Massacre on Matisse

Mission Briefing: Planet Matisse

planet type: desert world
alien threat: class 5
alien type: flying
alien ability: enrage
secondary mission: investigation

"I lost my soul when I fell to earth
My planets called me to the void of my birth
The time has come for me to kill this game
Now open wide and say my name."
-"Space Lord", Monster Magnet

Matisse is the first planet from its sun with habitable zones in the Tycho system. It is a large world covered in barren deserts of a multitude of colorful sands and soils. The atmosphere is very arid and thin, yet breathable by human standards. The vastness of its plains and colorful sands will prove difficult for the unaided eye to comprehend. Mild sandstorms across the surface are not uncommon, but are fortunately only a minor irritants and pose no real threat to expedition ground forces. Type 1 MandelBrite suits recommended.

The natives of Matisse are a biped race averaging four and a half feet tall. They are slim creatures with two pairs of wings that greatly resemble those of dragonflies back on Mother Terra. The aliens have a unique emotional signature on their heads and test subjects have shown that the more agitated and aggressive they become, the greater the short tendrils on their heads will pulsate with chemical fire.

The defenses of the Matisse aliens comprised surface-to-air turrets that fired two meter long shards of a synthesized crystal able to bring down an expedition landing craft. It is unknown why the natives needed these installations. The individuals of what could best be termed the warrior cast carried long, arm-affixed cannons that fired bursts of needle-like crystals. These "fire lances" could also be used in melee to impale their victims. The aliens lived in underground complexes accessible by earthen mounds on the surface.

Delta squad of the 3:16 had suffered severe casualties from their last mission, and were resupplied with a number of new troopers. This would be the first combat drop of their budding careers. In addition to engaging the enemy with zeal and tenacity, a side mission was put in Lt. Satan's hands personally by the Ministry of Peace. Members of another squad in a separate company were suspected of selling stolen alien tech from planet Klimt. Delta squad was to investigate and report back their findings.