Through the holographic screen on the bridge terminal, the first thing Yu Lian and his troops saw was a swarm of drones like rabid vampire bats, completely engulfing a Frontier Marquis-class battlecruiser and relentlessly gnawing at her sturdy, massive hull. A few destroyers and light cruisers desperately fired long-range shots, trying to save their flagship. But their efforts were like trying to put out a fire with a child's water gun—utterly futile.
Then the Frontier Marquis-class battlecruiser tilted out of control, like a bull drained of blood, and gradually lost momentum.
"...So it really is true!" Captain Towi sighed.
"But how did they even get here? It makes no sense!" Chief of Staff Mkawa was completely stumped, his face full of doubt, as if he were witnessing a miracle of the universe.
"Whether it makes sense or not, it's reality now, Chief of Staff." Political Commissar Colonel Singer offered earnestly. If people didn't know about the complicated relationship between the two men, they might actually think Colonel Singer was an honest, hardworking soul.
"Charge the main gun on the Fuxi. Don't wait for my orders. Open fire on the Serpent's Den immediately," Yu Lian ordered.
"At this range, sir, it'll be difficult to guarantee a hit with the mass accelerator cannon," the captain said.
"Yes, but we can at least start adjusting the trajectory, and make sure they know we're a threat," Yu Lian replied.
Commodore Towi didn't object. There was nothing wrong with firing a warning shot; it was standard practice in space fleet combat.
"Should we have the escort squadron deploy guidance mines and prepare a defensive barrier?" the chief of staff asked.
Yu Lian nodded. "Approved! Also, have the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry aboard the Fuxi prepare to launch an assault."
Captain Towi and Chief of Staff