Megacorporate Faction Director-Carls Charius, one of the few men of action in the Megacorporate Faction and one of its pillars, had been poisoned, had his brain dug out, and then been burned to ashes. He could not have been any deader.
Gorpious put on a performance that was painful to watch, then relayed false orders, telling the mercenary leaders to abandon their original tactics and fight independently instead.
Without Director Charius to coordinate them and provide unified command, the fleet had effectively split into several formations fighting their own battles.
Without a leader responsible for overall command and deployment, the fleet would soon descend into mutual suspicion and division between its formations.
But...
"Attention, friends. Although Director Charius has died for his country, we cannot simply lose this war. Remember to share information in real time. Don't fight on your own."
Someone spoke in the communications channel.
Gorpious knew the speaker, the leader of the largest mercenary fleet currently present. Sharp-eyed and difficult to deal with indeed, they had immediately spotted the problem of the fleet splintering after Charius's death.
Gorpious could not let them have their way!
Gorpious hurriedly interrupted with a roar: "Brothers! Avenge the director! Charge!!!"
By then, the Human Second Fleet had begun another volley. This time, it did not even bother pretending. Not a single laser or grenade flew toward the Community Fleet; every shot fell on the other formations.
The Surrendered Mercenary Fleet covering the perimeter also opened fire. Though its combat strength was low, it had sufficient numbers, and its dense barrage quickly engulfed the M'tok fleet.
"There's no time to keep discussing this. Move! Let's defeat them in one push!"
Gorpious continued egging the leaders on. Faced with the densely packed lasers and explosions, they had no choice but to resume commanding