Fall of Virgil

The Fall of Virgil refers to the 2 January 2737 SEY invasion of the [Virgil system](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/RvlBgYrvEY-virgil-system) by the [Vanduul](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/VpGPp92gdO-vanduul) directly after the conclusion of the [Siege of Tiber](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/0OaBY5pGrq-siege-of-tiber). [United Empire of Earth (UEE)](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/VyvyKxy4v6-united-empire-of-earth) forces, depleted after four years of battle, were unable to mount a suitable defense against the invading Vanduul, who pursued them once [Tiber](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/RMNLm97EDj-tiber-system) fell. Although the system was lost, the [UEE Navy](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/RPDvKOpdP4-uee-navy) was able to cover the retreat of over one million refugees.

# BUILDUP

Before 2681 and the events of [Vanduul-Human First Contact](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/RWwZDmxaXP-vanduul-human-first-contact), the Virgil system was on an upward trajectory. As the launchpoint of [Project Far Star](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/0qnNAD6YKa-project-far-star), it was both a hub for explorers and a symbol of the UEE's continual outward expansion. [Cyrene (Virgil I)](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/VlMBNGnxK5-cyrene-virgil-i) was growing to be an economic powerhouse, having both a thriving resort industry due to its beautiful, lush landscapes and a robust agricultural system fed by highly fertile soil. However, when the Vanduul began launching regular raids in Virgil, the system's growth slowed. Project Far Star and talks of [Senatorial](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/VaZn8OqaNZ-senate) recognition for Cyrene were put on hold pending resolution of the worsening Vanduul-Human conflict.

After the [Orion system fell](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/RMXyYxqw8K-battle-of-orion) to the Vanduul in 2712, the military forces stationed there retreated into the Tiber system, where they set up a line of defense in anticipation of a forthcoming assault. With the mounting threat to its neighboring systems, Virgil's already faltering tourism industry collapsed, and the system was soon transformed into a military outpost.

At the start of the Siege of Tiber in 2732, the population of Cyrene dropped to a few million people as all those with the means to do so fled. Countless others who did not have the resources to escape on their own applied to the government to help them relocate, but the [Imperator](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/0Gz5BoJ9wl-uee-imperator) Galor [Messer IX](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/VyvYAGKxAz-galor-messer-ix) refused to grant any aid, stating that Cyrene could not afford to lose more workers. Many turned to smugglers to help them flee, but some remained behind, believing that the might of the UEE would eventually prevail. Their faith appeared on the verge of paying off in November 2736, when the UEE conducted a bombing run on [Tiber II](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/R5pxGYd9w7-tomb-tiber-ii) and destroyed all Vanduul encampments there, enabling them to retake the planet, the [Tiber belt alpha](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/VDza9J272q-tiber-belt-alpha), and the Vector-Tiber jump point. Two [UEE Navy](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/RPDvKOpdP4-uee-navy) Battle Groups departed the system for repairs, and two more remained to pick off the few remaining Vanduul. It seemed that the UEE was on the verge of victory.

On 29 December 2736, the tide abruptly turned. A [Kingship](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/V3qWn9Dlvm-vanduul-kingship) accompanied by an enormous [Vanduul Clan](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/R9vzjxmEBx-vanduul-clans) entered Tiber through the Orion-Tiber jump point and opened fire on the 81st Battle Group. Within half a day, three quarters of their ships were destroyed. Admiral Mira Triolo ordered them to retreat into Virgil while she remained behind with the 6th Battle Group to hold the line.

# THE INVASION

When the remains of the 81st entered Virgil it set off a panic. Millions of people who remained in the system clamored to be evacuated ahead of a potential Vanduul invasion. Citing the actions of the Vanduul in the aftermath of the Battle of Orion, the [Governors Council](https://robertsspaceindustries.com/galactapedia/article/0rqzA55WZ3-uee-governors-council) of Cyrene issued a statement assuring the public that a secondary invasion was unlikely to occur, and that they had sent a message to the Imperator requesting immediate military assistance. This helped calm things enough to avoid the threat of riots while the Council, with the help of the 8