Lyra had been expecting this. "All First Line commanders—prepare for general assault. Rules of engagement: inflict maximum casualties during their advance, then withdraw in good order when your positions become untenable. Do not try to hold to the death. Do not sacrifice yourselves for ground we're abandoning anyway."
"When do we fall back?" Captain Vex asked.
"When casualties start mounting on our side, or when they commit their reserves and you're about to be overwhelmed. Use your judgment, but err on the side of withdrawal. We need every fighter alive for Second Line."
Jessica's voice cut in: "All medical stations are ready. We have evacuation teams standing by at each defensive position. Wounded will be pulled back to Second Line medical immediately."
"Good." Lyra studied her map one final time, calculating angles of attack, kill zones, retreat routes. "Everyone understands the mission?"
Mental confirmations rippled across the network.
