Anonymous whistleblowers have alleged that Cynosure Industrial maintains a network of covert research facilities — some officially sanctioned by the Federal Government of the United Republic of Orion, others privately controlled.

The rumored “black sites” are said to house xenobiological containment labs, terraforming experiments, and advanced materials trials. Some claim they double as advisory outposts to Republic agencies during the day, and unsanctioned corporate testing grounds at night.

Cynosure denied the allegations, calling them “unfounded speculation.” In a statement, the company reiterated its motto: “At the Center of Progress.”

Despite the dismissal, distrust lingers in the frontier. Colonists whisper of vanished contractors and unexplained supply shipments routed through Vega’s Aurora Yards. Senators have declined to comment, citing “ongoing reviews.”