Thrawn set out with his personal fleet to subjugate the world. While en route, he notified the Ninth Imperial Fleet of the impending engagement and ordered them to set their course for the system. This allowed the Grand Admiral's fleet to attack first and distract the New Republic, allowing the 9th to strike them from behind. This attack pulverized Task Force Five, and allowed the Imperials to begin a direct invasion. Although the local Nautolans did not resist, about 30,000 Anselmi joined the fight on the side of the Republic. After two days of fighting, peace was restored, as the Nautolans arrested the New Republic commanders that were housed in the capital city, but refused to turn them in to the Empire.