At this command, thousands of automated combat drones, including the heavy Leviathan gunships and the agile Space Swallow interceptors housed within the Deep Space mothership's hangar bays, poured out into the void to provide frantic tactical support to the two Titans holding the vanguard.
The massive ion engines of the Deep Space were burning at maximum output, executing a synchronized orbital climb.
The heavy transport ship suspended below on the carbon nanotube tether was being reeled in inch by inch. The entire extraction sequence resembled a terrifying high-altitude stunt.
The transport ship fired its auxiliary thrusters to match the mothership's lateral velocity, preventing the tether from swinging wildly under the aerodynamic sheer.
Jason's heart hammered against his ribs. His eyes were glued to the tactical displays showing the distant, silent universe.
