Electronic warfare

"Docked with Titan."

Having regained his composure despite being drenched, Andy successfully docked Tsukikage with Titan.

"Understood. Madelia, please handle the cargo transfer system control."

"Understood. The operation will take 32 minutes to complete."

Madelia at the co-pilot station begins transferring the supplies brought in by the cargo conveyor and crane into Titan.

Until the operation is complete, neither Tsukikage nor Titan can move.

Both ships are prime targets from the enemy fleet's perspective.

"Andy, we're being targeted by the Rimlia fleet—locked on!"

"Understood. We can't move. All we can do is trust Shinosuke and the others, and fulfill our duty!"

Andy managed a thin, strained smile in response to Eren's voice.

Meanwhile, aboard the Yatagarasu, Marks adjusted the dial on the electronic warfare operator's station, transmitting jamming signals to initiate electronic combat.

"Initiating electronic warfare. Transmitting jamming signals. Range set to 200 kilometers centered on this vessel."

All weapons' radars and communications, including those on ships not equipped with electronic warfare protection, ceased functioning within the affected area.

The first to be impacted was the enemy ship's anti-ship missile.

Although it was a missile capable of automatic target tracking, it was directly hit by the powerful jamming waves emitted by Yatagarasu. The equipment inside the missile responsible for acquiring the target was destroyed, causing it to lose sight of its objective.

"Anti-ship missile has lost target. Beginning to wander aimlessly. This vessel will not hit friendly ships, including Tsukikage."

With its target lost, the missile triggered its safety mechanism and began detonating one after another.

"Enemy combat vessel approaching... Wait? Something's off with the combat vessel!"

Even amidst the intense electronic warfare, Yatagarasu's radar was functioning normally, yet Seira tilted her head as she monitored the radar screen.

Like the anti-ship missiles, the combat vessel was also drifting erratically.

"Of course. The cockpit of the Lymria combat vessel is sealed. The pilot relies solely on monitors and radar to gather external information. But due to Yatagarasu's jamming, the radar isn't working, and the electronic equipment is affected—so the cockpit monitors are likely completely blacked out. To top it off, the vessel has drifted away from command control by the mother ship. While the pilot may still be able to operate the craft, it's like flying blindfolded."

"That's a bit pitiful."

A remark typical of Seira's gentle nature, yet somewhat contradictory given that it was Yatagarasu causing the jamming.

One of the two fighter craft exposed to Yatagarasu's jamming was shot down without a chance to defend itself by the heavy cruiser's anti-aircraft guns.

The remaining aircraft, completely lost and disoriented, veered off in the wrong direction before suddenly shutting down its engines and beginning to transmit a distress signal for rescue.

It appears a destroyer nearby is heading toward it for assistance.

"A wise decision. Though captured, you'll at least be spared. The Aclenia Space Force treats prisoners with dignity—so rest assured."

Unlike capital ships, combat vessels have limited functionality and are particularly vulnerable to electronic warfare unless equipped with electronic countermeasure systems. If subjected to powerful jamming signals at close range, not only do communications and radar fail, but display monitors are also destroyed, rendering self-repair impossible.

Since enclosed cockpits that prevent direct external visibility rely on monitor displays to observe outside conditions, if that information is blocked, they lose the ability to navigate visually, leaving them completely helpless.

In such a situation, they become nothing more than an easy target for anti-aircraft weapons. Even if they miraculously avoid anti-airfire, they remain completely unable to determine their position or direction of flight, aimlessly drifting until their energy runs out, trapped in the darkness of the cockpit.

The Lymrian pilot made a wise decision, requesting rescue from enemy forces despite the overwhelming psychological strain.

"The enemy ship's movements have slowed. They're wary of our jamming and aren't approaching closely. They're sticking to long-range artillery fire, but their aim isn't precise, so be prepared for random hits."

Sinnosuke smiled at Marks' report.

"Got it. Random hits are definitely scary, but this should buy us some time. Let's stay alert for lucky shots while we wait for Tsukikage's work to finish."

It's only natural to stay on guard if we know the enemy has electronic warfare vessels, and they'd surely call in electronic warfare ships immediately.

If that happens, we'll be overwhelmed in an instant.

From here on out, it's a race against time.

For several minutes, we endure the enemy's long-range artillery fire while protecting Tsukikage.

『This is Tsukikage—supply operation completed.』

Andy reported in, and Shinosuke, seeing Andy on the monitor, was taken aback.

"Hey, Andy. Why are you soaked?"

Andy appeared on the monitor completely drenched.

"I asked Madelia to splash water on me to stay calm. Once during docking, and again for a refill while working... But unlike when Marks did it, Madelia didn't hold back—she dumped a whole bucket on me, which is why I'm like this."

Andy chuckles self-deprecatingly.

He'd been doused by Marks before to regain his composure, but it seems he's now developed a peculiar habit.

That said, the equipment around the cockpit is fully waterproof, so unless Andy catches a cold, there's really no point in scolding him.

Still, it's somewhat unfortunate that even Elen ended up getting caught in the crossfire from Madeira's relentless assault.

"Alright. Let's quickly disengage. Tsukikage, use your booster to leave the battlefield. Yatagarasu, wait for Tsukikage to disengage before ending electronic warfare and disengaging as well."

Understood. Tsukikage is disengaging.

After moving away from the Titan, Andy turned Tsukikage around.

"Using emergency ejection booster. Everyone, be prepared for sudden acceleration."

The emergency ejection booster on Tsukikage rapidly accelerates the ship, instantly shaking off enemy pursuit.

Naturally, the crew would endure intense G-forces.

"Got it. Andy, go anytime you're ready!"

Eren, seated sideways relative to the ship's bow, adjusts their seat to brace for G-forces.

"No obstacles in the path. Booster usage time is 15 seconds. After acceleration ends, we'll disengage using inertia to exit the battlefield."

"Understood. Engaging the booster."

Andy pushes the throttle lever all the way forward and pulls the booster lever.

After a brief delay, the booster activates, and Tsukikage instantly accelerates.

"Gugh... Madelia, please begin the countdown."

"Understood. Ten, nine, eight..."

Tsukikage fled the battlefield at full speed.