The enemy concentrates fire on Dauntless's shattered launch bay because its exposed interior appears especially vulnerable. That judgment overlooks the current use of the compartments behind it. The fighter pilots are already away in their craft or dead, so their empty quarters contain little that can immediately affect the fight. Hits there give the captain time to make a second primary-battery shot. Both guns hit, sharply reducing enemy power and silencing most of its weapons, although an overload prevents Dauntless from firing a third shot before repair. The captain then closes with the surviving secondary batteries.
Notable Point · 22:08-24:18
Fire on Dauntless's empty fighter quarters buys another shot
A visibly damaged compartment attracts fire even though its loss matters less than a hit on working machinery or weapons.