Nonetheless, Necasian intelligence managed to get wind of the assault, and Askar Invado assigned stealth expert Rez Jorm and napalm obsessive Emela Makakson to command the defense. However, due to Makakson's abrasive nature, neither commanders could get along, resulting in a confused and disorganized defense. As a result, the Necasian forces were still in the process of arranging themselves and digging in when the Srav force appeared in orbit. Vergulva was surprised when the Necasian spaceborne presence did not respond, and led the first landing waves personally. Landing in the remains of an old Srav outpost, Vergulva immediately began an advance, with the Necasians only just realizing what had happened.