ZDF Broadcast: Freeport 10 Attacked!

[Wood]

---Incoming Broadcast---

A man in an aged military uniform appears on screen. He is sitting, he looks very old and is mostly bald, apart from a fairly impressive moustache.

Good evening, I am Major William Baker of the Zoner Defence Force.

As many of you are no doubt aware by now, I speak to you bearing grave news. Yesterday, Freeport 10 was the victim of a most brutal, and devastating attack. We have reports that 12 people have been killed in the attack, with many more injured, some are still in a critical state. However, due to the brave actions of several OSI transport pilots, the majority of the civilian population aboard the Freeport were evacuated before the attack too place.

The station has been left heavily damaged, with one Biodome and one Stellar Collector almost completely destroyed, along with the primary habitation decks. Fires sprung up throughout the station, as internal fuel and oxygen lines were ruptured.

The attack was perpetrated by the former chairwoman of the Council of Zoners, turned Gallic Princess, Aurelia "de France". An Aquillon Carrier, "Errant", under the command of Aurelia, opened fire on the Freeport. Various Zoner vessels rushed to defend the station, including the recently launched ZDFS-Canaria.Unyielding, commanded by Admiral Ravenor. The Errant managed to escape, after having been beaten into near destruction.

This was an attack with a clear aim, not merely to damage Freeport 10, no. Aurelia wishes to provoke a war, a war between the Zoner peoples and the Gallic house. She is calculated, and ruthless. But she will fail. Why?

The Major stood up, holding his silver-topped cane firmly in his hand.

Because we are Zoners! We will never be pushed into starting a war that we do not wish to fight! We will never allow ourselves to be manipulated or controlled, we stand together! As diverse and independent as all the stars in the universe, we will prevail! For our enemy is not Gallia, nor even Aurelia de France. It is war itself! And in that, as in all things, we choose our own destiny.

The Major sat back down, and thought for a moment.

Now, my friends, I know what some of you must be feeling. Anger, rage, aggression. A thirst for revenge. But we must be strong, we must be resolute, we must be brave. For we cannot allow our emotions to destroy all that we have worked for so hard, and for so long. Listen to me, my friends. We must not begin that which would be our own end. No oaths of revenge, no quests of vengeance, no pacts of violence. For no man shall be our enemy, if we can yet call him our brother.

I know war. All my long years, I known only of armies, of combat, conquest. Of rebellions put down, of evil doers quashed. Even against beings who are not of this universe, of species that we cannot even begin to comprehend. I am a soldier, and I will always be a soldier. And I will defend all of the Zoner peoples, with my last breath. But we do not need war, not with Gallia, not with anyone. And if, to defend the Zoner peoples of the universe, I find myself having to fight against those within, who think of only violence, and of revenge, then so be it. I shall defend all my brothers against any and all threats to our way of life.

The Major stood up once more.

It will not be easy, but I have great faith in all of you. Look inside yourselves, find your greatest strength. And together, we shall never falter, and never fall! And always remember...

We are Zoners!
*Salutes*

---Broadcast Terminated---

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