My life in space

A just and lasting peace

2011-08-23T21:35:00.002Z

These days I weigh one question above all others: the chances for a just peace for all peoples. In the nearly five years that have passed I have seen that hope waver, grow dim, and almost die. And the shadow of fear again has darkly lengthened across the universe.

Today the hope of free men remains stubborn and brave, but it is sternly disciplined by experience. It shuns not only all crude counsel of despair but also the self-deceit of easy illusion. It weighs the chances for peace with sure, clear knowledge of what happened to the vain hopes of the past.

In that distant time the leaders of the Gallente people met the leaders of Intaki to renew their bonds following the atrocities of the war with the Caldari. Their peoples shared the joyous prospect of building an age of just peace. All these peoples shared too this concrete, decent purpose: to guard vigilantly against the ravages of an interstellar conflict.

This common purpose lasted an instant and perished. The nations of the world divided to follow two distinct roads.

The leaders of the Gallente Federation and Caldari State chose another.

The way chosen by the people of Intaki was plainly marked by a few clear precepts, which govern its conduct in universal affairs. First: No people can be held, as a people, to be an enemy, for all humanity shares the common hunger for peace and fellowship and justice.

Second: No nation's security and well-being can be lastingly achieved in isolation but only in effective cooperation with fellow-nations.

Third: Every nation's right to a form of government and an economic system of its own choosing is inalienable.

Fourth: Any nation's attempt to dictate to other nations their form of government is indefensible.

And fifth: A nation's hope of lasting peace cannot be firmly based upon any race in armaments but rather upon just relations and honest understanding with all other nations.

In the light of these principles the citizens of the Intaki colonies defined the way they proposed to follow, through the aftermath of war, toward true peace.

This way was faithful to the spirit inspired by the tenets of Ida: to prohibit strife, to relieve tensions, to banish fears. This way was to control and to reduce armaments. This way was to allow all nations to devote their energies and resources to the great and good tasks of healing the war's wounds, of clothing and feeding and housing the needy, of perfecting a just political life, of enjoying the fruits of their own toil.

The larger Gallente government and that of the Caldari as well held a vastly different vision of the future. In the universe of their design, security was to be found, not in mutual trust and mutual aid but in force: huge militaries, subversion, rule of neighbor nations. The goal was power superiority at all cost. Security was to be sought by denying it to all others.

The result has been tragic for the universe. The amassing of military power alerted all nations to a new danger of aggression. It compelled them in self-defense; to spend unprecedented money and energy for armaments. It forced them to develop weapons of war now capable of inflicting instant and terrible punishment upon any aggressor.

It instilled in the universe’s nations - and let none doubt this - the unshakable conviction that, as long as there persists a threat to freedom, they must, at any cost, remain armed, strong, and ready for the risk of war.

It inspired them - and let none doubt this - to attain a unity of purpose and will beyond the power of propaganda or pressure to break, now or ever.

There remained, however, one thing essentially unchanged and unaffected by this hawkish conduct. This unchanged thing was the readiness of the Intaki worlds to welcome sincerely any genuine evidence of peaceful purpose enabling all peoples again to resume their common quest of just peace. And the Intaki worlds still hold to that purpose.

The Intaki worlds, most solemnly and repeatedly, have assured the Federation and State that their firm association has never had any aggressive purpose whatsoever. Gallente and Caldari leaders, however, have seemed to persuade themselves, or tried to persuade their people, otherwise.

And so it has come to pass that these leaders have shared and suffered the very fears they have fostered in the rest of the universe.

What can the universe, or any world in it, hope for if no turning is found on this dread road? The worst to be feared and the best to be expected can be simply stated.

The worst is full-scale intergalactic war.

The best would be this: a life of perpetual fear and tension; a burden of arms draining the wealth and the labor of all peoples; a wasting of strength that defies the Intaki people or the Gallente people or any people to achieve true abundance and happiness.

Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This universe in arms is not spending money alone.

It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children.

The cost of one modern stealth bomber is this: a modern school in more than 30 cities.

It is two electric power plants, each serving a town of 60,000 population. It is two fine, fully equipped hospitals.

We pay for a single frigate with a million bushels of wheat.

We pay for a single destroyer with new homes that could have housed more than 8,000 people.

This is, I repeat, the best way of life to be found on the road the world has been taking.

This is not a way of life at all, in any true sense. Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron. These plain and cruel truths define the peril and point the hope that comes with this autumn.

This is one of those times in the affairs of nations when the gravest choices must be made, if there is to be a turning toward a just and lasting peace.

It is a moment that calls upon the governments of the universe to speak their intentions with simplicity and with honesty.

It calls upon them to answer the question that stirs the hearts of all sane men: is there no other way the universe may live?

New leadership has assumed power in the Gallente Federation and the Caldari State. Their links to the past, however strong, cannot bind them completely. Their future is, in great part, their own to make.

This new leadership confronts a universe aroused, as rarely in its history, by the will to stay free. It is a universe that demands and expects the fullest respect of its rights and interests. It is a universe that will always accord the same respect to all others. So the new leadership now has a precious opportunity to awaken, with the rest of the universe, to the point of peril reached and to help turn the tide of history.

Will it do this?

We do not yet know. We welcome every honest act of peace. We care nothing for mere rhetoric.

We care only for sincerity of peaceful purpose attested by deeds. The opportunities for such deeds are many. The performance of a great number of them waits upon no complex protocol but only upon the simple will to do them. Even a few such clear and specific acts would be impressive signs of sincere intent. They would carry a power of persuasion not to be matched by any amount of oratory.

This we do know: a universe that begins to witness the rebirth of trust among nations can find its way to a peace that is neither partial nor punitive.

With all who will work in good faith toward such a peace, we are ready, with renewed resolve, to strive to redeem the near-lost hopes of our day.

The first great step along this way must be the conclusion of an honorable armistice in the current factional conflict.

This means the immediate cessation of hostilities and the prompt initiation of political discussions leading to the disbanding of the militias.

It should mean, no less importantly, an immediate end to the direct and indirect attacks upon the security of low security systems in the conflict zones. For any armistice in Intaki that merely released aggressive militias to attack elsewhere would be a fraud. We seek, throughout Placid as throughout the universe, a peace that is true and total.

Out of this can grow a still wider task - the achieving of just political settlements for the other serious and specific issues between the Intaki worlds and the Gallente Federation.

None of these issues, great or small, is insoluble - given only the will to respect the rights of all nations. Again we say: the people of Intaki are ready to assume their just part.

We are ready not only to press forward with the present plans for closer unity of the worlds of the Intaki Sovereignty but also, upon that foundation, to strive to foster a broader Intaki community, conducive to the free movement of persons, of trade, and of ideas.

As progress in all these areas strengthens universal trust, we could proceed concurrently with the next great work - the reduction of the burden of armaments now weighing upon the universe. To this end we would welcome and enter into the most solemn agreements. These could properly include:

1: The limitation, by absolute numbers or by an agreed international ratio, of the sizes of the military and security forces of all nations.

2: A commitment by all nations to set an agreed limit upon that proportion of total production of certain strategic materials to be devoted to military purposes.

3: A limitation or prohibition of other categories of weapons of great destructiveness.

4: The enforcement of all these agreed limitations and prohibitions by adequate safeguards, including a practical system of inspection under CONCORD.

The details of such disarmament programs are manifestly critical and complex.

Neither the Intaki Assembly nor any other government can properly claim to possess a perfect, immutable formula. But the formula matters less than the faith - the good faith without which no formula can work justly and effectively.

