SECTION 36
From his station on Valiant’s bridge, Ulnar studies the tactical planning tank. The computers deep in the flagship’s core, analyzing ultrapulse scans and other sensor data, record no trace of activity in the system. Neither human ships nor Ka’slaq cruisers are exposed by the squadron’s long-range probes. The system appears dead and deserted, but Ulnar knows better than to trust appearances. Perhaps alien ships are lying in ambush somewhere near Endymion, or maybe they have a method of hiding from ultrapulse scans.
Unwilling to expose the entire squadron to a trap, Ulnar passes orders to the squadron’s light destroyers, the recon wing. “Investigate Endymion for signs of life, human or alien,” he tells the chosen captains. “But at the first sign of trouble, withdraw. The battle wing will cover you.”
The destroyers dart ahead while Ulnar and the rest of the squadron watch and wait.
Proceed to section 64.