SECTION 32
Ulnar rubs his chin nervously. He scans the information displayed in the planning tank with worried eyes. Even though the Ka’slaq have split their forces, Ulnar doesn’t like the odds. Even if he defeats the first attack, there are enough aliens at hand to destroy is ships before they can escape. Larno’s ships were overwhelmed so quickly . . . can the Ninth Squadron expect to do better?
“Open Fleetcomm to all ships and patch it through to me here,” Ulnar orders curtly. He doesn’t like the decision he feels compelled to make now; Merros will certainly see it as cowardice. But the safety of Earth’s first line of defense is more important than Ulnar’s personal feelings or reputation.
“Ready on Fleetcomm, Admiral,” the communications technician tells him.
Ulnar switches on the microphone at his elbow and tries to make his tone as cold and remote as possible. His words are difficult to force through his dry throat. “All ships, this is Flag,” he says reluctantly. “Withdraw at once . . . repeat, withdraw at once. This isn’t the time or the place for a showdown.” But it will be soon, he promises himself wordlessly. “Adopt Stealth mode and disperse for a general withdrawal. Stand by for further orders.”
Stealth mode uses ultrawave and ultrapulse generators to jam the enemy’s tracking systems. If it doesn’t work, the superior speed and maneuverability of the Ka’slaq ships will make withdrawal impossible. Given the way the aliens are jamming the squadron’s equipment, Ulnar wonders how well they can deal with the Stealth mode transmissions. Ulnar believes Stealth mode is the squadron’s only hope of escape.
Roll two dice and compare the result to the squadron’s Stealth rating.
If the roll is less than or equal to the rating, go to section 52.
If the roll exceeds the Stealth rating, go to section 62.