Fall of the Citadel

The Conflict

Prelude

As a rare ocean world with native bacterial life, the planet Freehaven (then known as Blue Oasis) attracted many colonizers over the first two decades of its settlement. A large number of these colonizers wanted to exploit what was then viewed as the completely untapped potential of the planet's oceans to grow food and carbonic. The Federation had many laws limiting the exploitation of natural resources and protecting indigenous life. As the settlement rapidly grew, the local Federally-appointed governor was blamed for the limitations placed on the populace. The event that ignited the revolution was the arrest of numerous kelp, fish, and carbonic farmers.

Deployment

Federation forces were limited to a few dozen police, some of whom had questionable loyalty. A mob formed outside the prison, demanding the release of the detained farmers.

Battlefield

Fighting took place in and outside the prison, in the streets of the city, and within the Citadel itself.

The Engagement

The police dispersed the mob using non-lethal weapons, but the governor did not permanently increase the security at the prison following the riot. After the riot response force left the scene, the mob reformed and immediately stormed the prison before the main police force could return. The mob released the prisoners and stole weapons from the prison armory. As the Federtion police force was limited to small arms and had no heavy weapons capability, this put the mob on equal footing with the police. The mob then marched on the government complex, known as the Citadel. Shots were exchanged, but given the small size of the settlement and the mixed loyalties within the security forces, the police either retreated or surrendered, leaving the governor to his fate.

Outcome

Initially, the rioters deposed the governor and elected a new governor. They also removed police who were loyal to the governor and replaced them with new recruits. The popular government immediately removed restrictions on farming in the planet's oceans.

Within a few months, a Federal response force arrived to restore the original governor. The new governor threatened to execute the original governor if Federal forces landed on the planet's surface. When troops arrived on the surface, the usurper followed through with his threat. The Federal Marines then stormed the Citadel and executed the new governor.

Aftermath

Despite the revolt and the Federal landing having relatively few casualties overall, the violence in such a small settlement came as a shock to the planetary community. Particularly unnerving was the cold-blooded execution of the deposed governor. Most settlers thought as long as they remained loyal to the Federation they would be able to keep their appointed ruler and never anticipated the old governor would be murdered. While the Federation restored the rule of law, the commander of the expedition allowed the settlers to appoint a new governor, provided they met with his approval. This third governor was nominally appointed by the Federation upon approval, but was careful not to incite another popular uprising and used legal loopholes to allow nearly unrestricted exploitation of the planet's oceans.

Historical Significance

As a result of the revolt, the people changed the name of their planet from Blue Oasis to Freehaven.

Legacy

The Fall of the Citadel has taken on almost mythic proportions in the popular consciousness. In retellings of the story, the original governor has been turned into a diabolical tyrant. His power has been greatly exaggerated in order to make the exploits of the rioters seem more heroic. The battle is viewed as a key defining moment early in the history of Freehaven that helped associate the planet with the goddess Liberty.

In Literature

The myth "Liberty versus Gaia" is an obvious allegory heavily based on the revolt. In the story, the people attempted to overthrow the governor multiple times before he was finally defeated with the help of divine intervention.

Conflict Type

Rebellion

Battlefield Type

Land

Start Date

2408

Conflict Result

Federation rule restored, but governor deposed and killed

Location

Freehaven

Belligerents

Federation Government

• Federal Interstellar Government

Rioters

Strength

88 police

89 armed rioters
100 unarmed rioters

Casualties

6 wounded
3 killed

8 killed
25 wounded

Objectives

Maintain authority of Federally-appointed governor

Replace Federally appointed governor with one chosen by the people