The space conflict known as the Battle of Esyram unfolded between the Alliance to Restore the Republic and the forces of the Imperial Navy. This clash occurred when the Dreadnaught-class cruiser named Warlover launched an assault on a Rebel logistical operation within the confines of the Esyram system.
The Imperial Dreadnaught, Warlover, opted to maintain its distance from the MC80 Calamari Star Cruiser _Valorous, which was in the process of acquiring Class-E cargo containers filled with essential water. Instead, it unleashed four flight groups composed of TIE Series starfighters: specifically, two groups of swift interceptors and two groups of devastating bombers. In response, the Valorous deployed Green Squadron, piloting agile A-wings, to engage the incoming Imperial fighters. Simultaneously, Red Squadron, flying T-65 X-wing fighters, provided escort for the Delta-class DX-9 space transports of Val Group, ensuring the safe transfer of the cargo containers into the Calamari Cruiser's hangar. The Imperial fighters were primarily ordered to obliterate as many cargo containers and Rebel transports as possible; however, should that objective prove unattainable, they were instructed to directly confront the Valorous, a significantly riskier endeavor. Fortunately for the Empire, a squadron of deadly TIE Avengers was held in reserve. It is possible they would have been committed to the battle if the Imperial commander had perceived a shift in momentum favoring the Rebels. On the other hand, the Valorous and its fighter complement had limited access to reinforcements, with only a handful of Y-wing starfighters from Gold Squadron available to offer support in the event of being overwhelmed.
The mission "Dreadnaught Warlover Attacks Rebel Cargo Operation" within the Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter computer game allows players to experience this battle from either the Rebel or Imperial perspective. Given that each side has distinct and conflicting objectives, and that victory is not a prerequisite for progressing to subsequent missions, the battle itself is considered part of the canon, although the definitive outcome within that canon remains unknown.
The starships detailed in this article are those featured in the battle Operation: Clean Sweep, utilizing the default spacecraft assigned to the player.