The PVD Frontier, a Vasudan Typhon-class destroyer, has just arrived in Antares. This marks the first major Vasudan military presence in Antares since the Great War. "The GTA has the PVN's full support," said PVN spokesperson Iyashek Grahtel Grumenum, also known as Neferibre. "The alliance between our species was born in a time of need and saved us both from destruction. Now the Hammer of Light is attempting to destabilize it. In this they will not prevail. We will not allow them to destroy what it took fifteen years to accomplish."

This is no doubt a welcome vote of confidence for the GTA, but one questions why they insist on bringing in more outside force when this strategy has, so far, failed to produce results. Rumour has it that plans are in progress to strike directly at the Cardinal, the Hammer of Light's flagship in Antares. "Ozymandias, the Hammer of Light's leader, has shown himself to be ruthless and effective," said Marya Wutheren, the Intrepid's spokesperson. "We intend to bring him down nonetheless. Without him, these fanatics will lack organisation and motivation."

Many throughout the system have already heard of this Ozymandias. Though the GTA worked hard to quash them, information packets and small video transmissions have come to light through various public channels at sporadic intervals throughout last week, allegedly from the Hammer of Light admiral. "Your 'protectors' are doomed to die, set in their ways," said one. "Drive them from your homes, and perhaps we will have mercy on you."

These disturbing messages have caused much public outcry already, and they mark a shift in tactics for the Hammer of Light. However, I cannot help but notice that the HoL seem to want the same thing we do: to be left alone, not constantly scrutinised and quarantined by the outdated minds that drive the GTA. Let it never be said that I condone their methods, directed indiscriminately at private citizens as they are. Yet, perhaps, there is something there.

Finally, I wish to draw attention to the growing support that the Antares Federation has gained in past weeks; despite some initial trepidation, public reactions to the movement have been increasingly positive. The movement's leader, Ruoyu Zhou, released a public statement yesterday: "Everyone working for the Antares Federation is extremely grateful for the positive response we've received. We aim to make this system a prosperous and safe home, and we'll do that by giving the people of Antares the opportunity to make their own choices."

The security conglomerate Megalith has been trying to coordinate defense with the Gulnaran Militia, freelance pilots, and independent gunships across the system. In a show of overwhelming support, Megalith has turned over command to the Antares Federation, allowing them to provide unity and strength in numbers. As a result, the Federation is quickly becoming a movement capable of holding its own. I don't think I need to resort to metaphor or hyperbole for the reader to see the prospects that this offers us all.

By: Kalev Ehin
Date: 11/12/2336
kalev.ehin@gulnaranet.gta
