T3 Phoenix-class Heavy Carrier Starship · Bridge
In the Starfighter Command Hub, dozens of starship crew members were monitoring the status of the T3 Starfighters in real-time.
They were tasked with assisting the starfighter squads in combat, dispatching nearby starfighters for emergency support whenever any were in danger.
Additionally, in cases where a T3 Starfighter sustained severe damage, they would promptly order the starfighter pilot to retreat or even abandon the aircraft to escape.
Commander Zhao Chen had given them their primary directive: people are more important than machines.
When faced with a choice, they were to protect every starfighter pilot at all costs.
Suddenly, one crew member saw on the screen that a T3 Starfighter had unfortunately been hit by the main cannon of a T2 interstellar destroyer. Fortunately, it was protected by a unidirectional star shield.
However, the main cannon attack completely depleted the star shield energy, and subsequent attacks from close defense cannons caused damage to the T3 Phoenix-class Starfighter.
"Warning! Left wing damaged. Power reduced by 15%."
"Warning! Abdominal armor under attack. Overall armor integrity at 80%."
Inside the pilot cockpit of the T3 Phoenix-class Starfighter, the pilot could hear the aircraft's warning alerts.
"Phoenix 203, evacuate the battlefield immediately! I've already arranged for friendly aircraft around you to provide cover! Please evacuate the battlefield now!" the assisting crew member repeatedly urged.
"Understood. Phoenix 203 beginning return to base." Though reluctant, the pilot complied with the order and began the return journey.
During the return, the starfighter continued to come under attack.
"Warning! Compressed oxygen leak detected. Oxygen supply will be depleted within five minutes."
"Warning! Power reduced by 46%."
The fighter pilot could feel the starfighter she was piloting trembling and shaking uncontrollably.
Buddy, this is our first mission together. No matter what, you have to get us back safely!
"Phoenix 203, I'm detecting severe damage to your aircraft. Oxygen supply can only last five minutes.
I recommend you abandon ship. I will contact the T3 Andromeda-class Interstellar Medical Ship to dispatch an unmanned medical capsule for your rescue!" the assisting crew member said with concern.
"This is Phoenix 203. I can still hold on! I can bring this fighter back!"
The assisting crew member shouted, "Phoenix 203, have you forgotten Commander's orders? Your lives come first.
If we lose starfighters, we can rebuild them. But if we lose you, you're gone forever!"
The fighter pilot looked at her control panel, observing the numbers flashing red. She calmly replied, "This is Phoenix 203. I understand the current situation.
According to the operating manual, my starfighter's condition still falls within salvageable parameters.
Please let me try a little harder. I really... don't want to give up on my starfighter!"
The assisting crew member bit her lip lightly as she reviewed the status data for T3 Phoenix-class Starfighter 203. "Then I'll give you one final reminder: once your power drops below 50%, you must abandon the aircraft to ensure your own safety."
Otherwise, I will punish you according to War-time Regulations. You might even be grounded for life, unable to pilot again. Phoenix 203, do you understand?!"
"Understood!" The pilot took a deep breath, thinking to herself, "Sister, I will bring you back. Believe in me!"
A few minutes later.
In the Starship Hangar of the T3 Phoenix-class Heavy Carrier Starship, at an Emergency Repair Berth, a T3 Phoenix-class Starfighter slowly descended on an Elevation Platform.
During transport, the aircraft had been sprayed with a large amount of Specialized Foam to prevent risks such as explosions.
"This is Special Logistics Handling Team One. Extract the pilot immediately!
At the same time, inspect the condition of the starfighter and identify all potential hidden issues." Crew members in Specialized Work Uniforms began conducting emergency checks on the heavily damaged starfighter.
"The cockpit canopy is damaged and cannot be opened normally. Activate the Emergency Pop-up Mechanism!" After several failed attempts to open the canopy, the personnel responsible for extracting the pilot directly activated the emergency system via software.
Click
With a distinct sound, the entire cockpit canopy popped open, revealing the Pilot Cockpit inside.
The personnel immediately operated a Mechanical Arm to lift the pilot out and place her on a pre-prepared Medical Stretcher. They removed her equipment and checked her condition.
"The pilot is unconscious but shows no signs of life-threatening danger. There are no visible injuries on her body surface."
At that moment, the pilot opened her eyes. With a dazed gaze, she looked at the heavily damaged T3 Phoenix-class Starfighter and murmured, "I... I brought... you back!"
Then, she fell unconscious again, though her expression appeared much more relaxed.
The personnel exchanged glances, all feeling deep respect for this pilot. While her actions were risky, they understood the emotional bond between a pilot and her starfighter.
Bridge
The auxiliary crew member responsible for Phoenix 203 let out a long sigh of relief upon hearing that the pilot was safe.
If anything had happened to the pilot, she would never have forgiven herself.
However, given the extent of damage to Phoenix 203, it was unlikely to participate further in this Battle.
After the hangar personnel addressed some immediate hazards, the starfighter would be temporarily sealed in the Hangar, awaiting a Major Overhaul by an Interstellar Industrial Ship upon Return to Base.
Just then, the auxiliary crew member noticed that among the three hundred icons representing T3 Phoenix-class Starfighters on her screen, one had turned black.
It indicated that this T3 Phoenix-class Starfighter had been destroyed.
She glanced at the number—it was the starfighter assigned to her neighboring colleague. Concerned, she looked over.
"Fortunately, the pilot ejected successfully before the starfighter exploded. She has been recovered by an Unmanned Medical Capsule from the T3 Andromeda-class Interstellar Medical Ship and returned safely. The pilot's vital signs are all normal," her colleague said with a forced smile.
Although the crew member was safe, losing the first T3 Phoenix-class Starfighter under her watch undoubtedly left her feeling somber.
"Don't dwell on it too much. You handled it well."
"Don't forget our commander's words: the pilot's life is more important than the Stellar Fighter!" she comforted her companion.
The Battle had now been raging for nearly an hour.
Although the enemy interstellar fleet's current objective was to break through the Fierce Dragon Fleet's defensive line and attack the T3 Phoenix-class Heavy Carrier Starship.
However, the enemy interstellar fleet found themselves as if sinking into a swamp—no matter how they struggled, they couldn't break free, only sinking deeper and deeper.
Those T2 Interstellar Frigates were absurdly tough, the T2 Interstellar Battleships had terrifying Firepower, and the T3 Interstellar Battlecruisers with astonishing Speed left their starships groaning in their wake wherever they passed.
Just as the Slave Merchant's interstellar fleets were still locked in bitter combat.
Around the two Flagships of the second and third fleets, several oddly-shaped Starship Stealth Unmanned Drones suddenly appeared out of thin air!
At the same time, four T3 Blizzards charged straight toward these two Flagships.
T3 Phoenix-class Heavy Carrier Starship · Bridge
"Execute the third phase of the plan. T2 Black Knight-class Light Interstellar Combat Mechs, prepare for Boarding Combat!" Zhao Chen narrowed his eyes, fixed on the scene.
Ten T3 White Phoenix-class Electronic Interference Star Stealth Drones began targeting the two T3 Blazing Lion King-class Heavy Interstellar Battlecruisers serving as Flagships for Electronic Interference!