Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high! Chapter 1076 - 732: Coordinated Request

The recorder rapidly scanned the recently uploaded data, his expression growing increasingly somber.

After a brief silence, he looked up and stated in a business-like manner: "As per the Star Alliance mission evaluation standards, if the target's threat level is confirmed to be excessively high, making elimination through conventional means impossible without causing unacceptable collateral damage, the execution team is authorized to select 'marking and positioning' and request the United Fleet to conduct beyond-visual-range strikes using high-energy orbital weaponry."

He paused before adding, "Naturally, opting for 'marking and positioning' rather than direct personal destruction will lead to certain... deductions in the final mission score. After all, this essentially means entrusting the most perilous and critical task to the rear fleet."

Bai E's brow creased; his concern clearly lay elsewhere than the mission score.

"Orbital strike? Considering the extent to which this nest is integrated with the planet's crust, the energy shockwave from an orbital bombardment could very well instigate a global geological chain reaction. What then becomes of the planet's civilians who have not yet been evacuated?"

The recorder simply shrugged, his tone tinged with helplessness, yet possessing the detachment of a rear-echelon personnel: "Commander, there are always sacrifices in war."

"The Star Alliance's combat directive is to neutralize the Bug Race's primary nest threat and secure the strategic safety of the Aisera Star System. Should conventional methods prove ineffective, employing an orbital strike is the standard procedure. Regarding the planet's civilians... evacuation commenced early in the Bug Race invasion, but a complete evacuation is, understandably, not feasible. The United Fleet will endeavor to select strike parameters and timing that minimize impact on the surface, but a one-hundred percent guarantee cannot be given."

He then looked at Bai E, reminding him, "If you opt for the 'marking and positioning' strategy, the precise marking and data upload must be accomplished swiftly. Based on the 'Traveler' intelligence and our observations, this main nest is undergoing rapid evolution. Once it achieves full 'pupation' or deeper geological integration, establishing a complete energy shield or interference field, even an orbital strike's effectiveness will be significantly diminished, potentially rendered null. At that juncture, if you have neither succeeded in its personal destruction nor guided an effective strike... the mission will likely be classified as a failure."

"Understood," Bai E's voice was steady, yet those familiar with him could discern the suppressed resolve within.

He glanced at Catherine and the other team members. "We cannot place all our faith in an orbital strike that might unleash planetary devastation, nor can we stand idly by while the inhabitants of this world are sacrificed. 'Marking' is necessary, but it is not our sole recourse at this moment."

His gaze swept across the assembled individuals: "Alter the plan. Firstly, Tidal Wave and Ashes, you are tasked with compiling the precise coordinates and structural vulnerability data of the nest core identified earlier, preparing for marking but withholding immediate upload. We must gain time."

"Secondly, and most critically urgent right now—exert maximum effort to transfer as many non-evacuated civilians from Jade Stone Star as possible. Catherine, access all available 'Traveler' resources for information on evacuation assembly points, safe routes, and operational transit facilities. Rose, Gu Lan, Kuang Xin, Ares, Zero, each of you will lead a small contingent. Utilizing the 'Thorny Bird' as a temporary command and supply hub, operate within your designated regions to locate and guide survivors toward relatively secure zones or pre-established spaceports for evacuation. Take note: your actions must be swift yet discreet. Avoid direct confrontation with the Bug Race's main forces; our objective is preservation of life, not annihilation."

"Thirdly," Bai E turned to the recorder, his tone leaving no room for argument, "I require you to use your channels to communicate two points to the Star Alliance command: First, the threat assessment of the Jade Stone Star main nest necessitates reevaluation, and I recommend a temporary halt to any strike plans that risk planetary-level catastrophes. Second, request the command to coordinate with other mission teams operating within the Aisera Star System. If they possess surplus capacity, please render assistance with the civilian evacuation efforts on Jade Stone Star, or, at the very least... refrain from conducting large-scale orbital bombardments that could provoke the main nest or cause geological instability at this juncture."

The recorder opened his mouth, as if intending to stress the rules and scoring criteria, but upon noticing Bai E's composed yet resolute gaze and the lack of any objection from the New Bauhinia team members who had already begun their actions, he could only let out a sigh. He quickly made notes on his data pad, adding an urgent marker.

"I will do my utmost to relay this, but I cannot guarantee the command will approve it. Commander Bai E, you must understand that your current decision... could significantly impact your mission score and subsequent assessments. It might even be construed as 'delayed action' and 'failure to effectively neutralize the primary threat.'"

"Scores and evaluations are concerns for later," Bai E stated, turning back towards the command room. His voice carried clearly, "Our priority now is rescue. Execute the orders!"

"Yes!" came the unified reply as everyone promptly moved out to begin carrying out the revised mission.

Alone at the command window of the 'Thorny Bird', Bai E's gaze was fixed upon the blue world below, which was being ravaged by the fires of conflict and shrouded in purple fungal growth.

Within his 'Insect Race Killer' perception, the immense malevolence emanating from the abyss continued to grow and throb, resembling a horrifying embryo in the process of hatching.

A subtle premonition began to form within him: a main nest of this magnitude, so deeply intertwined with the planet's geology, likely possessed defensive capabilities and resilience far beyond what standard Star Alliance weaponry could anticipate.

An orbital bombardment might not even deliver a decisive blow. Instead, it could fully incite or agitate the entity, leading to even more chaotic and unpredictable repercussions.

Nevertheless, regardless of the potential ramifications, until a more viable strategy could be devised, the imperative was to preserve as many lives on this planet as humanly possible.