The Star Dragon watched as his opening move dismantled the Imperial line. His fleet’s barrage easily ripped into their armor and blasted entire chunks apart with ease. And they seemingly did so with absolute impunity - the Imperials didn’t even fire back.
“Sir, incoming Imperial skirmish vessels,” said a technician nearby. “Hundreds, and in numerous waves. They seem to be headed towards the capital ships and cruisers, mostly.”
“That’s their M.O.” replied the Star Dragon. “Pull the fleet back further into the debris field, closer towards the center. Have the support ships keep those skirmishers off us as long as possible.”
“What about the Imperial fleet, sir?”
“Oh, they’ll come after us soon enough. For now, let’s lay down a little bait.”
The Erinyes fleet stopped firing their rail cannons and pulled back again. They wove between the wrecks and detritus and went a bit deeper into the debris field, even as the Imperial skirmish vessels poured into it.