The hyperpower is less troubled than you can imagine.
Hindered by the recent positive exploits of Yu Jing, it has found that such a crisis can be the ideal cover up to settle a long due business: too bad the chosen location for this was New Hypatia itself...

Everyting seems lined up perfectly by Yu Jing: the blockade has crippled its rivals and the production results of Shentang and Yutang are pleasing the Emperor. But, is that really so?  Rumors has it Brutus has found some dark secret of the Jade Empire with which he holds them in his hand.

The blockade is already having a severe impact on Ariadna's scarcely dfferenciated economy. Fundamental chemicals for teseum's manufacturing processes are sitting in the docks, waiting to reach spaceports where they are long awaited. The situation must be solved quickly and by any means.

"Were it not for differences of opinions, goods will be unsold". This ancient proverb is still relevant today, as is perspective that creates value.  For what concernes Haqquislam, it doesn't matter who will emerge victorious in this conflict: it's an opportunity to become a big player on New Hypatia and demand better and more transparent trade fares.

There's something really unsettling about the whole New Hypatia incident: Brutus popped out from the Arachne network but, apparently, it wasn't part of a Nomad scheme. Each of the three Jurisdictional Command doubt of each other as the mastermind of the whole operation, resulting in a tense cooperation during investigations.

Shasvastii Submarine Strike Force #8 "Picasso", led by Brigadier General Ba Fashas, was on a sabotage mission when the Brutus incident begun. Now, it has been appointed as base of operation for the whole Combied Army to gather intel on human logistics flaws and strike high value targets. This has ruffed Ba Fashas's feathers, who feels the presence of high graduated officers on his submarine as being stepped over.

ALEPH's assessment is clear: the rogue AI Brutus must be terminated. However, it seems like not much has been made to enforce this directive, despite the harsh statements aired on Maya. Some believe that, after Operation Black Wind, ALEPH wants to teach a lesson to everyone refusing its lead. Meanwhile, Nomads propaganda is pointing out that White Company is currently helping Brutus, although it has been officially denied by the AI's Aspects.

This whole situation is the proof of humanity's lack of preparation. Brutus is in its right and, by the book, the whole operation is an illegittimate attempt to rewrite history without learning from it. Thoaas are offerning their hand as a third party to reach an agreement that will be beneficial for everyone: will Brutus accept this negotiation help?

It's difficult to hold back, even if you know it's your duty to do so. Following rules is not easy, and O-12 is learning it the hard way. Luckily enough, Admiral T. H. Bocca has fought in many different occasions and has proved to be a rational man who knows where and when to strike: he will make sure the situation on New Hypatia doesn't excalate as Bureau Aegis finds an excamotage to allow a full scale military intervention to end the blockade.