Wentus continued, “We’re also picking up a high density of dust and particulates around the enemy vessel, Commander. It’s almost as if…”

“As if what, Optiomagis?”

“As if several large asteroids impacted and destroyed each other.”

Kat looked at the data on her screen, confirming what her first officer had just told her.

Perhaps they sought out a particulate-dense area to make their stand. Do they think this will interfere with our targeting?

She knew it would indeed affect targeting. But only at longer ranges. If she closed to point blank range, even the radioactive dust would be insufficient to throw off her firing locks.

Is that it? Or is it something else?

“Optiomagis, I want all fighters prepared for an immediate launch. Gold Dagger, Red Banner, and Gleaming Shield squadrons are to be armed for anti-shipping strikes. Black Fist, Darkwind, and Hydra for interception and escort operations.”

“Yes, Commander.”

She leaned back in her chair. Her squadrons had suffered badly so far in the engagement, and now she was sending them on another mission. She’d seen the Confed fighters in action, and she knew her people would suffer badly. But she was concerned about what the enemy was planning. If her fighters could get through and launch a damaging strike, she would feel more comfortable about closing and finishing things.

She stared straight ahead. The tactical situation seemed clear, at least in some ways. She had every reason to believe Invictus was in superior condition, that a straight out fight to the finish would end with her victory. Alliance doctrine offered no choices in such a situation. A crippled enemy was to be destroyed.

But what about those primaries…could they have repaired them? Is that what they want? For me to advance to close range so they can fire their main guns again?

No, that wasn’t the answer, at least not solely. The enemy primaries were powerful, but there was no doubt many of its secondary batteries had been virtually destroyed. Even with the main guns it was doubtful the enemy could defeat Invictus.

The enemy captain is no fool. Indeed, do not underestimate him. There must be more, something I’m not considering…

Despite her concerns, Kat knew she had no choice. If her fighters failed to get through and cripple the enemy vessel, she had no choice but to advance with Invictus and begin the final exchange.

“Commander, squadrons report ready to launch.”