— 7 —
The attack force returns to the fleet. Emerald receives the debriefing with the dispassion of a pro. The time for mourning will come if and when they complete this mission. Emerald had ordered the fleet to decelerate when she saw that this was not going to be a mop-up. Precious time has been lost, as well as vital firepower, and that hurts as much as the loss of her men. She looks at her chronometer. It is already 0200.
Mark off 2 hours on your time chart.
Subtract 1 point from the fleet's Morale Value.
Turn to section 8.