Yu Lian did not need to issue a special order. The moment the rhythm of the gravity well was detected, Captain Nemo had already issued the alert. Thus, many crew members who had only just settled down quickly awoke from their hibernation pods and returned to their combat stations.
They were all battle-hardened elites, and not one of them complained.
"Recall Skywatch Eye 5 immediately! Begin increasing the sublight engine output."
They had to thank the captain. As soon as they entered a relatively stable star system, he had deployed a warning net in advance, effectively sending out unmanned scouts early.
"Skywatch 5 will need at least five minutes to return to the ship," the first officer replied.
"Then switch to charging speed immediately after five minutes. Lieutenant Colonel Romanova, help me steer! Prepare the fighters for launch and interception!"
The Pilgrimage thus entered its highest state of combat readiness. However, she naturally did not turn toward Gravity Well 3, where the jump reaction had occurred. Instead, she accelerated straight ahead toward the predetermined transfer route.
Whether the newcomers were enemies or not, they had no reason to linger and fight.
Soon afterward, Pilgrimage 5 successfully returned and docked with the mothership, which made Yu Lian breathe a slight sigh of relief. This kind of unmanned reconnaissance craft, with its excellent performance, was simply too useful—but every one they used really was one fewer.
The Pilgrimage, which had instantly reached charging speed, had shaken off the jump source by nearly ten million kilometers. Only then did the detected jump reaction finally resolve into the outlines of ships. Four battlecruisers and three carriers appeared at the location of the spatial disturbance.
The jump reaction had of course not ended. More warships were clearly still arriving.
Pirates could never make such a