Chapter 306: Back Again
The three main fleets sustained heavy losses in this battle, with nearly 500 warships rendered incapable of long-range travel, over 80 of which were completely destroyed. Most of these losses occurred during the final stages, in the exchange of fire between orbiting Riken warships and the Swarm’s Primordial bodies on Planet Raze’s surface.
Other warships also suffered varying degrees of damage, though none were critically impaired.
After the war, the relatively intact Third Fleet was assigned to monitor the Swarm’s follow-up forces. Taking advantage of the smaller number of Swarm units, they sought opportunities to exploit the situation.
Even if they couldn’t destroy a significant amount of the Swarm’s forces, depleting the Swarm’s ammunition stockpiles would be a worthwhile effort. In the Riken’s understanding, the Swarm lacked logistical bases, making replenishments difficult.
The Second Fleet, which sustained moderate losses, was stationed on Planet Raze to defend the logistical engineering units and the damaged warships. Once the orbital shipyards on Planet Raze were fully operational, the Second Fleet would undergo repairs and then relieve the Third Fleet, allowing them to return for maintenance.
Planet Raze’s orbital shipyards were also tasked with repairing heavily damaged warships, salvaging the remains of destroyed ships, and constructing new warships to replenish the main fleets as needed.
The First Fleet, which had battled the Swarm for over ten days, suffered the heaviest losses. Including the warships grounded on Planet Raze, the First Fleet had lost nearly half of its operational strength.
They would return to the Twin Star Defensive Zone of the Riken home system for repairs, receive reinforcements to restore their composition, and prepare for future engagements. At the same time, Vice Admiral Hamis, who had participated in the entire campaign, would return to the Riken homeworld to report on the war.
Everything was proceeding in an orderly fashion—for both the Riken and the Swarm.