ASF_ vs CSF_: A People Divided
Infighting like that barely scratches the surface. Ever since the naval armada assembled in X-3043 there was growing resentment for the House establishment. Privateers, mistreated workers, smugglers, freedom fighters, and even entrepreneurs found the conditions they were in outrageous. Each had their unique concerns, causes, and ambition. More than anything the steep cost of battle had taken its toll. To them it was clear that the House governments were already overstepping their bounds and meddling too eagerly in their lives. The days of the cherished, freelancing spirit might soon be numbered. A single, united colony government could not be allowed to endanger their way of life. Setting aside their differences had carried the day in their battle beside the navies when the Nomads came. The same could be done to push back against the Houses. Ill-begotten earnings and talent were pooled. Cooperation was tentative, but work commenced on preparing a respectable flotilla for war. Using their new ships, the so-called Confederated Strike Force set out to shake loose from Sirius the chains of tyranny once and for all.
To the rest of Sirius this was intolerable. The state of affairs was hectic enough as it was. They had suffered only recently from Nomads, Outcasts, and the widespread panic over the possible return of the Coalition. How could a ragtag rabble be rallying dissidents against them at a time like this? House cooperation in the frontiers had proven successful in bringing relative peace and prosperity before. It would do so again. Beginning work on a new generation of naval forces, the colonies merged these high-tech assets into an Alliance Star Fleet. Integration of forces would take time... but ultimately benefit Sirius. Vows of militant action by the CSF were responded to decisively. Admirals were given their orders. It would be the criminal underworld next to be torn asunder by the clout of their guns. Funding was ample. Technology and able manpower were on hand. Their supremacy was unquestionable. The ASF was prepared to rise to the challenge. Their mission: unite the Houses, defend humanity from all threats foreign and domestic, and secure freedom and justice for every man, woman, and child in Sirius.
Crossfire short stories:
- Part I: Prologue
- Part II: A matter of History
- Part III: The Nomad Campaign in Sol
- Part IV: Disappearance of the Dom' Kavash
- Part V: Boon of the Colonies
- Part VI: The Aftermath
- Part VII: ASF vs. CSF: A People Divided
- Part VIII: Home Again at Last
- Part IX: Jack Blinch's Revelation
- Part X: Reunion
- Part XI: The Patriotic Duty
- Part XII: The GMG Breakthrough
- Part XIII: Friend or Foe?
- Part XIV: Ancient Days
- Part XV: Journey with no return
- Part XVI: Inner Core Logs
- Part XVII: New discoveries in the Sol system?
- Credits and Comments
