Stalemate

Gunfire echoed throughout the Royal Chambers. The Swift Response Team had acted upon the first alarms, but casualties had mounted up when the sentry guns turned on the defenders. The armor-piercing rounds loaded in their M430s were able to return the favor, but deep down, most of the SRT operators had conceded they were likely making a last stand.

Verilla found herself taking shelter in a doorway, her carbine trained on the hallway. Stun grenades crashed into the threshold before Commandos braved entering, only to be met by a retort of gunfire from the defenders. The pointman for the Black Daggers collapsed as another pushed on, clipping the operator opposite of Verilla in the head. The Commando wouldn't make it much further before being riddled with bullets.

The rest of the Black Daggers held their position as both sides thought about how they'd break the stalemate. Ismak knew he'd already lost five men to the defenders, who were not letting up. The sentry guns may have given the assaulters a chance, but it wasn't exactly a great one. They needed something to tip the scales in their favor.

Ismak looked to Corvis, who said "Any ideas?"

"I do have one." Corvis said.

"I'm all ears."

"If we can take the elevator to the armory, we might be able to acquire more explosives. That'll allow us to set up flanking routes until we get to the King."

"Sounds like a plan."

"This is Kalic. The Princess has alluded us somehow. A guard must've picked her up. We're going to head to the armory and collect weapons. Anything you need."

Corvis cursed as Ismak radioed "Bring explosive charges. We're pinned down."

"Understood, we'll be there as soon as possible."