“Status report?” asked Admiral Sheridan.
Killam said, “Sir, both Kurgan carriers along with two of the enemy’s three destroyers have been destroyed. Unfortunately, the third destroyer jumped away before it could be finished off.”
Admiral Sheridan nodded. “How many of the enemy’s ships managed to escape?”
“It looks like less than ten percent of the Kurgan Fleet got away.”
Sheridan was impressed. “I can live with those odds. What are our losses?”
“Other losses?”
“Sir, we lost the light cruisers Aurora and Olympia. The cruisers Lion, Kongo, and Novara were severely damaged and will also need to be sent back for repairs. We lost sixty-three fighters in the battle. Only nine of the pilots managed to eject and have been rescued. The rest, unfortunately, were lost.”
“What are our total losses?”
“Sir, the reports from the fleet are still coming in. However, as of now we have suffered a total of two thousand and fifty-eight dead or missing, three hundred and twelve wounded.”
Admiral Sheridan closed his eyes for a moment. They had come off with comparatively light casualties; still, the thought of so many dead weighed heavy on him. He sat down and looked over at Commander Roy. “Please keep track of the casualty list for me.”
“Aye, sir,” replied Roy.
“Sir, we’ve established contact with the forces on Derra-5,” announced a master chief.
Admiral Sheridan said, “Captain Killam, have the missile cruisers maneuver into position above the Kurgan forces on the planet and begin bombardment as soon as possible. Also, warn off the carriers to be prepared to launch their fighter-bomber squadrons.”
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