Liberation requires agreements over territory, bases, and allies

In Rimward Stars, the alliance intends to liberate an occupied world while recognizing that its resources belong to its inhabitants. Neighboring governments will have to negotiate with whoever governs the liberated planet. A captured fueling station creates a separate dispute because stolen resources built it and its position has allowed raids against more than one neighbor. Joint ownership under the free-trade-zone rules offers a way to retain the station's usefulness without returning it to a threatening power. The military coalition accepts limited help from an enemy officer whose desire for revenge makes him dependable for the immediate operation, without extending that trust to other missions. Intelligence about the destination will be six days old on arrival, so the commanders defer a final attack plan until they can scout the system. New alliance members have little force left to contribute, but their willingness to join during a dangerous war still carries political and morale value.