the gun ports for the Windstorm's and the Assault's
most powerful long range weapons were along
their broadsides and out of position for returning
fire at the UIPS battle fleet. Jovian vessels of all
types that came within range of UIPS weapons would
be overwhelmed by UIPS concentrated broadsides.
The Windstorm's escorts would not have the range
until the two fleets were closer.

"They've inadvertently maneuvered themselves
into an ancient sea battle formation," Selvin said.
"It was once known as 'crossing the T'. They intended
to cut straight through our defenses to optimize
their broadsides but instead they opened themselves
to ours. That's how the game is played. I have no
choice, but I have to act quickly."

Selvin's battle computer counted down the enemy's
distance and flashed estimates on when the enemy
line would be optimally exposed to particle beam
volleys.

"Cruisers: ready your particle beamers," Selvin
commanded, "sustained fire as soon as you have
the range."

Moments after he spoke, the Admiral's order
transformed into action. Abruptly, the gun circuits
snapped shut. Lights dimmed and the Ruthless
throbbed as the beamers sucked up massive amounts
of energy. The Avenger and the Implacable joined in.

Indicators swung wildly. The technicians watched
the dials and verified that a stream of highly
charged, invisible particles had erupted from the
beamer tubes. The lights returned to normal, and
the throbbing tapered off.

The bolts struck the leading INOR warship full
length from bow to stern, and moved on the second
in line as soon as it came into range. The INOR
battle cruisers shuddered, smitten as by a
giant hammer. Their hulls collapsed and the
ships exploded into enormous, silent fireballs.
Destroyers and support ships in close screens
were caught in the blasts and shattered.

The INOR fleet's will to continue the battle was
gone; they had disintegrated as a fighting force.

The battle ground to a halt. What was left of the
INOR armada withdrew beyond the reach of the UIPS
fleet's long-range weapons, careful to demonstrate
that their retreat was in a direction away from
the Slingshot Terminals. It was just as well, lines
of UIPS destroyers and gunships had formed up as
a shield between the work sites and any potential
attacker from the residue of the INOR Combined
Fleet.

The arena quieted. UIPS search, rescue and medical
craft searched the area, marking wrecks of both
sides wi