Matalebe Last Stand

Commander Kagiso stood in the remains of what was once a fortified city, staring at the Valorian forces closing in from all sides. His chest tightened as he watched their tanks and infantry steadily move toward the last Matalebe stronghold. The speed at which the Valorian Army had driven his forces back was unlike anything he had ever seen. They hadn't fought an army; they had faced a force of destruction.

The battle was over. Kagiso could see that now. Most of his commanders were dead, his troops scattered and disorganized, and what remained of his army was barely holding the line. The Matalebe forces had been neutralized piece by piece, like a predator picking apart its prey.

He turned to the few officers who were left standing beside him. They looked exhausted, beaten, unsure of what to do next.

"We're surrounded," Kagiso said, his voice rough from days of shouting orders. "The Valorians pushed us back like we were nothing."