Centrally located, well away from any border, Alshain is far smaller in size and population that Radstadt or Rubigen, but contributes positively to the overall economic and military strength of the Combine. It's worlds are orderly and loyal, with substantial industrial and agricultural output, and do not normally require massive garrison forces.

The current Tai-Sho (General/Sub-Warlord) of Alshain Prefecture is Takari's father, Shirou Tanida. He presides of the DCMS from his headquarters on Alshain, which is also the seat of civil administration, and if the rumors are true, a major ISF base. As befits such an important world it is heavily defended. It alos enjoys a central and strategically valuable position within the prefecture, and indeed the entire western reaches of the Combine.

The world of MARAWI is currently lacking a proper mech garrison, the resident regiment having been moved to the Kirchback prefecture. While not the most valuable of targets, it could prove to be a suitable target for a show of force mission. The Tai-Sho would lose much face, was one of his worlds to prove defenseless.

More conventional targets include CASERE and CAESONG. Both are prosperous worlds, loyal to the Dragon and properly defended, but not so heavily fortified as to be impregnable. CASERE is thought to be a staging ground for the 3rd Sword of Light, which is acting as a mobile reserve. If the 3rd can be drawn away, a regimental drop group should be able to do good work. CAESONG is less well defended, but Lyran intelligence suspects that it has recently been reinforced by a mercenary company of unknown size.