Having discussed the Chaos host, it was also necessary to talk about the deployment of the Imperial fleets. Through the combined efforts of spies and sorcery, Drau learned how the Imperium had deployed its fleets around Cadia.
The Cadian Fleet consisted of 12 battleships, 12 cruiser squadrons, and 21 escort squadrons.
The Corona Fleet consisted of 7 battleships, 13 cruiser squadrons, and 17 escort squadrons.
The Gothic Fleet consisted of 5 battleships, 9 cruiser squadrons, and 13 escort squadrons.
The Space Marines' fleet consisted of 21 strike barges, 150 strike cruisers, and 200 escort squadrons.
The numbers of the remaining Imperial fleets were unknown, but their total strength should not have been small. Still, against the Chaos host supported by daemons and Degraded Ones, they would undoubtedly be at a numerical disadvantage.
Leaving raw strength aside, Abaddon's timing for the attack had also been excellent. At first, Drau had been deeply dissatisfied with Abaddon's sudden change in plans, and he had sneered at the undisciplined Khorne warbands for leaving the force on their own.
But when he followed the main force to Cadia, the fortress world guarding the gateway to the Eye of Terror, he suddenly realized that he had been terribly wrong about Abaddon.
At the time, Cadia was shrouded in utter darkness. The massive Imperial fleet gathered in the region flew about like headless flies amid the turbulent energy currents from the Blackstone Spires. Only their captains' extensive experience and the Corpse Emperor's blessing prevented a massive chain of collisions.
The Warmaster Abaddon must have discovered that something unusual was about to happen on Cadia. That was why he had abruptly changed the battle plan and chosen to launch a surprise attack on the Imperial fleet before the Warp storm sorcery was unleashed.
Although, in the eyes of