To the Warship Bugs, Hain's fleet was no different from food—delicious food.
Fortunately, Hain had reacted in time. Had he been one or two minutes later, all the warships' energy would likely have been devoured before they could break out!
Even so, by the time Hain led the fleet out, the energy loss aboard the warships had averaged more than seventy percent!
"How far is the swarm from the Fire Support Fleet?"
"3.68 million kilometers. At the swarm's speed, the Fire Support Fleet will enter the Sprayer Bugs' firing range in just over a minute!"
After hearing his adjutant's report, Hain grew anxious as well. There was little time left in the retreat window. Once the swarm closed into attack range, forcing a withdrawal would likely cost them at least half their warships.
"Order the Fire Support Fleet to split into two groups: 150 billion and 50 billion!"
"While the first group withdraws, the second group will form a wall of warships to block the Zerg Warships' firepower!"
"Once the first group has completed its withdrawal, the second group will immediately force a retreat!"
"As for our warships, there's no need to rush. Hold back as many Zerg warships as possible. Once the Fire Support Fleet has withdrawn, use our speed advantage to open the distance before retreating!"
There was no time for lengthy deliberation. Hain immediately laid out the least costly withdrawal plan he could think of!
At a time like this, even the slightest hesitation would squander their final chance to retreat. In that regard, Hain was clearly a qualified commander!
Very quickly, all the Level 3 and Level 4 Civilization fleets began carrying out the orders. Tens of billions of warships at the front of the formation turned broadside, maximizing their coverage as they formed a wall