Logan let loose a tired sigh as he examined a projection of combat operations on the Destiny Isles and surrounding landmasses. Their position on the planet was secured, particularly on the main Island chain, but Heartless concentrations were far larger than originally thought. Indicated by the common insignia found on them, multiple concentrations of Heartless were spotted closing in on forward positions in the southern Isles and more heading towards the planet's capital of Hollow Bastion in the North. "Have any reports been received regarding enemy strength and composition?"

The answer came from an army officer standing across from him, briefly examining a datapad before speaking. "Unfortunately recon hasn't been able to get a read up north, airspace near the city is too hotly contested. However the attacks on our southern perimeter seem to comprise lower class heartless ranging from Imp to Brute class. Nothing our forces can't handle."

"We can't take any chances in the south. Divert three regiments to reinforce those positions. Speaking of, any response from the core?"

This latest question was directed towards a nearby comms officer, who quickly responded. "Yes sir, HighCom is sending the Solstice of Winter transport with a complement of 100,000 troops and 500 various armored vehicles. Along with the Frigates Delia, and White Mountain."

He wasn't sure how to feel about that news, on the one hand he was glad that his plea for reinforcement did not go unanswered, but it was far less than he would have liked. Were the Heartless already striking other worlds? Were their masters ready for a new war? The possible answers terrified him. But he could not worry about that now, they needed a way to get into Hollow Bastion. A direct approach via air would be a death sentence, and they lacked the infrastructure for a seaborne operation. Maybe there was an indirect route, and after a brief search, a possibility that Leon, representing local defense forces, presented after a moment of consideration. "If I may, there is a section of land that could serve as a suitable staging point."

"And what might that be?"

The answer was given shortly after Leon moved the display until it showed a series of rocky outcroppings east of the city. "The Shattered Plains provided the route we used to escape the city the first time. Though we had lacked the numbers to exploit the gap there, perhaps you would be able to utilize this advantage to break the siege."

That could work, but there was something that did not sit right with him. "I suspect a trap, surely they wouldn't leave such a weak spot out of ignorance."

"Well if that is how you feel, then what do you propose we do?"

"Once our reinforcements arrive, we spring it."

I will admit that this entry is quite short, mostly because I wrote myself into a corner. But now that this is out of the way, I'll endeavor to make future chapters longer than mere blips as we head into the battles of Hollow Bastion and the Shattered Plains, along with possibly an arc in the southern Isles with an alternative pov.

Anyways do leave a review if you feel so inclined.