Yu Lian stared at the several points of light that had suddenly appeared in the distance at the edge of the star system. It was as if a few stars had come back to life. His mind, however, was a blank.
The ordinary technicians on the bridge recovered their composure faster than he did. After hearing the warning system's report, they hurriedly activated the active radar again and shouted, "Master Yu Lian, ships detected dead ahead, at six o'clock! Twenty-two—no, twenty-six! Their models are still uncertain, but there are large warships!"
The active targeting radar on the Ahadick was a secondhand model from more than a decade ago. The automatic detectors and optical radio telescopes were homemade, too, and could hardly compare with the latest military-grade equipment. On top of that, the other ships were now more than one astronomical unit away. Being able to make out this much was already pretty good.
But one thing was certain: those ships had come with hostile intent. The moment they emerged from warp, they had formed a standard battle formation.
Odegoth, gripping the helm, shuddered a few times. Then he suddenly snapped, letting out a beastlike roar as he ripped the helm—which had been glued in place with industrial adhesive—right off. "They're back again! Will this never end?!"
He brandished the helm, which was nearly half the size of a mill, swinging it around like a madman. He looked like someone who'd eaten way too much moon candy. "Either finish us off or all show up at once! What do you think this is, a dog flap you can keep going in and out of? Why are you targeting me? Why, why, why?!"
Bluebeard Odegoth's breakdown brought the blank-minded navigator, Yu Lian, back to his senses. He thought his leader was being