Overview: The Imperial fleet takes a snake formation as they approach the Rantemario system. Bucock fleet is forced to attack the center of the snake formation as their only plausible tactical response. The Alliance fleet is badly damaged as the much larger Imperial fleet closes in on all sides. Bocock tries to minimize losses to the Alliance fleet by using a space current to slow down the Empire's advance and disabling enemy engines with fighters. At the last moment Yang's fleet approaches from behind, stopping the total destruction of the Alliance fleet under Bucock. The Imperial fleet reorganizes their fleet and heads for next Alliance system. Julian's destroyer joins up with the Alliance fleet at Heinessen.