>>5846308Ox-3, the converted carrier, has steadily fell behind and is now perilously close to your advancing formation. Albatross-2 is attempting to screen the lumbering whale as best it can; still, the Richardson has already managed several hits in edgewise on its exposed solar sails. The Komodo is unfortunately more successful at keeping Ienaga's ship from overwhelming the rest of the convoy. Every time the Yushi or Shishi tries to leave the blind spot created by Ox-2, a hail of shells would quickly force them back in. Neither is closing in to the freighter an option with Albatross-1 still lurking with most of its torpedoes intact. Ienaga must be swearing up and down in his bridge now over his decision to swap out the torpedoes. His Yonaoshis have little direct anti-ship armament outside of their mostly expended missiles, they can stall, but not win, in a close-quarters gift exchange.
Although scans have turned up only a handful of high-energy signatures characteristic of bomber drones, you decide to take no chances and order the full wrath of the Skyline's anti-ship batteries upon the poor former freighter. The whole bridge around you vibrates in staccatos from the recoil of straddling railguns. The halting rhythm rapidly turns into a smooth glissando as your railguns hone on target. Just as quickly, the jabs ended, throwing your hastily choreographed dance off balance. As you recover from the embarrassing stumble, Elysium reports, in as calm a tone as he could manage, “Ox-3 disabled, its drones are pulling together for a last suicide run. PD on standby.” There is no need. The Yushi and Shishi swat every single fly heading your way with methodical flair.
Before you can turn your attention to the other targets however, Moynihan reports new contacts fresh out of warp. At last, the task force guarding the research station is coming out to play. One Marlin, two Albatrosses, hopefully no surprises. Jean-Pierre better be quick, even with the Yonaoshis' support, you doubt you can keep these newcomers pinned down for long. More worryingly, however, is Ienaga's tightbeam, “Fast response from enemy task force. Hidden base nearby?”
<span class="mu-s"> With your engine in its current state, you have to make a decision now. </span>
>Squeeze every last drop of acceleration, you must destroy this convoy before the task force can rescue them. (may damage the engines)>Cripple the engines on Ox-2, disengage and shadow the task force (Ienaga won't be happy)>Ask Ienaga to harry the reinforcements while you and the Richardson continues the chase (buys more time, but unlikely to disable any enemy ships)>Write-in 