A dust storm has once again appeared, larger than any Ji Xinghe had previously experienced. Experts predict that the skyline-engulfing dust storm will likely blanket a quarter of the alien planet surface.
This quarter area includes all the Federal bases.
"Previously it was predicted that the dust storm would last a little over a month. When the storm comes to an end, the Empire is likely to launch a no-holds-barred attack on Base Three, regardless of the cost. Some staff officers theorize that in the first week after the storm, Base Three will be obliterated,"
Jackson stated another reason for his visit to Ji Xinghe. Once the dust storm covers both the land and sky, the Empire will be unable to deploy a large scale ground force for attack, only their Mech forces will be able to explore and scout, homing in on the exact location of Base Three.