Icebreaker's squadron makes 20 kilometres per hour while its pursuers travel at 30, closing the gap at 10 kilometres per hour and leaving time to assess the threat before Coral can see them from her position. Intelligence suggests that the opposing 20-centimetre guns elevate only to 20 degrees and reach about 20 kilometres, against 24 kilometres for Coral's guns. A history of bad intelligence has made the fictional navy reluctant to circulate reports before repeated confirmation. Its intelligence officer also has cases of paper and no support staff, prompting Coral to promise cleared yeomen. The apparent range advantage does not settle the political problem: firing first could begin the war the Republic is trying to avert. Yellow flares signal restraint while the squadron prepares for battle.
Chapter · 17:14-20:25
Gunnery range, withheld intelligence, and the first shot
Icebreaker's range advantage depends on intelligence that reached command late, while political restraint prevents Coral from simply firing first.