To: Every Zoner in Sirius | From: ??? - Subject: Erie

[Hans von Goeben]

*Incoming transmission*
*Source: Ames Research Station, Kepler System*
*To: Zoner Emergency Frequency*
*Encryption: Q-4; for Zoner eyes only*
*Priority: Red*
*Mode: Long-range*


*As soon as the transmission is accepted, a flashing warning message pops up*

Attention recipient! The following long-range transmission is authorized, and the content authenticity verified, by senior communication officer McMillan of Ames Research Station. For further inquiries, please contact the administration of Ames Research Station using the attached security code.

*The warning message vanishes, and a video recording starts. The vague, pixelated silhouette of a man can be seen. With folded hands, he sits behind a large wooden desk. The figure starts talking with a distorted voice*

Dear ladies and gentlemen, fellow Zoners.

Due to the nature of this transmission, it is required that my identity remains unknown. As the prior text message stated, the content was checked with the higher echelon of Ames Research Station, who vouch for its authenticity.

*He clears his throat before continuing*

Yesterday, a whistle-blower within the Liberty Navy contacted us via secured private channel in Pennsylvania. The informant wants, and needs, to stay anonymous for obvious reasons, but we have no doubt of their reliability.
Due to personal moral believes and under sworn oath, they decided to disclose the following sensitive information:

Merely three days from now, the Liberty Navy will invade Pennsylvania with the goal to besiege and occupy Erie, thus annexing the entire system. Interal communcation mentioned an alleged insurgency conducted on the planet, and the destruction of a Liberty space asset, as the pretext for this invasion. The operation is already in full swing under codename PESTICIDE.

*A moment of silence passes before the man continues with a stern voice*

Fellow Zoners. The autonomous planet of Erie is called home by over 400 million of our people. The Liberty government is planning to take over the largest coherent Zoner community, and violating our sovereignity in a way which will even dwarf the Britonian conquest of Gran Canaria! This affront can not, and shall not, pass without resistance! While we can‘t hope to stand against the concentrated firepower of Liberty‘s military forever, we have to bring as many souls out of harm’s way as humanly possible before the situation turns completely against us. And even then, their leaders shall find that Zoners should not to be trifled with. As much as swift and decisive evacuation is required, it is also essential to send a clear signal to the aggressors. The planet needs to be defended as long as possible, and even under fire shall we continue helping Erie’s citizens! For that, not only an armada of transports, but every available gun is needed in Pennsylvania!

Therefore, I implore the various Zoner leaderships, organisations and operations that are capable and willing to help, to follow this call and to get ready posthaste. The lives of millions are on the line! Organise yourselves, coordinate your efforts, and show the aggressors what it means to interfere with the Zoner way of life!

*Another moment of silence follows before he continues with a more calming voice*

With that, I bid everyone seeing this message farewell, and hope to see them in Pennsylvania. May god be with us all.

*End of recording*
*End of transmission*