Medical teams in Luyten report the Lucerta plague has spread to several Luytenese habitats and even Alliance warships. The Lucerta bacterium is poorly understood, but is known to be highly virulent with a long incubation period, allowing it to gain a foothold within a population before being detected. It is also capable of surviving hard vacuum and even crossing species lines to infect Vasudans. These factors together make it very difficult for a spaceborne society such as the Luyten New Alliance to control it, and the government of Luyten has instituted a total lockdown.

Reportedly, a single Luytenese ship attempted to breach quarantine, but was detected by the GTSc Warshawski and compelled to turn back. The Warshawski's crew report that they maintained a safe separation at all times, and the ship's mission plan, a sixth-month survey of Laramis, acts as a natural quarantine as well. The Lucerta plague induces confusion, aggression, and other behavior patterns likely to spread it, and anyone believing themself or anyone else to be infected should report to a medical center for testing immediately.

Meanwhile, the GTD Nereid under Admiral Namgung has begun anti-piracy operations in Polaris, bringing it into direct conflict with the local government. While Polaris is cooperating with the investigation, it has also called the Nereid's intervention unnecessary and unhelpful, calling back to the Intrepid's counterproductive actions in Antares. The Admiral has not responded to requests for comments at this time.

