Sociologically, Mira is an interesting study in how revolutionary fervor can stagnate into moribund bureaucracy. After the founding of the "People's Democratic Republic of Mira" under Davion auspices, the old symbols of the Tikonov regime were rooted out. Mountaintop estates became museums or tourist centers, a shameful waste of some of the best land on the planet. Ties with the Federated Suns remained strong, but periods of pro- Capellan unrest (usually in the wake of major conflicts on the frontier) have led House Davion to keep the planet from realizing its full military potential. Most of the planetary armed forces and AeroSpace units are employed far from Mira as both extra strength on other frontiers and hostages for the planet's continued good behavior.
The 2nd Crucis Lancers, an old and well- trusted'Mech unit, has served for years as the core of the planetary garrison. Several of the Galahad wargames held annually by the Federated Suns have been centered on Mira in recent years.
Mira today is still a world of contrasts. Large tracts of polar and mesa upland regions are heavily urbanized and industrialized; the manufacture of a variety of textiles and other agro-byproducts is a principal source of income in the interstellar marketplace. Overall, the standard of living is very low on Mira; the beeswarm millions in the numerous cities earn marginal livings at best. Symptoms of poverty-widespread problems with crime, prostitution, controlled substance abuse, and the like-are everywhere in the major population centers. Perhaps the worst conditions of all are found among the seafarers who must work constantly in the lowland heat, and in the various port cities along the lowland shores which continue to support the pelagic industries.
Mercenary troops are in demand this year on Mira, where Davion recruiting agents seem eager to build up extra hireling forces. Though the prospects for employment are good, however, it should be remembered that the Federated Suns are not noted as generous paymasters. Harsh conditions for garrison-type troops on Mira make this a less- than-attractive duty station at best. However, it is possible that Mira is being built up more as a base of operations than as a strongpoint, so mercs may find their tour in the swamps short with every prospect for action as the year goes on.
Mira: Misty Outpost of the Federated Suns
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