Andross's Armada

ENCOUNTERED Sector Y

INTEL While Dr. Andross's forces are present throughout much of the Lylat System, the "front line" of his advance is represented by his armada—a fleet of warships charged with spearheading his push into Cornerian territory.

The flagship of the armada is the Saruzin, from which the fleet's commander oversees the many ships under his control. Analysis of the Saruzin's hull reveals the presence of an embedded launching mechanism capable of rapidly deploying piloted mechs into active combat zones.

The Saruzin's functional hull modifications contrast sharply with the garishness of the Dorisby warships. Their hulls are embossed with the visage of Andross himself. In the absence of any obvious combat utility, this feature is thought to serve the dual purposes of flattering Andross's ego while stoking fear in the ranks of his enemies.

A third warship class, the Grazan, functions primarily as transport for smaller vehicles and munitions. It is capable of deploying numerous combat fighters and piloted mechs within seconds of enemy engagement.

The Shogun-series mechs are the newest antiaircraft weapons in Andross's arsenal and represent a significant threat. For example, a large squadron of Shogun Troopers escorts the armada. These single-pilot mechs may be the most basic in the Shogun series, but they are highly mobile and capable of swarming targets through coordinated deep-space maneuvers. Of further note among the rank-and-file Shogun Troopers: a unique red Trooper has demonstrated unusual speed.

Shogun Warriors are an enhanced build, and two of them guard the Saruzin's perimeter. Meanwhile, the newest and most advanced mech—the Shogun Warlord—appears ready to deploy from the flagship in the event the armada meets with credible resistance.

ASSESSMENT The armada possesses the firepower needed to push through Cornerian defenses and expand Andross's sphere of influence. While direct engagement is a harrowing proposition, a victory against the armada and its Shogun squadron could significantly delay Andross's advance through the system.