Aurelian's respect rose slightly.
The commander was reacting properly.
Unfortunately for him, proper was not enough.
Cassian gave the next order.
"Second volley. Break the shield anchors."
The family fleet fired again.
This time, the attack was not spread across the entire defense. It focused on six shield anchor stations positioned around the relay fortress.
The first two collapsed under lance fire. The third survived the opening strike only for a missile wave to hit its exposed side.
The fourth and fifth were disabled by synchronized cruiser fire from one of the branch fleets. The sixth tried to rotate behind the fortress body and was cut apart by the Black Crown's main battery.
Aurelian did not even need to speak for that last shot.
Astra had already seen the opening.
"Good shot," he said.
"It was not hard to estimate and fire based on data," Astra replied.
"That can still be good."
She accepted that with a faint nod.
The fortress shield flickered.
