Year 23 Day 85
A state of emergency has been declared in Cularin as local citizens have taken to rioting and looting as a result of criminal gangs attempting to stop them migrating south. Whilst many locals in the Hevvrol Federation knew there would be a transitional period, few expected there to be outright conflict.
This is not the first time that there have been major changes within the region. In Year 19, under the leadership of the current Federation chairman, Echuu Shen-Jon, the Red Fury Brotherhood partnered with other smaller mercenary groups in the area and swiftly seized control of Confederate command posts in Hevvrol and Mondress. Once they declared themselves the controlling government (as the Hevvrol Federation) taxes were abolished and free trade encouraged which led to growth in all sectors. Since allying with the Confederacy, stability and peace returned to the region, until recently.
Small conflicts between local police and rioters are becoming commonplace as some of the smaller syndicates, previously working in the difficult to police asteroid belt, come forward and challenge the Hevvrol Federation’s authority. In addition, protestors who are angry with the transition away from the Confederacy are demonstrating outside the last remaining Government House in Kalarba.
Jubid Reslia, a local Duros who had immigrated to Hevvrol a decade ago to help with the Genarius Project, spoke to a local news outlet. One of over 35,000 workers reportedly now out of work in the area, he called the move “Cowardly”. “I have been here for most of my childrens lives, setting up a nice situation for them on Ulbasca. Everything was just working out, until the CIS and Hevvrol Federation decided to split. What am I supposed to do now? You are telling me I have to count on the Syndicate for salaries? Is the Trade Federation going to step in and control them? Oh.. come on! All they care about is Profit!”
His concerns are mirrored by Rela’ka Shen’do, a courtesan from the entertainment district on Cularin. “At first I was thrilled, much like when the CIS originally left. Things became lax and it made my job easy. There are talk of more strict laws and even taxes! Why should I share my hard earned credits with them?”
The unidentified local syndicates are not helping their cause. Regardless of what some may claim publicly, many have been accused of trying to frighten civilians into staying in their homes during this transition. An explosion on one of the starports on Almas, targeted at immigrants as they try to board one of the few remaining transports tagged to be heading south to Tar Morden.
It has been called a terrorist act by the Hevvrol Federation leadership, but little has been done visibly to Increased security.
Security is not the only other issue. Since the transition was announced, more and more of the day to day traffic in the system has ceased. Transport runs have been stopped, Shipyards are going idle and much needed food and medical supplies are either stuck in customs on freighters or are not coming at all. Some point to Outer Rim Medical recent expansion with the CIS in the south as a distractor to the need back in the Core.
Several news sources have reached out to leadership of the Confederacy for comment as well as requests for aid. In a press release, the Triumvirate spoke on the need for the local populace, namely Chairman Shen-Jon to step up efforts
It saddens us greatly to hear of the potential conflict in Hevvrol and Mondress. This area has been home for many years and is special to many of us. This is not our fault though. The Hevvrol Federation was quite clear on their desire to be self-governing. We are fully confident in Chairman Shen-Jon’s ability to be a strong leader. He has ample experience dealing with the political climate in the region and is a skilled tactician. We are more than happy to assist in the transition and have already designated several thousand fighters to the Hevvrol Federation to hopefully help. That said, we also cannot simply run back to Hevvrol. These are growing pains and they need to work through this and come out stronger.
For those not currently in Hevvrol or Mondress, it has been recommended to avoid the area. Open conflict could erupt at any time as the smaller syndicates push into the power vacuum left by the CIS. The CIS evacuation continues to move ahead as planned, with the Hevvrol Federation leadership, in partnership with the Trade Federation, continue to work on keeping the area safe and secure.