“The storm’s getting worse.”

“We’ll pass through it soon enough.”

We thought it was over. But it was only just beginning…

“The Alliance select committee charged with investigating the anonymous ‘Miranda wave’ began its first official hearings today. In the four months since the wave was sent across the Cortex, no group has claimed responsibility for it. The message intensified fears of raids on the Border and Rim by a violent group of cannibalistic outlaws dubbed ‘Reavers’ by locals, and caused some pockets of unrest on several worlds. As a result, the parliamentary delegations from the Georgia and Blue Sun systems demanded the government step up protections for the outer worlds and fully investigate the threat. The message originated from Comm Station Ring 2 satellite r25m9. A small Alliance patrol group was ambushed there by a previously unknown band of pirates when they went to investigate. The Alliance High Command report on the incident stated the ambush very closely resembled other attacks on the Rim, and claimed that most of the pirates were wiped out. The report blamed these pirates for the ‘Reaver’ attacks as well as the Miranda wave. However, a few officials questioned the report’s lack of depth and details on the origin of the group. Backed by popular support, particularly in the Georgia system, a coalition led by Boros’ Jansen Locherbie pressed successfully to set up the investigative committee. Chairperson Kwan opposed the committee as redundant and a waste of taxpayer revenue. Despite calls to allow an exploratory mission to Miranda as part of the investigation, Kwan has steadfastly refused to open the world to anyone other than the military, stating the instability caused by the failed terraforming makes it too dangerous for civilians to enter. This is Stefanie Kurtwin with your official Alliance Newsfeed update.”

Two shadows rushed through the alley, one leading the other. The night was already deep, but the torrential rain made it even darker. The figures felt their way i