Feya realized in an instant that this stretch of vacuum had not formed naturally. It was bait deliberately laid to lure the Falling Star into this prearranged region of rules turbulence and cut off their communications.
"Increase shield output immediately! Prepare for an enemy attack!" Feya ordered sharply, her hands flying over the console as she tried to stabilize the warship.
But just then, eight silver pillars of light suddenly lit up in the murky void around them. They intertwined, instantly forming a vast silver-white net that closed around the Falling Star from every direction.
With a hum, the net of silver-white light pillars firmly enclosed the Falling Star. The hull shuddered violently, and its shield began flickering rapidly.
More than half the electronic equipment aboard stopped working. Even many of the lights went out, leaving only the piercing red glow of the emergency lights to illuminate everyone's increasingly grim faces.
Warning: insufficient power supply. Weapon systems offline... Warning: insufficient power supply. Weapon systems offline...
The electromagnetic and laser cannons that had just begun charging outside the Falling Star flickered a few times before finally falling silent.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Eight silver-white warships slowly emerged from the void, surrounding the Falling Star in a tight ring. Their bow-mounted main cannons were already fully charged, gleaming coldly, ready to fire at any moment.
"Lord Stoffer, they couldn't escape this time even if they sprouted wings."
Aboard the leading silver-white warship, the Serpentfolk Saman gazed at the completely silenced Falling Star with a flattering smile.
"Your foresight is truly miraculous, my lord. I am awed..."
Stoffer's face was likewise wreathed in smiles. He had gone to considerable trouble to make absolutely certain he could capture the Falling Star this time.
He had accelerated without regard for energy consumption to reach