Bzzzt... krrk!
Inside the NRS Orion's main navigation room, the crystal radar screens flashed wildly.
Three solid red dots, previously faint on the northern horizon, had now fully manifested. They cut across the coordinate grid in a precise formation, radiating an aura of pure intimidation.
Captain Thorne stood rooted before the main console, his gray eyes locked onto the screen. The veteran officer's face remained composed, though his jaw tightened with high alert.
"Hmm... an inverted V formation," Thorne muttered under his breath. "One ship taking the vanguard, the other two locking us down from the flanks."
The radar operator glanced back, swallowing hard. "Defensive countermeasures, Captain?"
"Not yet," Thorne ordered coldly. "Cut engine speed to a third! Lock both active mana-cannons in a neutral position."
He slammed a button on the console. "Ignite the civilian-diplomatic identification lights on the mainmast. Do it now."
Sshk.
