Reinhard immediately saw through the rather simple strategy, and ordered his fleet to advance towards the 4th Fleet, under the command of Vice Admiral Pastoll, before the trap could be executed. This was a re-use of the Alliance strategy at the Battle of Dagon in 640 UC (331 IC / 3440 CE ), which had been a decisive Alliance victory. Their plan was to surround from three sides and annihilate the smaller Imperial fleet. On 1 January 796 UC (487 IC / 3596 CE ), the Alliance 2nd Fleet, 4th Fleet and 6th Fleet entered the Astarte Starzone.

As a result, the Alliance decided to dispatch three numbered fleets totaling 40,000 ships to counter Reinhard's expeditionary fleet. To further increase the chances of Reinhard being killed in the front lines, they deliberately leaked the news of the upcoming expedition to the Alliance via the Dominion of Fezzan. They then decided to dispose Reinhard by arranging him to lead an expedition with 20,000 ships against the Free Planets Alliance while transferring away most of his key trusted subordinates. This turn of events greatly alarmed the high nobles, who disdained his low noble ancestry and were wary of his ambitions. In 795 UC (486 IC / 3595 CE ), as a result of his contributions which led to a major Imperial victory in the Fourth Battle of Tiamat, Reinhard von Lohengramm (then Müsel) was promoted to the rank of High Admiral and was bestowed with the countship of Lohengramm.

The Lohengramm Fleet, commanded by High Admiral Reinhard von Lohengramm, flagship Brünhildįor the battle, the Empire mustered 20,000 ships and 2,600,000 soldiers.

In its entirety, the Alliance mustered 40,000 ships and 5,560,000 soldiers for the battle.

The 6th Fleet, 13,000 ships commanded by Vice Admiral Moore, flagship Pergamonn.

The 4th Fleet, 12,000 ships, commanded by Vice Admiral Pastoll, flagship Leonidas.

The 2nd Fleet, 15,000 ships, commanded by Vice Admiral Paetta, flagship Patoroklos.

The Alliance Order of Battle as of 1 January 796 UC (487 IC / 3596 CE ) was:

How long was the galactic civil war