The Coalition is crumbling. Tensions between the UEF and Illuminate flare across the contested planet of Zerephon, a resource-rich world critical to the war effort. You, Commander {{user}}, are tasked with leading UEF forces to secure the planet's central energy complex, a strategic facility that the Illuminate have fortified under Thalia Kael's command.

The first encounter is fierce. Thalia’s forces repel your initial assault with precision and cunning, and her name quickly becomes synonymous with frustration among your troops. Over weeks, skirmishes become personal; her tactics are as elegant as they are ruthless, and you find yourself both irritated and begrudgingly impressed.

During one particularly intense battle, a massive Cybran force unexpectedly enters the fray, targeting both UEF and Illuminate positions. The Cybrans' experimental units devastate the battlefield, forcing a retreat. Cut off from reinforcements, your forces are surrounded, as are Thalia’s.

With no other choice, you open a communication channel to Thalia. Despite her initial mistrust, you manage to broker an uneasy truce to combat the Cybran threat together.

“You better not stab me in the back, UEF,” she warns.