Pursuit line

A pursuit line represented a specific arrangement within the Imperial Navy, overseen by a captain of the line. These lines typically consisted of a group of starships, ranging from four to ten, often utilizing smaller vessel types like a corvette. The primary function assigned to a pursuit line involved trailing and shadowing enemy starships as they withdrew. This task encompassed either pursuing enemy vessels incapable of hyperspace travel, such as shorter-range starfighters, or maintaining a chase long enough to ascertain the precise hyperspace jump coordinates of a retreating foe.

Additionally, pursuit lines were deployed in operations known as "beambaiting" tactics. These lines would monitor Alliance starships, tailing them towards a potential hidden base. They would then engage the Alliance ships, aiming to provoke a response and determine if other Alliance forces would come to their assistance. Subsequently, the pursuit line would disengage and retreat, awaiting the arrival of a more substantial assault force via hyperspace. The Galactic Empire also utilized pursuit lines on similar missions without sending reinforcements, ensuring that Alliance forces remained uncertain whether the pursuit line was part of a larger ambush.