Rebellion!

Insurrection had been reported in a solar system on the outer edge of settled space. The habitable planet of the system had first been settled several decades ago and was similar to earth, though around half the surface area. Mining and research facilities were established over time, both on the main planet and the rocky moons that orbited the two gas giants further out from the systems sun. Preparation for full scale colonisation had been in its final stage and the arrival of the first of the gigantic colony ships had been the catalyst for the rebellion. On its arrival at the planet's primary starport the colony ship Conestoga had been surrounded and then boarded by heavily armed troopers belonging to the planets garrison. All the single female colonists had been herded off the ship, whilst the families and single men had been confined aboard. The ship had then been refueled and ordered to return to earth, escorted out of the system by the defence ships of the garrison. Since then no further word had been heard from the colony and the Persephone was part of a small flotilla charged with investigating the rebellion and bringing the colony back under legitimate control.

The flotilla of ships had entered the rebel system several hours ago. The first action after they'd entered had been to demand an explanation for the colony's behaviour. With the time it would take for the message to reach the planet and for a reply to be received well known amongst the troops they waited expectantly for further information. Joanna was in the Persephone's barracks overseeing the final check on the Angel's equipment and weaponry when the wall mounted vid screens announced an important message from the Admiral commanding the ****.

"Troopers and crew, as you are aware an ultimatum was sent some hours ago to those controlling this system." The admiral announced, her face grave and her tone stern. "We have just received the reply. This will now be played in it's entirety."

The screens flickered and the Admiral's face was replaced by a group shot of half a dozen women sat behind a long table. Three of the women wore military uniform and headgear and from the insignia Joanna and the other Angels identified them as a officers of the regular army, citizen militia and spacefleet. However their uniforms conformed to no dress code of the services. The tunics were tight and sleeveless and ran from one shoulder to the opposite hip, leaving the left breast of each woman exposed. Their bare arms were heavily tattooed and each had piercings of rings or studs in various parts of their faces and on the exposed nipples. The other three women wore no insignia, but wore tunics similar to the military in civilian colours. One of the civilian women cleared her throat and the view zoomed in on her. The woman had red hair swept up into a topknot, a golden ring pierced one eyebrow and a stud decorated with a red jewel was in her nose. She looked to be in her late twenties though that meant little, with modern **** and medical procedures her true age could easily be fifty years older. Swirling geometric designs were tattooed on her forearms and also encircled her rosy areola.

"Sisters of the approaching task **** we are not your enemy." The woman began. Her voice was measured and reasuring and she smiled at the camara. "Following enlightenment from the mother goddess we have chosen to secede from the rule of earth. We wish to restructure our society according to the tenets revealed to us by her prophetess. Those colonists who arrived and were outside the chosen sex were returned to you unmolested. We ask only the same consideration for ourselves and are willing to negotiate as a sovereign state. In return for formal recognition of our independance we are prepared to offer trade and immigration rights to our sisters from earth."

The camara view switched to the three military officers sat together at one side of the table. They looked off camara as if seeking permission to begin and the army officer bowed her head slightly to some unseen command.

"Though we mean you no harm, We warn you that any attempt to **** us back under the rule of earth by military action is doomed to failure." The army officer stated sternly. "The armed forces and citizenry of the sisterhood are mobilised and ready to lay down their lives in defence of our ideals. We urge you to abandon any intention you may have of a reckless and doomed **** upon us."

The view of the spokeswomen faded and was replaced by an emblem dipicting a woman in a short dress with her left breast exposed holding aloft a burning torch. The assembled Angels looked at each other and a buzz of chatter broke out as they discussed the bizarre broadcast.

"What do you reckon Sarge?" Inez Lopez asked Joanna. "What's the Admiral likely to answer to that?"

"The Admiral's got ****." Joanna stated. "The task **** is charged with returning order. All the property on that planet was paid for and shipped here by earth. The colonists seizing it amounts to theft. They'll be ordered to surrender and if they resist then its war."