The fruit of success in all these tasks would present the universe with the greatest task, and the greatest opportunity, of all. It is this: the dedication of the energies, the resources, and the imaginations of all peaceful nations to a new kind of war. This would be a declared total war, not upon any human enemy but upon the brute forces of poverty and need.

The peace we seek, founded upon decent trust and cooperative effort among nations, can be fortified, not by weapons of war but by wheat and by cotton, by milk and by wool, by meat and timber and rice. These are words that translate into every language. These are the needs that challenge this universe in arms.

We are prepared to reaffirm, with the most concrete evidence, our readiness to help build a universe in which all peoples can be productive and prosperous.

We are ready to ask our people to join with all nations in devoting a substantial percentage of any savings achieved by real disarmament to a fund for universal aid and reconstruction. The purposes of this great work would be to help other peoples to develop the undeveloped areas of the galaxy, to stimulate profitable and fair trade, to assist all peoples to know the blessings of productive freedom.

The monuments to this new war would be roads and schools, hospitals and homes, food and health.

We are ready, in short, to dedicate our strength to serving the needs, rather than the fears, of the universe.

I know of nothing I can add to make plainer the sincere purposes of the Intaki Liberation Front.

I know of only one question upon which progress waits. It is this: What are the Gallente and the Caldari ready to do?

Whatever the answer is, let it be plainly spoken.

Again we say: the hunger for peace is too great, the hour in history too late, for any government to mock men's hopes with mere words and promises and gestures.

Is the new leadership of the Federation and State prepared to use their decisive influence in the universe, including control of the flow of arms, to bring not merely an expedient truce to hostilities, but genuine peace in the universe?

Is it prepared to allow other nations, including those in Placid and elsewhere, the free choice of their own form of government?

Is it prepared to act in concert with others upon serious disarmament proposals?

There is, before all peoples, a precarious chance to turn the black tide of events.

If we failed to strive to seize this chance, the judgment of future ages will be harsh and just.

If we strive but fail and the world remains armed against itself, it at least would need be divided no longer in its clear knowledge of who has condemned humankind to this fate.

My purpose, in stating these proposals, is simple. These proposals spring, without ulterior motive or political passion, from my calm conviction that the hunger for peace is in the hearts of all people - those of the Gallente and of the Caldari no less than of my own homeland.

They conform to our firm faith that man is meant to enjoy, not destroy, the fruits of the world and of their own toil.

They aspire to this: the lifting, from the backs and from the hearts of men, of their burden of arms and of fears, so that they may find before them a golden age of freedom and of peace.

Universal peace?

2011-08-22T14:37:00.001Z

Some people are waiting for another Adhrit Vaakpati or that special somebody to show up. What if there isn’t anybody. This is our time. What if it’s up to us?

Consider this, an almost unthinkable scenario: A universe without violence. Where no child is abused, no wife battered, no friend raped. A universe without terror, without threats, without wounds from intentional actions.

Where the strong provide for the vulnerable, where the vulnerable become empowered, where every kind of family is safe and secure, and girls and boys and women and men have a fair and equal chance at the pursuit of happiness in a tolerant and talented society.

A universe without violence. Peace.

We can’t even imagine it. — The very thought eludes our grasp.

Why is that?

Is it our cynicism, a failure of our imagination, burn-out-disappointment seeing too much reality, gang killings, stalking, rapes, battering, child abuse, too many wars, or is it fear of failure, that we may not be able to be successful in achieving violence free-relationships, peaceful families and empowered communities — are we so afraid to even dare to imagine it and thus unable to even dream it?

I don’t have the answer.

But I know that Vision is the ability to see the Invisible.

To see beyond the violence and yet to place our selves in front of it — so we can take compassionate action and create peace — that’s my definition of courage.

We are surrounded by violence everyday. We see it, feel it, witness it or read and hear about it. Of course there’s also the heartbreaking violence of nature — hurricanes and earthquakes — but I am talking about intentional violence. The capacity for violence is within us. Just as the capacity for peace is within us. As humans we are perched on the precipice of violence almost every moment — we have that capability — including all of us — some reptilian part of our brains could at any moment defend us against a real or perceived threat. There is an alligator in all of us.

