- The Vestige Herald - Federal Reclamists Initiate Military Coup - December 21st 3304
21 Dec 2018Eardley
| Federal Reclamists Initiate Military Coup |
| December 21st - 3304 |
| Manktas |
The Federation-backed corporation Manktas Partners have declared war on Spearhead Charter, in an attempt to take control of Manktas. Their claim lies in being the dominant faction within the capital of the Vestige during the years between the fall of Xeria's criminal empire and the rise of democracy. Federation warships have been flooding into the system over past weeks, tracked by Spearhead Charter Intelligence, however their destination was unclear. This week it was discovered that they had been hiding a secret Government Installation in the outer regions of the system, General Immigration Commission". The following statement was issued from the Commission this morning.
"It is clear from the recent acts of the terrorist faction, Xeria's Wrath, that Spearhead Charter cannot protect our citizens. We have prepared for this; when the Alliance illegally supported Spearhead's military takeover, we began construction of a hidden government office to ensure our continued strength within the system. This, in addition to our control over the two starports closest to Manktas' Nav Beacon, will allow us to take complete control over traffic in and out of the system. Federal authorities are in support of our claim to retake Manktas. We will restore the stability enjoyed during our former government, and will ensure a swift end to further terrorist acts."
- Manktas Partners
A fleet of heavily armed warships was found at this installation, surrounding a veritable fortress, by scouts taking advantage of recently improved astronomical scanning technologies. Within hours these ships regrouped at Rucker Gateway and Griffith Gateway before commencing attacks against Spearhead Charter police vessels. A blockade has been established around the star, and several murders have already been reported.
The SCRG have been called to arms. Strategic advisers to the Vestige Herald suggest that Manktas Partners are taking advantage of Spearhead's current instability; with the lack of a High Lord as well as no elected Lord Manktas, decisions are slow to issue and responses slower. Lady Lyria Eardley addressed the situation on behalf of Fleet Admiral Iapeto.
"It is clear to Spearhead Charter Intelligence that Manktas Partners are at least taking advantage of terrorist acts, with the worst case scenario being a potential alliance between them and Xeria's Wrath. This would not be the first time the Federation has supported a criminal organisation in order to exploit a powerful system. The Royal Guard has been placed on high alert, and vessels from the Alliance Joint Navy have been joining up with our fleets. We are prepared for their attack, and we will protect the democratic right of our citizens."
- Lyria Eardley, Blood-Heir to the Vestige, SCRG Specialist and nominee for the positions of Lord Manktas and High Lord of the Vestige
It is expected that the hammer will fall first around Manktas 2; with Jiushao Depot cresting the surface of the planet, it is vulnerable to an attack from warships arrayed at the orbital Rucker Gateway. Entry to the system will likely be controlled by the owner of both Gateways. Once again, it appears that an independent conflict is becoming a proxy for a Federal attempt to push back the Alliance frontier; many factions supporting the Alliance have stated their intent to aid in the conflict, while others show support for Spearhead Charter's claim to the Vestige. However, until Federal control of the Gateway is challenged, it may be difficult for Spearhead's allies to provide assistance.
The Royal Election is being postponed until such a time that the security of civilians can be ensured. Rumours have arisen on both sides, some postulating that the SCRG are attempting to use the situation to take direct control of Spearhead Charter, effectively declaring martial law, while others are in support of the decision, justifying that it would be a major security risk to disturb the current status quo and potentially risk destroying the major supporter of citizens' democratic right.
Until order is restored to the Vestige, Spearhead Charter is being led by the current representatives (excepting the recently expelled leader of Manktas Partners), with the High Lord's position as tie-breaker being taken by Fleet Admiral Iapeto in the interim. Lyria Eardley has been granted special permissions to sit on the Lords' Council as acting Lord Manktas as a result of her position as Blood Heir, however due to not being a democratically elected representative she does not have the right to a vote.
The Vestige Herald will continue to report as the conflict evolves.