Colonial Sedition

Civil unrest in the Herculis Cluster grows, and on the larger colonies the protests turn into riots as separatist-supporting colonists clash with ColSec troops. Separatists led by Eli Navarro take control of the ICA office on Nuevo Santiago, declaring independence from Earth rule. Other colonies in the Herculis Cluster quickly follow suit, rallying to Navarro's cause. Large numbers of the ColSec and corporate garrisons, many with families and some born and raised on worlds light years from Earth, defect to join the separatists.   The UEF Security Council meets in emergency session. Resolution 11702 is passed, and the UEAF begins massing forces at 70 Ophiuchi, taking control of the orbital drydocks. The first target is Aricebo in the 82 Eridani star system. Colonial Marines quickly take control of the starport and neutralise the separatists on the world. Resentment of the military occupation amongst the population remains high and the ICM are drawn into a prolonged and dirty guerrilla war.