Message relayed by Vaelin Hayes from Davion space before last jump to Sherai:

INTERSTELLAR NEWS NETWORK

Report dated: 4 January 3028

A Special Report from Mira: "We have confirmed reports that the planet of Mira, a staging planet and minor world of the Federated Suns, was attacked this morning by units belonging to the Capellan Confederation Armed Forces! Against the Ares Conventions, the planet was first bombed from orbit using debris taken from the surrounding asteroid belts of the Miran system. Landings have begun as I transmit this, as only the ComStar facility being immune to the ravages of war taking place just outside their gates. The invaders bear the symbols of the Tikonov Reserves's on their darkly-painted 'mechs. They are engaging forces of the Argyle Lancers, but have not yet been halted. Could this be the beginning of the next war? The ComStar Acolytes are preparing to shut-down operations here and flee to the country. I will transmit as long as I ca--"

--March Haier, ISN Mira

Data disk given to 213th by Vaelin Hayes:


[Scene: Interior of a large dropship. Three figures are floating
near a massive window overlooking a serene planet. Every few seconds
a flash is seen from somewhere nearby out the window and a glowing
piece of rock plummets towards the surface below.]

Molarri: "Six months ago hardly anyone knew my name. Now everyone wants to be my friend.
          I wanted respect. Instead I have become a wishing well with legs."

Morden: "Do not worry my friend, the power which you seek, the return to glory, 
         shall soon be yours."

Molarri: "But at what price? The use of such barbaric weapons have been outlawed 
          throughout civilized space! We have treaties!"

Morden: "Words on paper..."

Molarri: "My God, why don't you eliminate all of Tikonov while you're at it? " 

Morden: "One thing at a time, Molarri. One thing at a time."

Molarri: "Ah, arrogance and stupidity all in the same package. How efficient of you!"

Morden: "Be careful what you say Molarri, my Associates may turn their eye toward your
         home world." 

Molarri: "Then we shall pluck it out. Everyone around me dies, Mr. Morden, except those
          who most deserve it."

[Storms out of the room, May Wah (Molarri's Aide) looks on worried.]

Morden: "Anything I can do to help?" 

May Wah: "Um, short of dying? No, I can't think of a thing." 

Morden: "I too would be careful of what I say. Spaceships like this one can be a very
         dangerous place. My Associates may decide that you have seen too much..."
 
May Wah: "I'd like to live just long enough to be there when they cut off your head
          and stick it on a pike at the capitol at Sian. As a warning to the next ten
          generations, that some favors come at too high a price. I would look up at
          your lifeless eyes and wave just like this. Can you and your Associates
          arrange that for me, Mr. Morden?" 

[tape ends]

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