Chapter 386: Encryption
Shutting down the weapons systems was one thing, but deactivating the radar system was an entirely different matter. It was akin to venturing blindfolded into an enemy stronghold, essentially surrendering one’s fate.
If the enemy approached with a weapon in hand, you wouldn’t even realize it until it was too late. What good was speed in such a situation?
If the Swarm harbored any ill intentions, Bular and his fleet would likely meet their end here.
“Major General, do you think the Swarm has detected us?” Kayi’s usually resolute face now bore an expression of deep worry, her thick black eyebrows curving in uncharacteristic distress.
Bular shot Kayi an annoyed glance, visibly displeased. He was beginning to regret his earlier decision to fast-track her promotion to adjutant. At the time, her exceptional beauty and outstanding capabilities had impressed him. However, it was only now that he realized her mental fortitude left much to be desired.
The situation was already tense enough, and Bular’s legs were trembling slightly beneath his stoic exterior. Maintaining an air of calm was draining all his energy—he simply didn’t have the bandwidth to console someone else.
“Kayi, stop asking meaningless questions,” he snapped, his tone sharp. “Respecting our opponent is respecting ourselves. If the Swarm, in their home base, cannot detect us after we exited the warp bubble, then what reason do we have for even being here?”
Chastened by Bular’s rebuke, Kayi flushed with embarrassment. Despite her striking appearance by Troi standards, she was far from useless. Quickly, she engaged in self-reflection and worked to adjust her mindset.
As time passed, the fleet drew closer to the Swarm’s outermost base. Observing the majority of Swarm units remaining in dormancy and seeing only a small, non-aggressive force intercepting them, Bular finally let out a breath of relief.