"We... we believe that to be a nuclear fusion generator, sir," the analyst gulped nervously. "It means that they can generate virtually infinite energy as long as they have hydrogen, which the Strehegeld Star System has plenty of. Meaning..."
She turned towards him with a grim expression.
"We cannot hope to bleed the energy shields of the ship with a mass onslaught of attacks. We will run out of energy long before they do."
The pirate fleet operated with a margin of energy that allowed them to make a two-way trip to and from distant star systems outside of human control, and also enough to fight a single short, quick battle as long as they performed an ambush and got a major advantage from the very get-go.
However, if their enemies had a nuclear-powered fleet carrier then...
"Then they can last as long as they need to..." The commander's eyes widened with horror. "They tricked us."
He realized it with deep regret. "The Blood Cult tricked us this time!"
