Spark

Research Facility 48-K, Ugandi-zeti Desert
Spica, Protectorate Annex
25 March 3072

Ever since the Word conquered Spica and then slowly pulled off, no force from the Federated Suns or the Confederation has swooped in to claim the system, despite its abundant mining resources in the outlying belts and several higher-tech industries scattered across the smaller continent of Inessia. Concerned over recent rumors of rebellion and high-casualty attacks occurring in nearby Kittery, the planetary government recently hired some mercenaries as a defensive measure, nominally to protect the planet—but mainly to safeguard its HPG complex and a few research facilities.

Their paranoia proved prescient when a military force calling itself Stone’s Lament arrived in early 3072, declaring Spica “liberated” and a new member of the Kittery Prefecture—whatever that was. Content with self-rule, the Spica government has refused to acquiesce to the unknown marauders’ demands.

(widecast message sent from orbit around Spica, 15 April 3077)

This is Commander Taharqa Bane of the Flaming Devil Monkeys. To the units we recently fought identifying themselves as Stone’s Lament. We salute your fighting courage and wish you the best of luck. Someday, perhaps we may find ourselves fighting the blakists together, but until then I hope that our paths do not cross.

By the way, our employer has decided that our services are no longer needed, and we are leaving the system.