Location: Exar System
Date: 182.10.22

A string of successful industrial sabotage operations attributed to the Cult of Lud has plunged the world of Exar Secundus into anarchy. The Hegemony, as a matter of policy, has sent a detachment to cleanse the system and prevent it from becoming a breeding ground for undesirable elements.

The bulk of Exar's fleet is in orbit around the planet, unable to offer significant help to the population but unwilling to leave. When the Hegemony task force appears on the outskirts of the system, the fleet commander knows what they came to do and blocks their path, determined to fight to the last ship. The experienced Commodore in command of the Hegemony detachment is not about to take any chances and begins a methodical advance.