The recorder quickly browsed through the data that had just been uploaded, and his expression gradually turned grim.

He was silent for a moment, then raised his head and spoke with a business-like tone: "According to the Star Alliance mission evaluation standard, if it is confirmed that the target's threat level is too high and conventional means cannot accomplish the elimination without causing unacceptable collateral damage, the execution team has the right to choose 'marking and positioning' and apply for the United Fleet to use high-energy orbital weapons for beyond-visual-range strikes."

He paused and added, "Of course, choosing 'marking and positioning' rather than personally destroying it will result in certain... deductions in the final mission score. After all, this is equivalent to handing over the most dangerous and core task to the rear fleet."

Bai E's brow furrowed, his concern was obviously not about the scoring.

"Orbital strike? Given the extent of integration between this nest and the planet's crust, the energy shock from an orbital strike could very likely trigger a global geological chain reaction. At that time, what will happen to the civilians on the planet who haven't evacuated?"

The recorder shrugged, his tone carrying a trace of helplessness and the calmness of a rear personnel: "Commander, there are always sacrifices in war."

"The Star Alliance's combat directive is to eliminate the Bug Race's main nest threat and ensure the strategic location safety of the Aisera Star System. If conventional means are confirmed ineffective, then using orbital strike is the standard procedure. As for the civilians on the planet... evacuation work began in the early stage of the Bug Race invasion, but obviously cannot be completely evacuated. The United Fleet will strive to choose strike parameters and timing that have relatively minimal impact on the surface, but cannot guarantee one hundred percent."

He looked at Bai E and reminded, "If you decide to adopt the 'marking and positioning' plan, you need to complete precise marking and upload the data as soon as possible. Based on the 'Traveler' resource and our observations, this main nest is still rapidly evolving. Once it has completely achieved 'pupation' or deeper geological integration, forming a complete energy shield or interference field, even the effect of an orbital strike will be greatly reduced, and may even become ineffective. By that time, if you have neither managed to destroy it personally nor successfully guided an effective strike… the mission is likely to be deemed a failure."

"Understood." Bai E's voice was calm, but those familiar with him could hear the suppressed determination in it.

He looked at Catherine and the other team members, "We cannot completely pin our hopes on an orbital strike that may trigger planetary disasters, nor can we sit by as the people on the planet are sacrificed. 'Marking' needs to be done, but it's not the only option now."

His gaze swept over the crowd: "Change the plan. First, Tidal Wave, Ashes, you are responsible for organizing the precise coordinates and structural weakness data of the nest core detected earlier, preparing for marking but not uploading immediately. We need to buy time."

"Second, the most urgent task at present—try to transfer the civilians on Jade Stone Star who haven't evacuated as much as possible. Catherine, retrieve all possible evacuation gathering points, safety routes, and operational traffic facility information from 'Traveler' resources. Rose, Gu Lan, Kuang Xin, Ares, Zero, each of you lead a small team, using 'Thorny Bird' as a temporary command and supply point, act by region, find and guide survivors to relatively safe areas or preset spaceports for evacuation. Note, actions should be swift but discreet, avoid direct engagement with the Bug Race's main troops, our goal is to save people, not to wipe out."

"Third." Bai E looked at the recorder, his tone indisputable, "I need you to communicate through your channels to the Star Alliance command two points: First, the threat level of Jade Stone Star's main nest needs reevaluation, suggesting a temporary suspension of any strike plans that may trigger planet-level disasters. Second, request the command to coordinate with other teams executing missions in the Aisera Star System, if they have extra capacity, please assist with the civilian evacuation efforts on Jade Stone Star, or at least… do not conduct large-scale orbital bombardments that may provoke the main nest or cause geological instability at this time."

The recorder opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to emphasize rules and ratings, but seeing Bai E's calm yet determined eyes and the New Bauhinia team members around him showing no objection and immediately starting to act, he ultimately just sighed, swiftly recording on the data pad and added an emergency marker.

"I will do my best to convey it, but cannot guarantee that the command will adopt it. Commander Bai E, you need to understand that your decision now… may greatly affect your mission rating and subsequent evaluation, even possibly being considered as 'action delayed' and 'failure to effectively strike the main threat'."

"Ratings and evaluations are matters for the future." Bai E turned to the command room, his voice carrying over, "Now, save people first. Execute the orders!"

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison, quickly dispersing to start executing the new mission.

Bai E stood alone at the command window of the 'Thorny Bird', gazing at the blue planet below, being ravaged by the flames of war and purple fungal blankets.

In his 'Insect Race Killer' perception, the massive malice beneath that abyss continued to expand and pulse, like a terrifying embryo being hatched.

He had a vague premonition: a main nest of such scale, and having such deep linkage with the planetary geology, its defensive power and survival capability probably far exceed the imagination of conventional Star Alliance weapons.

Even an orbital strike may not be able to deal a fatal blow, and instead may completely provoke or stimulate it, leading to even more uncontrollable consequences.

But no matter what, until a more reliable solution is found, saving as many lives as possible on this planet is something that must be done.