Imperial Twilight's shrinking fleet can no longer defend every frontier system after costly uprisings and defections. Its commander concentrates ships at wormhole junctions that control access to the remaining territory. A route around the principal defensive position requires a second fortified chokepoint. Patrol ships in less important systems are ordered to withdraw if seriously outmatched, leaving colonists to relocate if they fear attack. The same shortage of replacements makes pursuit through an unstable wormhole unacceptable. Preserving warships takes precedence over holding marginal territory or continuing a risky chase.
Notable Point · 33:19-37:00
An irreplaceable fleet concentrates at wormhole chokepoints
Fleet losses force a choice between widespread territorial protection and concentrated defenses at the routes an enemy must use.