Meanwhile, on Scarif:
The orbital space station responsible for controlling the planetary shield had been completely destroyed by carefully placed plasma bombs as soon as the assault team, composed of elite veterans and Hell's Drop Troopers, completed their evacuation.
The massive space station shattered in flames and shockwaves, and the shield system immediately failed, leaving Scarif, once a strategically vital fortress, vulnerable as it suddenly lost its once impregnable defense.
At this moment, Scarif was practically "wide open"—the defense systems on the surface and in low orbit had collapsed entirely after recent battles, and no effective resistance could be organized against any incoming forces.
However, the main fleet of the Galactic Empire, along with the fearsome Death Star, had anchored on the sunward side of Scarif and remained in its gravitational range, continuing preparations and vigilance, thus ensuring that Scarif remained "safe" for the time being.
Furthermore, with the Blood Ravens having completed their retreat, the Galactic Empire temporarily lost the initial strike target it had set.
Additionally, the vital facilities on Scarif's surface had been reduced to rubble in the previous battles. Large portions of infrastructure were destroyed, and military bases had suffered significant damage, so the Death Star refrained from further bombardment.
After all, Scarif was an important strategic hub for the Galactic Empire, and without necessity, the Empire would not destroy such a valuable planet recklessly.
Although the Blood Ravens' elimination could no longer serve as a deterrent, the Empire's fleet quickly resumed actions, reasserting control over Scarif in the shortest amount of time.
Under the flagship "Devastator," several Star Destroyers and other vessels reoccupied low orbit, blocking all incoming and outgoing flight paths.
At the same time, large numbers of Shock Troopers boarded shuttles and landing craft, descending in groups onto the surface to begin thorough search operations, ensuring all hidden threats were cleared as they steadily advanced to reoccupy Scarif.
The Death Star remained motionless, like a silent, cold giant, "hovering" in the sunward side's gravitational range. Its massive structure cast a shadow, enveloping Scarif's skyline, still shrouded in an ominous sense of oppression.
In this silent sea of stars, the Death Star was not only a deterrent but also a symbol of the Galactic Empire's ultimate power, ready to unleash destructive sanctions on any force daring to challenge its dominion.
Meanwhile, aboard the Devastator:
"Lord Vader, the enemy fleet has employed some form of jump technology to escape, and they are now out of our fire range," the captain reported to the figure standing behind the observation window.
The captain, dressed in a sharp gray military uniform, stood rigidly before the command console. His tone was steady, yet he could not hide his nervousness.
The atmosphere in the command bridge was thick and oppressive, as if the air itself had become stagnant due to some invisible force.
Hoo... Hoo...
The heavy sound of "mechanical breathing" reverberated across the bridge, like the low murmur of death itself, making every officer and crew member instinctively hold their breath.
Standing behind the observation window was a figure clad entirely in black armor. His body was like forged steel, and his onyx helmet reflected a cold gleam, obscuring his facial expression, making it impossible to discern his emotions.
The dark red control panel on his chest flickered with a faint light, contrasting starkly with his armor, as his black cloak gently swayed under the ventilation system's breeze, its sleek lines resembling a shadow in the dark, signaling his unshakable authority.
The man appeared to be calmly observing the scenic view of Scarif from the window, the majestic view of the planet standing out in the dead silence of space. Yet these views seemed distant to him.
This man was none other than one of the peak warriors in the "17" universe—Darth Vader.
As the captain finished speaking, time seemed to freeze. No one on the bridge dared to make a sound, fearing that even the slightest noise would provoke an unforgiving wrath.
They all knew that the anger of this dark lord was not something to be expressed through words. It came in the form of the most direct, terrifying actions.
The captain's palms were sweating as he lowered his head, waiting for Lord Vader's response.
The heavy breathing continued to echo, deep, rhythmic, and suffocating, like an unseen countdown to death.
"They are waiting for the right moment to strike, Captain," came the deep, calm voice from behind the obsidian mask, as if thunder had just rumbled in a silent void.
Darth Vader slowly turned, his armor producing a faint scraping sound against the metal floor. His deep black cloak swirled with a chilling ripple.
He took a heavy step, his black boots echoing with each strike on the bridge's floor. Every step was like the ringing of fate's bell—slow, resolute, and unquestionable.
Vader did not leave immediately. He spoke again, his voice still low and commanding, each word carrying an irresistible weight:
"They are waiting for reinforcements, and I can sense their restlessness."
The captain stood as still as a statue, his breath caught, unable even to wipe the sweat rolling down his brow.
The captain knew that Vader's words were not mere speculation; they came from a perception far beyond the mortal realm, a terrifying talent that made all who heard it tremble.
Darth Vader paused, turning his head slightly, his helmet reflecting the flashing warning lights from the control panels, making his form appear even colder and more menacing.
"Alert all units for combat readiness," he ordered.
He paused for a moment, seemingly confirming his own judgment, then added with even greater gravity:
"Especially the combat station (Death Star). Make sure Governor Tarkin raises the alert to prevent the enemy from infiltrating."
"Yes, Lord Vader!" the captain responded without hesitation, his voice laced with a deep, instinctive reverence.
The captain did not dare to speak further, standing at attention and watching as the Sith Lord left the bridge.
Vader's back slowly faded as he walked away, the automatic doors closing silently behind him, leaving the bridge in oppressive silence.
Only then did the captain allow himself to relax slightly, exhaling a long breath and feeling the cold sweat soaking through his uniform.
The other officers on the bridge also relaxed, though they remained uneasy. Even without Vader's fury, his mere presence was like an invisible mountain pressing down on their chests, making each breath feel laborious.
