Earth Forces Pursuit 7

Everyone on the bridge held their breath. Seconds ticked by, each one seeming agonizingly long. All eyes were fixed on the main screen, watching the four red dots draw nearer and nearer. No one spoke; only the low hum of the instruments could be heard. Everyone shared the same small wish: Just let us get through this.

That wish was utterly shattered by a violent tremor the very next second.

A powerful impact struck from outside, and the entire warship shook violently. Murrue felt the safety harness pinning her firmly to her seat, yet she could still feel the force that seemed capable of tearing the ship apart.

The main screen showed footage from the external cameras: a high-energy beam cannon had struck the outer wall of the harbor where the abandoned colony concealed them. The impact point was instantly heated to incandescent white, blazing with a harsh red light as vast quantities of metal fragments and rock were hurled into space.

The enemy had opened fire.

That fact crushed every last trace of wishful thinking.

"Archangel, emergency launch! Leave the harbor immediately!"

Murrue's voice rang through the shaking bridge, clear and decisive.

She understood completely now. The enemy had not merely happened to pass by. They had come for them. They knew precisely where their fleet was hiding and had attacked immediately, without warning or probing.

Captain Ramius!

On the communications display at her side, the faces of Natarle Badgiruel and Kisaka, Uzumi Nara Athha's representative, appeared at the same time.

Natarle looked as composed as ever, while Kisaka's expression was somewhat grave.

"Natarle, can Dominion deploy?" Murrue asked, her gaze flicking rapidly between Natarle and the tactical map offscreen.

"It can sortie! We can leave the harbor at any time!" Natarle's answer was brief and forceful.

"Good! Dominion