


The Free Worlds begin developing their own ships to try to compete with the Republic Navy. Certain mission objectives, such as escorting large merchant fleets or engaging in large fleet combat, are much easier in a medium or heavy warship. Completing the campaign in a smaller ship is possible, but attempting to do so without a strong set of outfits or a great deal of experience in effective space combat will require a great deal of perseverance and re-loading from previous saves. It can be started with something on par with a Clipper or Argosy, but it is expected that the player will have a heavy warship by the end. This storyline is intended to be doable in a single ship. Katya herself is looking to recruit a steady and reliable pilot to help her investigate without drawing the ire of the Navy avoid flippant remarks or flashy karate moves if you wish to help her. To begin the Free Worlds story, visit spaceports along the Rim and Dirt belt, doing any missions offered by militia officers. The main objective of this story arc is to assist Katya Reynolds in tracking down the perpetrators of the nuclear attack on Geminus, in order to ease hostilities with the Republic Navy. The Free Worlds are the first (and currently only) complete story line in human space. Those who prove themselves may be permitted to join the cause, flying the Free Worlds colors and drawing a daily salary for their efforts. The Free Worlds contend with deeply entrenched pirate strongholds along their southern border, and increasing tensions with the Republic Navy to the north pilots visiting spaceports on their worlds will find no shortage of work. Within hours of this declaration, nuclear attacks destroyed the Republic Navy Yard and Galactic Stock Exchange. The Free Worlds are a coalition of planets in the Rim and Dirt Belt regions which have recently declared independence from the Republic after Parliament refused to address issues they raised about trade tariffs, taxation, and representation.
