Blind Old Men
When the more fanatical citizens of the Vulcan Empire began to clash against those they perceived to be their opponents, the public order in many parts of the state began to deteriorate.
On some planets, the conflict was limited to groups of protesters yelling curses at each other.
On other planets, the militants among the two factions had taken up arms!
When the rivalry descended into violent actions, the fighting rarely stopped at the level of infantry combat.
"Damn these heretics! They've deployed way too many goons with guns! If that's how they're going to play the game, then let's bring in a couple of mechs and see how those peacekeepers like it when we've got the bigger guns for once!"
"The rebels have escalated their insurrection. We can still control them when they gather in mobs, but we cannot protect the people if they begin to deploy mechs. Mobilize our riot mechs and stop the rebels from destroying our city!"