Several defensive installations fared far worse; their shields held for only a few agonizing seconds before shattering completely. The raw kinetic and energy payload plowed straight into their exposed hulls, reducing the stations to crippled, burning wreckage within minutes.
Kalen's brow furrowed sharply. "Damage report! Give me an immediate status update on the fleet!"
"Grand Marshal! Critical damage across defensive sectors K-4, K-6, and K-7 through K-14!" the officer reported cautiously, a flicker of hesitation in his voice as he sensed a subtle, unfamiliar presence in the commander he had served for years. "Their shields have completely collapsed, and primary weapons systems are offline. As of now, they have lost all combat capability."
"Hmm..."
