At 13:10, Great Asteroid Belt corridor defense platforms engaged with a large, well equipped fleet of unknown origin. The Kel-Morian 5th Elite Guard Fleet and elements of the LSA Alpha Clan moved to intercept and took heavy casualties, several minutes later the 16th Elite Guard Fleet arrived on scene along with the KMS Zeus with Executor Fraley in command.
At about 13:30 hours, the Duke of Kelenis arrived on his command ship KMS Nautlius. The battle around this time began heating up as the Duke began calling in more capital ships to balance out the overwhelming power that the enemy capital ships brought in and several ships brought out of the mothball fleet. Among the vessels called in was the KMS Defiant, a prototype vessel that was undergoing its shakedown run during the battle. In essence, it was given a trial by fire. Almost instantly, enemy dropships apporached the vessel and took control of it. Around that time the Executor ordered the KMS Zeus to ram the enemy command ship, the KMS Zeus was destroyed, however most of the surviving crew made it out safely. Executor Fraley transfered flag to the KMS Helios, a Leo 2 Heavy Cruiser.
Shortly after, the Duke sent his command ship, KMS Nautilus to recapture the Defiant. In the attempt, the Nautiuls recieved heavy damage from fire comming from the Defiant and the Duke ordered a full evac to the Defiant knowing enemy forces within would not be able to fend off the whole crew of the Nautilus boarding. His gamble paid off and control of the prototype was restored. The LSA command ship, the USS Victory, now came under heavy fire and took severe damage, the KMS Helios moved in to protect it but took severe damage as well and withdrew from the fight. Again the Executor had to transfer the flag to the KMS Excelsior, an old Gemini Class Supercarrier brought out of the mothball fleet.
As the battle continued, it became apparent the enemy fleet was intent of capturing the Defiant and soon succeeded, but not after total encryptions of the computers to delay them from being able to study it to make more, hopefully long enough to recover the vessel.
In all, a couple hundred allied vessels, both Kel-Morian and LSA were lost. But thanks to the efforts of the LSA, many lives were saved including those of the 2 Kel-Morian leaders. An offical meeting between the leaders has been planned to thank the :LSA more appropriately for their assistance.
Evidence shortly after the battle has linked it to the other two events which have struck the empire, and further investigations as to who is behind it are underway.