The Great Zona Republic offered fertile ground for many mercenary corps. The inherent instability in the outer regions of the state resulted in frequent battles.
Rebels fought against the authorities. The authorities fought against the rebels.
The people suffered while the chaos drew in other interested groups.
The closer to the border, the more public security deteriorated. All manner of pirates and other scum lingered in this region, aware that the military couldn't possibly handle every threat!
Ves expected he would encounter some lowlife gang or a bunch of bottom-feeder pirates.
Instead, his Scarlet Rose landed right next door to a fleet of disciplined mercenaries!
As the Scarlet Rose desperately tried to delay the inevitable interception, Ves took the time to connect to the galactic net and look up the Echo Spears.
It turns out that the Echo Spears was a force to be reckoned with in the Great Zona Republic.