====== Minerva ======

//“Before the Solar Age a political view called communism became popular amongst the poor of Earth. It spread rapidly and destabilized once great nations. Another political view call fascism rose to confront it and, initially, the wealthy and powerful welcomed these fascists as defenders. But the fascists wanted all the power for themselves and dragged the Earth into a global war. Such is was with Minerva, the once defenders of peace who went on to become a name reviled amongst the Belt.”// - Marjit Telsen, //The Conflicts of the Solar League//, 6303

//“These Minerva claim to live by a code. But they have no honor.”// - [[story:Gurdan Singh]], Leader of the [[Kings]], 6347

{{:renders:minerva_colour.png?200 |}}Founded in the 5833, Minerva was initially one of the mercenary companies set up to provide security in the wake of the [[Dissolution]]. It was very successful and by the end of the 59th century had become one of the major players in the [[Belt]]. The leadership of Minerva saw the formation of the [[Solar League]] in the early 61st century as a direct threat to their business model. It lobbied to stop parts of the belt joining the League. When this proved ineffective, in 6016 it annexing [[Outer Belt]] territories under its protection. Whilst this appears to have been relatively well received by the territories annexed it was deemed illegal by the League. When peaceful negotiations failed the [[Legion]] began the [[Siege of Indello]]. The destruction of [[Indello]] by the Minerva forces in 6017 led to the organization being classified as illegal; Minerva assets were seized and many of the leaders arrested for war crimes.

However some of the leadership and resources of Minvera were not in locations yet controlled by the League. They went into hiding, retreating to previously built hidden bases across the Belt. From that point they have been classed as a criminal organization and in the [[Inner Belt]] and Outer belt have engaged in many illegal activities based around smuggling and extortion but has been involved in assassinations, robberies and kidnappings.

In the [[Hildas]] Minerva operates more openly. Whilst avoiding direct conflict with the other [[Powers]] it provides mercenary services to those willing to pay, whilst providing "protection" to the independent outposts to obtain funding.