After lying in wait on the asteroid for two hours, they finally caught sight of Axis's enormous form on the Frontier's main bridge screen. Though no one showed it, everyone secretly breathed a sigh of relief the instant the image appeared. At least it proved their judgment had been correct.
Captain Jeffrey lowered the brim of his cap, hiding his expression in its shadow, and said in a deep voice, "Monica."
Monica promptly answered loudly, "At Axis's current speed, it will pass near this ship in thirty-five minutes. Warships have been detected parked along the target rock's outer wall, and patrol MS Units are moving freely. Preliminary assessment: there are no energy-level defensive shields around the fortress."
"Bring the entire ship to first-level combat readiness. All pilots, board your machines. Inform them that they may proceed."
"Yes." As Monica relayed Jeffrey's orders, she loudly reported the latest information. "Five Swift Shadow Astrays are ready. Besides the pilots, the participants are El-Elf, Char, Moses, Billy, Luca, Glan Glan, and four operatives. Each unit carries two personnel. Deployment begins now. Launch sequence for Swift Shadow Astray Units 1 through 5 activated. May your mission succeed, and may you all return safely."
"Roger."
"Roger."
Every Swift Shadow Astray pilot was Ace-level, and their task was to deliver El-Elf and the other ten to Axis, then wait. They would wait until El-Elf's group had obtained enough information from Axis—or caused enough damage—before carrying them safely back.
Naturally, five Swift Shadow Astrays alone could never stand against Axis's defending forces. But aboard the nearby Frontier were powerful fighters who could support them at any time.
As the five Swift Shadow Astrays were launched from the Frontier, the entire ship fell into tense silence, from the bridge crew to every pilot and medic. Screens throughout the