Mission Background:

Shortly after the battle with the Furies, the traitor Arkin broke off all ties with the CCA. He had all but vanished for 10 years until intelligence learned that he had joined forces with a large group of criminals and international terrorists, none of which had any love for the U.S. It was shortly thereafter that they managed to hijack the interplanetary cruiser Andromeda containing a new prototype Black Dog recycler. This production unit is capable of producing the latest state-of-the-art weaponry. They were tracked at high speed on a course for Alpha Centauri, where the cruiser and recycler were originally headed. Analysis of Cthonian records had revealed that there is a great deal of undiscovered Cthonian technology waiting there on the third planet.

The only other available interplanetary cruiser was scrambled and assigned to chase the hijackers down. It was agreed that the Black Dog production unit must be destroyed at all costs. Arkin is a very dangerous, delusional individual who would surely return to use the Cthonian technology against us.

Mission Briefing:

Year: 1992

Hopefully the effects of the cryo-sleep have faded for you and your troops. Ten years is certainly a long time to sleep. Arkin and his forces have already established a formidable base on Alpha Centauri 3. They are probably aware that we're coming, so be prepared for a welcoming committee when you and your troops are dropped into the area.

Your production units have some significant custom features. Your constructor can build special supply depots and hangers that have greatly improved power-up capability. These will be essential in maintaining your forces against Arkin's superior firepower. When you have it built, your factory will be able to produce a special Wolverine unit with a blast cannon replacing the rocket bays. This rocket tank will also have a hull several times stronger than the standard unit, albeit at high resource cost. It should be the offensive unit of choice when making your assault on Arkin's stronghold. Due to the heavy armor, the pilot ejection system had to be removed from the design. The Wolverine pilots can't exit their vehicles without dismantling some of the hull, and must remain in their vehicles for the duration of the mission.

Orbital analysis of Alpha Centauri 3 has revealed many Cthonian relics. We're detecting strange energy readings from one of those relics, and we've dropped a nav beacon near it. You must investigate this relic as soon as you get a chance! It may play a key role in our plans.

This is important Commander: You must consider all units with Black Dog markings as being hostile! Their ground troops may be indistinguishable from your own, so be careful!

Good luck Commander.

Area Map:

 

Enemy Assessment:

Main battle tank: 1 blast cannon

Bomber: 1 high energy (small fusion core) pulse cannon

Walker: 2 standard rocket bomb launchers

Additionally, Arkin has likely mastered some degree of Fury production and control, as evidenced by recon drone photographs.