The Rimworlds Rebellion

NatSoc, a political movement in the Outer Rim Territories, stages a series of swift and bloody coups against local ICA installations. On Pei Pei colony in the Alpha Mensae star system, rebel fighters raid the ICA complex, capturing many hostages. Armed NatSoc-loyal militias, joined by defecting ColSec forces, quickly overpower the local garrisons. The colonies declare themselves the Eurasian Rimworlds Combine (ERC). The leaders of the ERC demand recognition and total independence. At the age of 85, Josef Suslov is named first President of the Eurasian Rimworlds Combine.   A raid by the ICM, on Pei Pei colony, succeeds in rescuing the majority of the ICA hostages held by the rebels. At the same time, a state of emergency in the Outer Rim Territories is declared by the UEF. The ICM, backed by the newly formed United Earth Federation Expeditionary Force (UEFEF) is ordered to stop the insurrection. Martial law is imposed in the Outer Rim Territories and Herculis Cluster.