Wilhelm spun his chair around to contemplate the view of stars beyond his office window. Behind him his desk screen flashed with reports of fresh tragedy.
A mining satellite had exploded in the Pele system, killing hundreds of workers and compromising the energy needs of dozens of worlds. The cause was still unknown, but Wilhelm suspected negligence and greed had been the culprits.
Humans were like infants with fire: they couldn't decide between forging a better world, or burning it down.
He'd dispatched a support fleet well before the reports hit the news. They needed tending, and he'd provide it.