Another marauder clan was hired to invade my territory (argh!). They gave me the same ultimatum as their previous (and unfortunate) "colleagues", which I likewise rejected. Soon afterwards, sensors picked up their fleet headed towards my borders. In response, the Yv'Zorak 3rd Fleet was deployed to the Barthheart system, its location being the key to securing the eastern half of the newly-established Dragoons sector. The stage was set for the Battle of Barthheart II.
Both sides fire their opening salvos. On the right, the marauders continue to make heavy use of auto-cannons (particularly on their Outrider-class raiders), along with the usual lasers and railguns. On the left, my ships are likewise sporting lasers and railguns (both newly-upgraded), and -- for the first time -- disruptors. Disruptors do less damage, but they penetrate both shields and armor; they're pretty nice to have overall.
The fight rages above the uninhabited planet Barthheart II, which rotates serenely unaware of the struggle taking place only several thousand kilometers beyond its lethally toxic atmosphere. In the center, a Yv'Zorak destroyer and an enemy frigate barely miss colliding into each other. (Knowing the marauders, it's entirely possible they tried ramming the destroyer on purpose.)
A couple of my destroyers circle around the heaviest fighting in an attempt to flank the marauders while still taking fire. While not as effective as their auto-cannons, the sheer number of enemy lasers and (especially) railguns is taking its toll; I've lost quite a few ships to them.
I entered this battle with the superior force -- but only on paper. In addition to the aforementioned auto-cannons and particle beams, there's the problem that the marauders have cruisers...and I don't. Here, we see one of them shrugging off a group of Yv'Zorak corvettes attempting to harry it.
Two more enemy cruisers in action. It may not be apparent in this shot, but they're absolutely pounding my fleet. They've actually begun turning the tide, and I'm now in real danger of losing this battle. This could be...bad.
Thankfully, the enemy admiral makes a crucial mistake: They decide to simultaneously engage Fort Vance, the starbase guarding the Barthheart system, while still mopping up my fleet. (Not sure how obvious it is, but some of the weapons fire on the left is coming from the starbase.) Fort Vance packs a bigger punch than I think the marauders were expecting...
Victory -- again...but at a far greater cost this time.
[Note to self: Must. Research. Cruisers.]