Everyone,

As part of their assault upon Santa Romera, the corporates launched a brutal and unprovoked attack upon the Cluster Defence Fleet and Police Headquarters. Both groups were under the control of the Santa Romera local government, which was up to that point maintaining a neutral stance in this conflict. Only the intervention of our forces prevented a total massacre and the survivors have now allied themselves to our cause. I know some of you have had problems with the Santa Romera police previously, but I urge you all to extend them the fullest support now that we are brothers in arms; past differences must be put aside in the face of a greater enemy.

The assault on Santa Romera and capture of the jump accelerator by corporate forces was, in hindsight, a sound tactical move on their part. I take full responsibility for not predicting this. As a direct result of their actions, the corporates have established a firm stronghold with good access out of the Badlands. They are now in a position to bring in reinforcements from outside the cluster and if we are not careful this could spell disaster for our cause. If the corporates build up a sizeable fleet of capital ships in Santa Romera they would be able to re-take the entire cluster system by system. There would be very little we could do to stop them. We must redress the balance as soon as possible, and plans are being drawn up to bring about a swift resolution. Till then I urge you all to be on your guard for any sign of corporate insurgence.

Keep the faith,

Franklyn Hoffer