Picket Force Six was a task force composed of seven Chiss starships belonging to the Chiss Expansionary Defense Fleet, and it operated under the command of Chiss Ascendancy Admiral Ar'alani, who directed operations from the Nightdragon man-of-war called the Vigilant. Included in this force was the Springhawk, commanded by Senior Captain Mitth'raw'nuruodo, along with four additional cruisers: the Whisperbird, the Grayshrike, and the Stingfly.