The Triton remains in orbit of Veracruz, a symbol of defiance against the Delaware and its rapidly advancing strike element. The distraught population bound to the planet and struggling to avail evacuation are continually issued token consolation by the only surviving officer capable of issuing commands in the Insurgency.

What remains of the Insurgency's Navy are outnumbered two to one and are out of their weight class, an Interdictor staring down a state of the art Mitchell. Tactical projections are grim, chances of victory are either slim or next to none, but the Triton is supported by a ragtag remainder of pilots and officers who know what they are getting into. They won't question the orders they are issued and aren't willing to retreat either.

Admiral Brandt feels this is the last brushstroke in a portrait of historic success and has given the order to fully assault the remaining force, with no regard given for showing the survivors mercy or a chance to escape. Years of conflict has boiled down to this, the final major confrontation between forces that have fought bitterly for what feels like lifetimes.

Dissatisfaction with Liberty's stringent and bureaucratic laws is at an all time high in the protectorate of Pennsylvania. The population of Erie feel neither protected nor served by the Liberty Police, and the departure of the Navy on a bloody crusade has only further worsened the situation on a system-wide scale.

A rebellion is brewing, one that threatens to go back on the treaty of Bethlehem and see the system returned to its former fully independent status. Liberty itself feels self assured that the locals do not have anywhere near the means to oppose them militarily. The sudden influx of fuel into the system as if to supply a campaign or support armed resistance has instead led Liberty to believe that the fuel is intended for the Insurgency. This provokes a heavy handed reaction, something that is likely to only fuel further dissidence.