You can see three large screens on the far wall of the small chamber. One displays a tactical map of what you think is the local area. The symbology in use is different from what you're used to, but not so different as to be incomprehensible. In a long glance you can see that your troops on the ground are massively outnumbered.
The second screen is another map of a larger area in which you can spot the city of Free Lhasa. You recognize an Astral staging post south of the city, and you're shocked at how many rebel forces are lurking all around it.
The third screen lists military units and their status. But then you notice the little symbol next to the armored units—it's the flag of Centauria, another colony. And not just another colony in the Sirian system, but another star system entirely. You scan down the list of units and spot flags from Eridani, Procyon, and others you don't even recognize. What are military forces from other star systems doing here, fighting alongside a bunch of Cerberan rebels?
A cold knot tightens in your stomach. You've heard rumors of discontent from various colonies, although Sirius is the only one suffering under open warfare. But here are military units from the other colonies, fighting alongside the Sirians. You realize that Terra might have a much bigger fight on its hands than anyone suspects.
This is very bad news.
The sergeant returns.
"Let's go—somebody wants to talk to you."
Next