed to have it well in hand, whoever or whatever this second attack was, they’d figure it out later. For now, he’d let Stevens handle it.

“No. Stevens has it under control. Just, just keep me informed.”