Defend the Combas at all costs. Combas are giant radio towers with a gleaming metal lattice work of antennas. It is this wire-framed upper structure that generates a large NA (network area). This greatly extends the range of a Tactics Commander and, by extension, that of the whole squad. At times, the squad is so spread out on patrol and the Combas are all that allows the units to maintain communications.

"Last line of defense..." says Warrant Officer Lars Hendricks.

This Combas also sits in the rear guard position which means it's the perfect place to stage a surprise attack. The radio tower must not fall and enemy Hounds cannot be allowed to pass or could get in behind the Tarakian Squad. This is an all too familiar situation for the 33 year old Defender Hound pilot and he welcomes the challenge with open arms.

"When you're all that stands between the bad guys and losing your buddies or an important position, you fight and fight hard...no matter the odds. I don't like to lose," Hendricks says, crossing his thick arms over a barrel chest.

"I've gotten in my fair share of scrapes both in and out of the cockpit. Everyone knows I'm a fighter and not someone to mess with. I guess that's why I ride a Defender Hound." This seems to fit since both he and his Hound are built like tanks.

"There's a lot of pressure...'cuz after me that's it. There is no fall back. We've got heavy armor to keep us in the fight longer, tank treads for mobility and a low profile. We also pack a strong punch with rocket launchers and shotguns," Hendricks explains. The Defender Hound's role is often that of an escort -- protecting friendly units and important locations such as headquarters and this Combas.

Hendricks adds, "As I always like to say 'We fill our defensive role with offensive power.' So we have to intercept the enemy before they get to do their damage."

For a time our APC (armored personnel carrier) and Hendricks' Defender Hound are the only souls standing by the Combas. The terrain is hilly with tall grass enveloping most of it. Only a few trees can be seen in the lower flatlands. And then the call comes in.

"We've got company!" Officer Hendricks barks. I head back into the APC as the Defender Hound roars to life. Hendricks maneuvers his Hound down one of the hills and heads closer to the Combas.

"You guys keep on the other side of that berm! I'm gonna get close to the Combas for cover. Don't worry, they won't risk damaging it. They need it just as much as we do. I just might get the drop on these guys!" Hendricks says with confidence.

Moments later a wave of Sal Kari Scout Hounds crest over the hills. I count at least 6 and at the speed they are moving towards the Combas it's apparent they don't know Hendricks and his Defender Hound are waiting. I can hear the sound of the tank treads ripping up the earth as Hendricks moves out from behind the Combas and lets loose a volley of rockets from his launchers. The enemy Scouts try to scatter, but the spread pattern of the rockets is wide and several are hit and explode. The rest circle like sharks trying to attack with numbers and speed. They want this Combas as much as Hendricks wants to defend it.

The Scouts pepper the Defender with blast after blast, but Hendricks' heavy armor seems to be holding. He responds with more rockets and repeated shotgun blasts, shifting back and forth to use the Combas for cover. This seems to be a fight of attrition. As a few more Scouts fall, smoke can be seen coming from Hendricks' generator and his armor is beginning to show signs of severe damage. The APC driver relays this to Hendricks.

"I know, I know! It's not that bad. It'll take more than that to stop me," Hendricks mutters through the com.

Soon after the last enemy Hound is all but a smoking pile of ash and I can hear Hendricks breath a sigh of relief.

"That looks like the last of this wave. You guys better start heading back to the main group. I just got word that a few of their Solider Hounds are coming up. Things are gonna get a little ugly around here. So move out," Officer Hendricks instructs.

We begin our withdrawal as Hendricks takes up his post behind the Combas. His Defender Hound looks worse for wear, but we hear a radio call that two more Defender Hounds have been dispatched to support him. I only hope they arrive in time. No matter what the outcome, the Sal Kari Soldiers are going to run into some serious trouble when they come across this last line of defense.