Everyone understood that the Sith Lord's very existence was a silent judgment, and if anyone dared to disappoint him, the result would not only be suffocating pressure but certain death.
Just as the officers were preparing to relay Vader's orders and adjust their defense strategies...
Whoosh—Whoosh—!!
Suddenly, deep, dark flashes of light streaked across the void, like cracks opening in another dimension.
The Blood Ravens fleet, led by Gabriel Angelo, consisting of two Paris-class ships, one Stealth-class vessel, and one captured Star Destroyer, had boldly arrived at Scarif's sunward orbital sector, almost materializing out of nowhere.
The Blood Ravens fleet quickly reformed, adopting an aggressive posture and launching a relentless surprise assault.
Their main guns had already locked onto their targets, and without hesitation, they executed their combat orders.
Blazing plasma beams, high-speed kinetic shells, and tactical missiles erupted from the front of the fleet almost simultaneously, like raging dragons emerging from the abyss, striking with thunderous force at the Imperial fleet's formation.
Most lethal of all, the two Paris-class ships, equipped with electromagnetic main cannons, targeted the flagship of the Empire fleet—the Devastator!
In an instant, two brilliant blue beams shot out from the bow of the Paris-class ships, tearing through the void at impossible angles, carrying with them horrific energy that pierced straight toward the Devastator's hull.
Boom—Boom—!!!
The piercing steel projectiles slammed into the shields, exploding on impact with a terrifying shockwave that made the entire Devastator shudder violently, as if struck by a massive hammer, causing the entire ship to tremble uncontrollably.
Several Empire officers lost their footing and fell to the floor, while the red warning lights on the control panels flashed wildly.
Woom—Woom—!!
The high-pitched, piercing alarms suddenly flooded the bridge, echoing like the prelude to death itself.
The sudden attack caught the officers off guard, throwing them into brief shock and panic.
"Report on the damage to the hull!"
"Main power system temporarily unbalanced, stabilizers engaged! External armor damaged but does not affect core systems!"
"The enemy ship is still continuing its fire coverage! Fleet is making defense adjustments!"
The communication officers and tactical commanders quickly reported the latest battlefield conditions, though chaos was inevitable.
Just then, the captain snapped back to his senses, suppressing the shock and tension, making a swift decision. He straightened his back, his gaze firm and cold, and barked orders:
"Continue checking the hull status and ensure that the damage will not affect our core combat capabilities! Regardless of the situation, continue relaying Lord Vader's instructions to all units!"
"Yes!"
With the captain's command, the bridge crew quickly got to work. Despite still feeling the tension in the air, they began responding to the unexpected attack in an organized manner under the captain's leadership.
But this was only the beginning of the Blood Ravens' full-scale assault.
Without needing to rely on real-time feedback from the consoles, the crew could already see from the observation windows how the silent warfare would soon engulf Scarif's orbit once more.
In the dark starry sky, the Blood Ravens fleet moved like a swarm of predatory raptors, launching a large-scale tactical deployment.
Numerous fighter jets and drones poured out of the fleet's hangars like a swarm of bees, rushing towards their enemy at astonishing speeds.
At the same time, over ten Thunderstrike assault boats, carrying specialized assault squads, made a beeline for the Devastator and nearby Star Destroyers.
From the Blood Ravens' movements, the crew quickly realized their target: they aimed to forcefully board the ships, dismantle the internal defenses, and assassinate the bridge commanders, with the ultimate goal of "trading small gains for a big victory"—capturing the ships.
The Imperial fleet was not unprepared. Despite the suddenness of the attack, they quickly responded.
In moments, numerous TIE fighters surged out of their ships' hangars, racing towards the battlefield in an orderly formation, intercepting the approaching Blood Ravens fighter swarm.
On the tactical communications channel, pilots' rapid reports and commands filled the air, as countless ships shifted formations, trying to block the incoming enemy craft.
Meanwhile, the fixed weapon turrets on the Imperial vessels began to open fire, their energy cannons spinning into position, locking onto the approaching targets. They unleashed dazzling green beams, striking at the incoming fighter jets, drones, and Thunderstrike boats.
Boom—!!
In an instant, the quiet void of space erupted into fierce flames again.
High-energy laser beams streaked across the darkness, leaving glowing trails in the vast sky, while the intersecting barrages of fire created a deadly web that covered the entire combat zone.
The shields on the Thunderstrike assault boats flickered violently, rippling under the energy impacts. Some of the escorting drones were hit, exploding into fragments and scattering across the silent cosmos.
Nevertheless, the Blood Ravens' offensive continued with relentless momentum.
Their fighters displayed an extraordinary level of coordination, moving like precise surgical instruments, cutting through the intercepted fire with stunning speed, darting around the enemy vessels.
Some fighters quickly adjusted their formations to avoid the energy fire from the ships, while locking onto the TIE fighters and launching long-range missiles, drawing fire away from the Thunderstrike boat formations.
Soon after, the Thunderstrike boats carrying Gabriel Angelo and five company guards, along with one company champion, under the cover of the White-legged Shrikes and drones, successfully closed in on the Devastator Star Destroyer.
With the drones dropping plasma bombs on the Devastator's left shield, briefly deactivating it, the Thunderstrike boats fired their thermite beams, directly "drilling" into the ship's hull.
Meanwhile, Darth Vader, who had intended to head to the hangar and board a shuttle to the Death Star, was forced to halt his steps.
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American TV Writer (Chapter 1402)
I Am Hades, The Supreme GOD of the Underworld! (Chapter 570)
Reborn as Humanity's Emperor Across the Multiverse (Chapter 660)
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