The fleet commander watched the avenue clear beneath the strike.
Dozens of marked targets had disappeared. The commander ignored them and watched the figure escaping above the blast.
"He used our shot," the commander said.
The officer beside him kept his voice low. "Their other force moved before we fired."
"I can see that."
On the display, the withdrawing vampires had reached the broken buildings beside the avenue. Continuing to fire at the largest concentration would leave them behind cover while their pursuers remained exposed.
The commander pointed at the smaller formation.
"Don't keep aiming where he wants. Track them separately."
The officer passed the order on.
"The ground formations will need to spread out if we continue bombardment, sir. Our people can't descend through the impact areas."
"Then give them room to land."
