The Voidbreaker began its advance, its blade-like weapon glowing intensely as the power within it surged. Smaller ships flanked it on either side; their formations were coordinated so that they were close enough to support but left enough gap so that the ships could maneuver if needed.
The sleek vessels moved silently in the void, their dark metal hulls reflecting the faint glow of distant stars.
The dense formations etched into their surfaces pulsed faintly, channeling energy to their weapons and defensive arrays.
The entire fleet advanced, its formation tight and disciplined. Their intent was clear: disable and destroy the invaders.
Inside the Voidbreaker, Elder Wu stood in the command chamber with her arms crossed, her crimson eyes locked on the holographic display.
The Zerg ship can be seen on the screen, its organic hull pulsating ominously. Around her, the crew worked with quiet efficiency, their movements deliberate and focused.
"Targets locked," an officer reported. "We're in position."
Elder Wu's voice was calm and steady. "Fire at the first group of pods. Follow the plan and ensure they land within the designated zones."
The ship shuddered slightly as its cannons roared to life. Bright beams of energy shot forward, striking several of the descending pods.
The blasts were precise, damaging the pods just enough to destabilize their flight paths without completely destroying them. They spiraled toward the planet, their glowing trails erratic but controlled.
"Direct hits," the officer confirmed. "Pods are descending to the surface but will land where intended."
Elder Wu's eyes were cold and focused as she observed the pods' trajectory.
"Target the second group. Continue the pattern. I want those pods landed where we discussed."
The Voidbreaker's cannons roared once more, its energy beams lancing out to strike the remaining pods. They twisted in the air, their glowing trails forming a tangled web as they fell toward the planet.
"Enemy ship is beginning evasive maneuvers," the officer reported. "It appears they've detected our fire."
Elder Wu nodded, her expression unchanging.
"Stay on target. Fire only at the next set of pods. We have to complete the mission."
The officer complied, relaying the instructions to the rest of the fleet. The smaller ships maneuvered with ease, their formations flawless. They continued their assault, targeting only the falling pods and avoiding the Zerg ship entirely.
As the battle raged on, the Voidbreaker led the charge. Its blade-shaped prow glowed fiercely as it cut through the void, its cannons firing with precision and power.
"Second wave of pods has been hit," the officer confirmed. "Their descent has been disrupted, but the trajectory is still within acceptable limits."
Elder Wu's voice was low and controlled.
"Continue the assault. Stay focused. We have to see this through."
The Voidbreaker and the other ships moved as one, their formation tight and disciplined. They continued their assault, their cannons aimed at the remaining pods.
As they approached the planet's atmosphere, the pods began to change. They shifted in the air, their exoskeletons pulsating with dark red energy.
They split apart, each section forming a smaller pod.
"The enemy is releasing its warriors," the officer reported.
"That is fine," Elder Wu said calmly. "We've accounted for that. Keep targeting the pods and ignore the individual warriors.
We need to ensure they land in the designated areas."
However, before they could unleash their attack, another volley from the Voidbreaker struck. The beams pierced the cannons, causing them to explode in bursts of crimson light.
The bio-cannons sputtered and smoked, their mechanisms damaged beyond repair. The Zerg ship buckled under the assault, its hull torn open and bleeding.
"What happened?" Zar'ik demanded, his voice filled with rage.
"The enemy has destroyed the bio-cannons," a subordinate reported. "And it is almost impossible to fix it now, Captain."
"Impossible!" Zar'ik's claws raked the floor.
"This should not be happening," he snarled.
The Zerg ship lurched as another barrage hit its already-weakened defenses.
"Shields are failing," a blue-eyed Zerg said, its voice strained.
"Counterattack immediately," Zar'ik ordered, his golden eyes narrowing. "We must regain control of the situation."
The Zerg crewmen did everything in their power to respond, but despite their best efforts, the ship continued to sustain heavy damage.
Zar'ik paced, his claws clicking rhythmically. "I do not understand. What are they hitting us with? This is beyond what a world of this level should be capable of."
A blue-eyed Zerg stepped forward cautiously. "Captain, perhaps they have a powerful artifact or ancient formation?"
Zar'ik growled, his mandibles clicking in frustration.
"This is an unknown variable," he muttered. "There are too many unknown factors. This is not how the Hive fights. We need information."
Zar'ik's six golden eyes scanned the readouts, his gaze shifting between the displays. "If we can't scan them, perhaps we can find out what they are. Deploy the scout swarm. Have them investigate."
"Yes, Captain," the blue-eyed Zerg replied, bowing its head.
Outside the Zerg ship, the Voidbreaker continued its assault, its weapons unrelenting. The smaller ships followed suit, their formation tight and disciplined.
Suddenly, a swarm of small, insect-like Zerg detached from the main vessel.
They spread out, their forms blurring as they approached the fleet.
Elder Wu's voice was cool and even. "They're deploying something. Be alert and prepare for evasive maneuvers. I don't want a single one getting near us."
"Understood," the officer acknowledged, relaying the instructions to the fleet.
The smaller ships responded quickly, their formations changing as they adjusted to the incoming threat.
But despite their efforts, the scout swarm moved with terrifying speed and coordination, evading their attacks.
Elder Wu watched closely, her crimson eyes following their every move.
"Don't let them get close," she warned, her voice steady.
"Yes, Elder," the officer acknowledged.
"Concentrate your fire on the larger ones. We can't allow them to reach us."
The officers carried out her commands, their hands moving deftly over the glowing panels. The cannons on the smaller ships blazed, their energy beams lancing through the void.