The energy weapon lit up even the weak sensor packages of the shuttles, painting a swathe of radiation across the night sky. Simultaneously, all data connections to the heavy frigate ceased mid-packet. Software modules redboxed – networking, comms, global positioning, orbital strike support, command-and-control.

But, like the multiply-redundant systems they were, they picked themselves up again. Cruder, perhaps – less capable, also. But I still had open lines of communication to my ground units and the shuttles, and plenty of firepower remaining. Jaw set, I made the call.

“All units, this is Kurzweil. I am taking operational command. We have been attacked and key operational assets have been destroyed. All units are to go to full aggression. Repeat, engage any and all threats with minimum discretion.”

In a corner of my HUD, the rebel broadcast continued – apparently oblivious.

“Kurzweil to shuttles – I’m tired of that. Engage ECM jamming and launch anti-radiation missiles against their comms mast.”