all ships in the fleet. A nod from
the grizzled Fleet Commander and Myra inserted
the capsule into a slot on the view tank's base.
The Exec motioned the battle staff to observe
and listen. Taking turns, Brad and Myra reeled off
details on the enemy fleet's new Order of Battle.

Brad pointed to locations in the view tank,
suggesting potential UIPS tactical options to
exploit the enemy's vulnerabilities. He added how
Captain Yargoul might respond, and how the UIPS
fleet might use them to advantage.

As Brad spoke, a microphone picked up his words
and fed them into the computer to bring current
the fleet's, now by-passed database. Selvin and his
staff, even as they listened to Brad, observed the
effects on the plotting screen. A superseding fleet
tactical formation spread before them.

There was no time for discussion; the opposing
fleets were too close. Selvin, eyes on the tank and
plot, took over and spun out orders to his ships'
Commanders.

"Your view tank has a copy of what I have
here," he said. "The enemy fleet is down to
four battle cruisers, sixteen destroyers, three
fighter-bombers, seventeen fighters, four gunboats,
and three attack transports with troops aboard,
plus a tagalong pack of armed support ships.

"Consider the destroyers are in their best
screening positions. We are totally committed.
Launch fighters as soon as the INOR fleet is in
optimum range. Target priorities are cruisers,
destroyers and gunships. Take the offense
immediately against all enemy ships that
penetrate our outer defenses.

"Avoid contact with transports or support ships.
If an enemy vessel is disabled, engage in rescue
if your situation permits; especially should they
retire from the arena and present no hazard to the
Slingshot construction site. In such circumstances,
do not pursue. If they do begin to approach the
Terminals, pursue at max and take them out. Keep
the construction site command center informed
so that they can take defensive actions.

"Engage the enemy. Attack. Attack. Attack."

##

The INOR Commanders facing Captain Yargoul on his
view screen appeared apprehensive. They had not
closed with the enemy fleet yet lost two cruisers,
three destroyers and a dozen fighters. The
thermonuclear warhead launched at the enemy
fleet had been faulty or sabotaged into premature
detonation. They had taken savage blows.

Captain Yargoul rallied his forces.

"The battle has just begun," he exhorted his
list