Avalon emerges with its battle group and immediately launches communications probes toward the defended planet. The probes transmit instantly, but officers wait for the sensor team and shipboard artificial intelligence to assess a contact before placing it on the tactical plot. The first probes will pass the planet after thirty-seven minutes, while those settling into orbit need more than fifty-two minutes. The initial picture reveals orbital platforms and two large warships. The crew still has to determine whether those ships are two carriers or a carrier and a battleship.
Notable Point · 1:55:19-1:57:42
Reconnaissance probes still leave commanders waiting for identification
Instant probe communications still leave delays in reaching the planet and checking the identity of its defenders.