Pen & Paper Bullshit

The Free Cities disagree about almost everything: politics, economics, religion; if two people can fight about it, the there's at least two Free Cities currently feuding about it. In fact, only one thing can get them to work together: the Ardent Empire. Their long time foe, the Empire desperately wants to conquer them, but cannot thanks to the work of the Free City Militia. The FCM is the only recognized inter-city government agency and its mandate goes above the petty squabbles of its members. So, when an Imperial experiment carrier violates Free City airspace, the FMC is called upon to investigate and respond to any hostilities. Just what is The Queen of Heaven planning?