At the mention of three digits, Sobek's first reaction was to get the Blizzard out of there as fast as possible. But he quickly realized that, to survive the harsh conditions at the galactic core, the Marauders didn't have large numbers of assault ships and destroyers in their fleet. If there really were hundreds of them, then the entire main fleet was bearing down on them.
All that just to deal with their two ships? Surely not!
Even so, Colonel Sobek immediately ordered the crew to bring the engines up to maximum power.
"Sir, are we preparing for a tactical charge?" A young, hot-blooded first officer said with a look of longing. "Our glorious Imperial Navy is ready to fulfill its duty!"
The fellow had come aboard at the Gate of Glory. He'd only just graduated from the naval academy, and he came from a military family. His head was full of romantic fantasies about dying gloriously on the battlefield.
It was so they could get away more easily! Sobek rolled his eyes discreetly, but couldn't bring himself to say it. Instead, he ordered the surviving marines from the destroyer to take cover where they were and set up a temporary artillery position. As for his own ship, the Blizzard, it edged toward the Crimson Throne, though its pace seemed oddly slow and hesitant.
Of course, a dreadnought and a cruiser could hardly form any kind of coordinated formation. If they encountered an enemy, the two ships would have no choice but to fight separately. Yu Lian aboard the other ship didn't voice any complaints.
"Don't worry. Didn't that fellow say the enemy would concentrate fire on the largest target? That dreadnought is our natural shield. If things go south, most of the crew will support your decision." Captain Red