We have won. The last of the GTA forces occupying Antares have been ordered to leave the system by midnight, and all accounts indicate that they are cooperating so far. With their threatening presence soon to be gone, several more political and commercial parties have declared their support for the Antares Federation, resulting in an unprecedented level of unity for the system.

It saddens me that it took so much bloodshed and turmoil to bring us together, but I am heartened by the fact that the lessons we have learned over the past few months will not be forgotten. "It's definitely something that the Federation will keep foremost in its collective mind," said interim president Ruoyu Zhou yesterday. "This is what we were born from, and it would be damning to forget it."

The Federation has not been idle since the Cardinal's destruction and the departure of the Intrepid. Hunter-killer teams have been sweeping Antares for Hammer of Light and pirate remnants, but so far reports indicate that little resistance has been encountered. Antares is truly ours now, and just like a young adult moving out of their oppressive parents' house, we are now free to shape our homes as we see fit, with the Antares Federation at the forefront.

When asked about future plans, Ruoyu Zhou had this to say: "We'll be concentrating on cleaning up the system as best we can for the immediate future, and working with our corporate and economic partners to boost the system's productivity, security, employment, and general quality of life." Regarding the obvious question of next steps regarding the GTA, Zhou was optimistic. "The Federation's focus will be internal for now. In the long term, we hope to reopen negotiations with the GTA. Obviously tensions are running high right now, and it will take time for them to cool, but maintaining diplomacy and communication is a simple step that will hopefully pave the way to long-lasting peace. I'm sure all of us, on both sides, have had quite enough fighting already." Zhou has announced that she intends to seek reelection after the interim government dissolves next year, but encourages all Federal citizens to vote with their conscience.

It seems awfully soon to be thinking of communications with the GTA. However, it is Zhou's foresight and determination that have brought the Federation, and by extension all of Antares, to where it is right now, and for this I can say that he has earned my trust. Stand strong, citizens of Antares. With all of us pooling resources and working together, I see a very prosperous future on the horizon. Our story still has a way to go.

By: Kalev Ehin
Date: 12/8/2336
kalev.ehin@gulnara.af
