[ Einherial, Eastern Mid-Childa / October 1, 0078 11:04 ]

"Yes, Sir!"

Major Gaiz looked around the Einherial control room. Every pair of eyes was directed at her. She could feel one more presence in the room, however. After all these years, her father had been proven right.

"The Cradle is descending, officers," she said to them. "Commence firing as soon as it is within range."

"Yes, Ma'am!"

"Telemetry data from the Fleet coming in, Major!"

"Cross-reference with Scaglietti's data."

"Done!"

"What can we hit from here?"

"The AMF generator and the main engine."

"Aim for both."

"Affirmative!"

A few minutes of silent tension followed, interrupted only by brief updates on the Cradle's position.

"The Cradle is within optimal range!"

Auris rose up.

"Fire!"

"Yes, Ma'am!"

The entire facility trembled as the massive cannon outside discharged a colossal energy pulse towards the descending warship. One second, two seconds, three seconds, Auris counted in her head, four seconds…

"We have a hit, Major! But… the damage is minimal. The AMF has dissipated the projectile…"

That was to be expected, Auris thought dully, but didn't let it show:

"Charge and fire again! We are taking that thing down today!"