"Tactical, begin your combat analysis, please," he said. "We're carrying a VIP, but we're also the only thing standing between the Alliance and a critical asset. I need to know how far we can push it before risking the ship."

"I've already started, sir. I'll have my preliminary work up in the next few minutes."

The time Accari would have expected some sort of transmission from the enemy fleet came and went with nothing but silence from the closing ships. Their formation spread in a standard snare for a numerically superior force trying to corral another. As time went on, the Coyote's avenues of escape would be narrowed, and they were well-aware he would do everything he could to protect the ships he was entrusted with. That common knowledge made him predictable and limited what he could do to try and keep them at bay.

"Coms, ask your backshop what our ETA is on that module integration, if you would," he ordered, becoming worried at the delay.

In theory, once the module was plugged into their networked com system, he would be able to use the supplied Bluebird connection to command the fleet to perform basic movements. Each of the Mickey ships was still running on maintenance software that allowed them to be remote commanded, but only for the most basic functions like navigation and propulsion. It was aggravating to be flying among almost five hundred Fed ships, but all of them useless without their crews and armament.

"Ensign Maxwell says the module is connected and working. The connection to the command ship is taking some time," the com officer said. "You should have a new menu option on your command screen labeled 'S1C,' sir."

Accari found the new icon and opened up the command menu for the waiting fleet. It was a very basic interface, but it would have to do. Thankfully, the designers thought far enough ahead to have the ability to move the ships without their crews, but the maneuvering options were limited. The best he could do was get them moving for a jump point, but there wouldn't be anything more evasive than that.

"Coms, please contact PM Marcum and tell him the sooner we have a destination, the better," Accari said. "Inform him the enemy has found us."

"Captain, we have an incoming message from the enemy fleet."

"Put it on."

"Federation ship, stand down and prepare to be boarded. If we get what we came for, we will let your crew live and allow your ship to leave under its own power. This is an offer with a limited window. You have two hours to respond."

"They can't be serious," Marcum scoffed. Accari turned to see the PM standing in the hatchway, leaning causally against it with his arms crossed and a half-smile on his face.

"No, sir," he agreed. "They assume we'll discuss it with each other, then call up the chain of command over Bluebird like they'd have to, wait for a response. in the meantime, their ships are moving at full burn to cut off all avenues of escape."