Template:Battle The Eighth Battle of the Keltros Expanse was the result of an elaborate trap set by the Phoenix Movement in order to lure in and destroy the 5th Draconian Order's flagship, the Tractia Heavy Cruiser Fist of Ci'hani. It was an important battle which tilted the balance of power in the southern part of the Rifle Worlds region.
Overview
Preparation
The leadership of the Phoenix Movement worried about the Fist of Ci'hani as it was one of the few Tractia Heavy Cruisers used primarily in an offensive role. It had a habit of showing up where it was least expected, turning entire unexpecting fleets to space dust. Therefore the leadership of the Movement laid down an elaborate plan to destroy the ship with a minimal amount of casualties.
Ionic storms had increased in the Keltros Expanse, arguably one of the most dangerous regions of the Hapes Cluster, and the red giant in the area, Eye of Rel'amma, functioned as a natural amplifier for the storms. Remiel Windcloud devised a plan which relied on the Fist of Ci'hani being hit by one of the ionic disturbances. Instead of using capital ships to attack the Tractia Heavy Cruiser, Windcloud advocated the use of starfighters, primarily bombers, which was also supported by Phoenix fighter ace Damar Centii.
Phoenix agents used the remnants of their spy network within the Alsace system, where the Fist of Ci'hani occasionally made port when patrolling in the Irrea Mist, to spread the rumour of a secret Phoenix Movement supply depot within the Keltros Expanse. Holograms of actual Phoenix Movement outposts in other regions of the Hapes Cluster were used to add validity to the forged reports.
Viscountess Qen, Vice Admiral of the 5th Draconian Order and also the commander of the Fist of Ci'hani, got whiff of the outpost rumours in early October of 3993. She met with Lady Shaa of Alsace and her direct superior, Lady Ci'hani of Varn to discuss the possibility of scouting the region for the outpost.
Fist of Ci'hani on approach
With approval from the nobility, Qen took the Fist of Ci'hani out of port in mid October and started an extensive trip along the Nele'serin Arm.
