As word of the Kharakian Genocide began to spread, Emperor Riesstiu IV the Second steadily lost his hold over the Empire's worlds. The disgust felt by the majority of the Empire's population dramatically increased sympathy towards the Rebellion, and it consequently gained in strength. The Rebellion Fleet and Imperial Fleet fought a series of skirmishes, during which a high ranking rebel officer defected to the Empire. This defector then led the Rebellion Fleet into a trap at Vorshan's Rift. The Rebellion found themselves greatly outnumbered, and were annihilated. Rebel casualties were as high as 65%.