Operation SRW: the codename for the assault on the White Star, the Aerogators' forward base that appeared abruptly in the Lagrange 5 sector.
Phase 1: PT and AM units, alongside space fighters, distract enemy forces while HOS jammers sow chaos.
Phase 2: Battleships at the second defense line launch nuclear missiles equipped with MAPW and AMARV toward the White Star.
Phase 3: The fleet closes in as much as possible, unleashing shipboard artillery, including the Hiryu Kai's Super Gravity Shock Cannon and the Hagane's Buster Cannon.
Phase 4: Hiryu Kai and Hagane's onboard units infiltrate the White Star.
This was the entirety of Operation SRW.
Now, in the final stage—Phase 4—the White Star's energy field lay shattered. The PT and AM units from the Hiryu Kai and Hagane, humanity's last hope, had stormed the White Star and were deep inside.
The Peregrine-class fleet commander, directing his ship's anti-air cannons, homing missiles, and twin beam turrets to form a barrage against the Aerogators' drones, awaited good news. The Aerogators relied on sheer numbers with their unmanned forces, outmatching the Federation in quantity. Victory hinged on quality.
"And the finest quality lies with the Hiryu Kai and Hagane," he muttered.
At that moment, the long-awaited report came from the operator.
"Captain! Hagane reports the Aerogator commander inside the White Star has been defeated!"
"Really!?"
Though expected, the captain couldn't help but confirm, his voice sharp. The operator, beaming with unrestrained joy, nodded vigorously.
As proof, the Aerogator drones around them froze in place.
"Wait. The drones? What about that manned unknown unit from the report?"
Earlier, during a skirmish with Bugs, an unfamiliar humanoid mobile weapon had appeared. Clearly not a drone, its affiliation was questioned, but it attacked without answering.
"Its whereabouts after attacking our units are unknown," the operator replied.
"Hmm." Stroking his proud mustache, the captain pondered. He noticed the Hiryu Kai and Hagane rapidly withdrawing from the sector—likely for a new mission or resupply. But the next report made him question his ears.
"C-Captain… the White Star… it's gone."
"What?"
The monitor confirmed it: the White Star had vanished, leaving only empty space.
"Impossible! No shockwave, no explosion? Operator, contact all ships! Find anyone who saw the moment it disappeared!"
"Captain, I was watching the whole time… it just… vanished," the operator said, voice trembling.
"A transfer device, maybe?"
"No, sir. None of the signatures from when the White Star appeared were detected. It just… disappeared without warning."
When the White Star first emerged, data from a nearby unit—destroyed in the process—had been shared across the fleet. If that pilot had survived, they might've provided more insight, but only the data remained.
"What in the world…?"
The captain's stunned words echoed across the silent bridge.
In the end, the mystery of the White Star's disappearance remained unsolved. Despite their victory, Operation SRW concluded without the satisfaction of closure.