To: Zoners of Sirius

[Zoner Freeport Network]

Good evening -

My name is Solomon Gentry, acting head of the Confederation of Freeports. It is with a heavy heart that I address this communication to you all, to offer my sympathies and an apology.

The Confederation that many of you reside under was established as a protection, a means to safeguard the Zoner way of life, and those either residing or visiting our Freeports. Basic and easy rules to follow to ensure peace, for all citizens of Sirius who find themselves on a Freeport or Zoner station. These rules were created by you. Zoner citizens, those who through volunteering or election have been appointed as administrators of the various Zoner stations throughout Sirius. Not by one person, not to seek power, nor to relinquish the freedom Zoners of old fought for and left behind. But by Zoners, each with the responsibility and burden of safeguarding those they were entrusted to protect and provide a safe haven for.

Yet, despite the Confederation's attempt for such peace, we have failed you. We have failed to protect those on Freeport 11 from multiple attacks. We have seen lives lost under our protection, both Zoner and civilian alike. We have failed you. Our pride to be able to remain neutral, and act via diplomacy has brought pain and suffering. We have failed you. Not a moment goes by that we do not mourn the loss of our brothers and sisters, our friends and our family. It is a pain that we will carry for the rest of our lives, and has shaken us to the bone.

Earlier today, the Confederation members met, to discuss how we are to proceed. How to move forward, and how to ensure such failures do not happen again. The time for change is at hand my fellow Zoners.

The Core, along with Outcasts and others have repeatedly attacked us. Our way of life. Our freedom. They cannot understand nor respect our decision to leave such tyrannical oppressors in times past, and our resolve to maintain the peace for all on our Freeports. It seems they can only understand one thing: War.

The Core especially have sent numerous messages claiming they only want those responsible for an attack some time ago, yet their attack on an IRG vessel respectfully asking them to not harm any more innocents showed their colors. Their capture of Finn McCool, head of the Confederation and Director of the IRG has dealt a heavy blow to Zoners across Sirius. And with the bombing of Freeport 11, rendering all systems inoperable, is the last straw. The Core have claimed they are at war with the Zoners.

The time for running is over. We will answer in kind. If it is a war they want, then a war they shall have.

Following this message, we ask all willing and able Zoner captains and commanders, to join others from around Sirius at Livadia Shipyards in 3 days time. We will then be launching one of the largest counter attacks in the history of Zoners. We should all think upon what it means to be a Zoner. We cannot be separated by our petty differences and arguments any longer. We must and will be united in our interests. For we stand against a tyrannical force. One that seeks our oppression, persecution... and inevitably, our annihilation. This fight is for our right as Zoners. Our right to live free. Our right to survive. We shall together cry out to all that we will not be swept aside! We will not give up without a fight! We're going to live free! We're going to survive what is thrown at us! And we will make damned sure that they will answer for the atrocities committed.

Our enemies and those who seek to rid us of our freedoms will no longer find a docile and cowardly band of void dwellers - but they will find a strong, courageous, and firm people united in our thinking. The days of old are over.

We are Zoners - and we will fight till the last breath for our right and freedom!

Respectfully yours,
Confederation of Freeports

---

[Gypsie Skripto]

From: Gypsie Skripto
Location: Freeport 1
To: Confederation of Freeports
Cc: Zoners
Encryption: P1553D

Kallisti,

Save me a spot on that Joint Zoner Fleet's Vanguard. I am on my way.

23's,

---

[AlphaWolf215]

Good morning Mr Gentry,

The Solar Runners have always worked with the Confederation to the best of our ability. I even held the position of Chief of Security on Freeport 11 for some time.

I'm sadened that it has come to this, that everything we hold dear is crumbling around us, but I agree wholeheartedly with your decision to take action. This time, I fear our opponents have gone one step too far.

The Ares is currently moored at Livadia, and I'm sending out standing orders for all the Runners to mobilise. I just hope we can bring enough to assist.

I do have one request to make though. Finn is a close friend, and was made an honorary councilman of the Runners. His capture has made us a little shifty, we protect our family with our lives you see. I'd like to lead any effort to bring him home, sir. You'll find my background in the military has me appropriately trained.

Yours,

Senior Councilman Joseph Wolf
Secretary of Fleets & Diplomatic Affairs
Solar Runners