Operation Polyphemus

Polyphemus

Lysander's high-risk Phobos assault combines railgun deception, unmanned destroyer rams, a flagship landing, and Helldiver clawDrills to force the Republic into a brutal urban defense.

Story so far

Operation Polyphemus is Lysander's assault plan against the orbital-defense moon Phobos. Its opening stage uses the restored Twins of South Pacifica to devastate Victra's north-pole fleet, then forces Republic attention outward while the Lightbringer moves into position. Nine damaged destroyers rush Phobos as apparent escorts, but their true purpose is to crash into its shield and either overload it or create an opening for Lysander's flagship.

The plan's ground element is equally elaborate. Lysander has prepared forty-three thousand Praetorians, two Mercury house legions, two hundred clawDrills, berserker teams, and a corps of Red Helldivers—many leased Gamma exiles whom he publicly honors as the foundation of his envisioned better Society. After the rams strike, the Lightbringer shifts to land near Bastion One and releases the drills to bore through Phobos's cityscape and interior. Whether the gambit wins a decisive foothold or consumes Lysander's new army remains unresolved.

Appearance

A layered orbital assault of rail-slagged defenses, damaged destroyers used as rams, a hovering moonBreaker, and hundreds of descending clawDrills.

Role

Operation Polyphemus is Lysander's bid to break Mars's orbital shield by turning costly infrastructure and soldiers into a single concentrated breach at Phobos.

Relationships

Lysander — Lysander devised and personally leads Operation Polyphemus, risking his army, reputation, and claim to the Morning Chair on its success.

Phobos — Phobos is the operation's objective; its destruction or capture would rupture Mars's orbital defense.

Rhone — Rhone organizes the Praetorian assault force and its launch preparations for Polyphemus.

Ajax — Ajax joins Lysander's personal drop century for the operation after pledging a brother's loyalty.

Sources — 1 recorded facts, by chapter

Chapter 23

Lysander's high-risk Phobos assault combines railgun deception, unmanned destroyer rams, a flagship landing, and Helldiver clawDrills to force the Republic into a brutal urban defense.