Chapter 21: Virginia: Petard

Summary

• An enemy armada is circling Mars, staying just out of range of the planetary guns.
• Detailed analyses of small skirmishes are being done by both sides to gauge the opponent's strength.
• After several hours, the enemy still hasn't launched a full assault, maintaining a pattern of feints and withdrawals.
• An error by Lysander's battlegroup causes one of his destroyers to be damaged and forces it to retreat.
• Concern grows among the commanders, and the protagonist is in constant communication to maintain discipline.
• Lightbringer recovers escape pods from the damaged destroyer, but the protagonist advises against attacking, suspecting a trap.
• Suspicions about the enemy's intentions grow when questioning the alignment between Phobos and Lysander's forces.
• Sudden inbound objects at high velocity are detected approaching the north pole of Mars.
• It is revealed that the enemy used a railgun installation to fire projectiles a week prior, predicting the fleet's position.
• The projectiles cause devastation, consisting of massive rail slugs that were part of Mars's own discarded fleet.
• Despite the massive amount of metal used for the attack, the protagonist believes there won't be a second one due to its cost.
• The shock of the attack stuns the command center, and they grapple with the complexity of such a strategic move.
• Victra survives the attack and rallies any remaining forces for an upcoming confrontation as the enemy fleet moves in for a decapitation mission.
• The protagonist issues orders to defend the fleet at all costs and rushes reinforcements from Phobos and the south pole.
• As the enemy advances, there is an acknowledgment that the battle will be difficult and that it’s time to counter-attack.
• Preparations are made to defend Phobos, including gearing up the planetary weaponry.
• It is insinuated that the enemy might have more previously stolen weapons now ready for battle.
• The enemy fleet faces heavy losses but continues towards a vulnerable area created in the defense perimeter.
• Victra prepares her ships for a critical battle, while the protagonist prepares for their own pivotal moment in the conflict.