Venom Defense Force

ENCOUNTERED Area 6

INTEL Any direct approach to Venom promises steep resistance. By far the most dangerous and heavily fortified approach vector is the region designated "Area 6." It is here that Dr. Andross stations the bulk of his reserve forces—including swarms of fighters, powerful orbital weaponry, and sizable warships.

Forces here are organized into three distinct defensive cordons and overseen by a high-ranking enemy commander who reports directly to Andross himself. Intercepted communications reveal that Andross personally monitors reports from this area, which supports the leading theory that his seat of command is located somewhere below Area 6.

Combat pilots regularly patrol the zone's perimeter, ready to raise the alarm and activate the area's full defensive measures on first contact.

Umbra-Class Defense Stations are prevalent in the outer reaches of the zone. Outfitted with laser weaponry, they take design inspiration from planetside "pillbox" fortifications and can withstand a good deal of damage—but an ace shot should be able to take them down with rapid-fire laser attacks.

Ninjin Missiles carry a heavy payload and can target-lock from a distance. Once locked on, a missile cannot be evaded; it must be destroyed with well-aimed rapid fire or charged shots.

Harlock-Class Frigates and Zeram-Class Cruisers populate the region's inner cordon. The frigates are sleek and speedy for ships of their size but at the expense of effective armor. Beware their turbo lasers and small missiles. The cruisers are the largest ships in Andross's fleet and are occasionally supported by a Viper. Though the cruisers are heavily armed and armored, the many turrets along their deck can be targeted and destroyed individually.

ASSESSMENT Area 6 is not currently considered a viable target for the Cornerian military or allied groups. Given the combined combat strength of the enemy ships and weapons gathered in this region, Cornerian intelligence analysts calculate the odds of our forces finding success here at near zero.