*The Bretonian soldiers on the planet have orders not to oppose the relatively peaceful protests, but the governor-general's authority among her army and militia has diminished since the destruction of the Stirling and the threat of orbital bombardment. Some of these soldiers have fought on Leeds and see it as an offense to have their flag burnt again. In rare cases, this erupts into violence, as first-class royal soldiers use deadly force against a number of civilian protesters only armed with torches. Although the victims number less than a dozen and the event is initially of small scale, the ripple effect magnifies the consequences many times.*
Night was calm, except all the rioting sounds from a town in the distance. Several BPA Bobbies were on duty guarding Beef Wellington factories, but were taunted by some Zoner hippies jumping on Royal Flag. So they left their positions just to check how their new plasma nightsticks work like. Smell of burning human flesh attracted... well... you know who.
A bunch of unwashed Corsairs emerged from a nearby woods. Using the cover of the night and this jolly good opportunity, they passed by very busy Bobbies and managed to enter into facility unnoticed.
"I worked here, caramba..." one of them whispered. He had a bag and hesitated to bring out what was in.
"Shut up, Pedro, you cabron. We are here to blow this food factory to el sky." reminded him other one, while placing explozive next to supporting pillars. "No food for Red Coats and they will leave sooner, si? Si."
"But look, Manuel... Our hermanos are starving in el woods. Could we pick some of this cans back to them first, si?" Pedro was looking at the can. Nice designed label said it's freshly tinned Beef Wellington. But, Manuel was very busy planting explosives with a great dedication. "Could we at least taste some? You said you were hungry this very morning, my hermano."
Pedro opened one can and get one nice piece out with his shivering fingers. He was watching it for few seconds like a Hindus that must eat a cow. Then he tasted.
He got another piece out and did the same thing to it. Third piece followed two ones we mentioned before.
Can was soon almost empty.
"Mauel?" he said. "Could you stop that for a minute, por favor?" He passed the can to Manuel. "Taste."
Pedro was staring at Manuel, so he finally got that it must be something important. He took the can and tasted that Beef Wellington.
"Caramba..." he said.
"Caramba..." Pedro added. Bobbies finished what they were doing and silence was like in the church of Santa Muerte at witch hour.
"I think... we might need this factory... when Gran Canaria will be again in our hands." Manuel said while opening another can.
"Si, si." Pedro nodded while finishing his third can.
Soon there were more than ten empty cans all around. Being careful not to kick them and make unwanted noise, two Corsairs were busy with collecting explosives back to their bags. After finishing that, they opened another can each, just to be sure. They filled their bags and pockets with some more cans, as much as they could carry.
They sneaked out and darkness was their friend.
One of Bobbies said, staying under the light: "Good Lord, what's that smell?"
Night was calm again. Well, except all the rioting sounds from a town in the distance, but we mentioned it already.