The next stage of the system's prediction showed the Compact's ambush beginning almost exactly as Saevor Drann had planned.
Varensk's forward fleets entered the Talis Verge while chasing what appeared to be a retreating Compact patrol group.
The patrols withdrew through the broken moon belt, drawing their pursuers deeper into a region filled with debris, sensor interference, and carefully placed mines.
Once enough Varensk ships crossed the final marker, the Compact's hidden fleet attacked.
Thousands of ships emerged from concealed positions around the moons. Their opening fire struck Varensk from three directions, destroying several command vessels and cutting the leading formations away from the rest of the fleet.
The Compact crews fought with the confidence of people who believed they had finally found the battle that would save them.
For the first two hours, it looked as though they were right.