Each moment that we refrain from hurting another being by our speech, gesture, glance or deeds — we are exercising courage. Often, thank goodness, we are successful and in those quietly courageous moments — we are making peace.

My favorite definition of peace: PEACE “it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, conflict, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still BE CALM IN YOUR HEART.”

VIOLENCE PREVENTION and PEACEMAKING is very messy, often uncomfortable, sometimes confrontational. Violence prevention is not peaceful work but it is the working toward peace. Advocating for social justice, equality, empowerment, institutional and attitudinal change, has brought many arguments, conflicts, unease — it has given me a lot of inner turmoil. The peace I feel in my heart comes from knowing that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.

In December, the ILF will be 5 years old — big birthday — and I am taking a deep look at who we have become and who we want to be. We’ve changed most by being inclusive — by adding, not subtracting. We started with a focus on Intaki, then to the area of the Intaki Sovereignty, and perhaps now to an even larger area of colonies.

Over the years the ILF has practiced one of the most important kinds of courage–the courage to change. After all, we are an organization of social change makers. We have the most amazing staff — dedicated, knowledgeable — they work for more than a paycheck, Our volunteers do more than contribute their free time — they servants for this community.

And please remember the vision thing. Dare to make the invisible visible. Healthy relationships, peaceful families, empowered communities deserve the best of our imagination, and our never-ending commitment to make it happen. It is up to us.

Pushing some buttons

2010-11-22T22:08:00.001Z

A recruitment holovid one of our pilots created more than a month ago came to the attention of a Scope reporter this week and he wrote a rather scathing article concerning it. I have a few impressions about the outcome.

First, my thoughts that The Scope is mouthpiece of the Gallente government seem to be confirmed once again. The reporting here, in addition to being shoddy in general, was clearly biased from the headline through the last paragraph. Their standards seem low and show no signs of improving.

Secondly, it is clear that our message struck a cord with some of the people who have seen it. Jake Lanks, the pilot who did most of the work on the vid, deserves a good deal of credit. He put together some compelling images and music that set off the importance of the message.

The vid has been a big hit with our members and the fact that the ardent Federation flag-wavers bemoan it so would indicate that its message is certainly pushing some buttons.

Patience, I tell myself. Patience.

2010-11-19T22:20:00.002Z

I'm not sure why the Kapdans feel such an allegiance to the Gallente. Their system, sitting on the Federation's doorstep, is one of the worst-hit by pirates. Ostingelle's gates are legendary for their camps. I've even felt the sting, losing my first Hyperion as a rookie battleship pilot.

I don't know that I'll ever fully understand it, but regardless, Zheet Chandrark has proven true to his constituents and tabled the secession bill once more.

I'm told that because the hearings were closed I could be found criminal liable for disclosing what I said or heard during them. Suffice to say, the panel of "experts" on the matter was, in my opinion, hand-picked for their loyalty to the Federation. I'm surprised I even made the list, but I suppose a few token separatists and radicals had to be thrown in for authenticity.

There seems to be little hope of any further action during the current term, but there is still hope for the future. Chandrark has stated publicly that he is retiring after this session and returning to Kapda. Maybe his successor will be less heavy handed with the idea of secession and allow it to the full Assembly for an open debate.

Just on the other side of the line

2010-11-17T21:57:00.000Z

I have never sought fame or popularity. I have never gone out of my to seek recognition of my peers. But for some reason there is one pilot who I have always hoped to reach and yet I cannot.

I'm not sure what it is about this Simon Coal that captures my imagination, but I think that if I could convince him of the true nature of our cause he would be a great ally.

I sense in him a love of people and our traditions. But the indoctrination into the Gallente myth is strong and he has roundly criticized our actions. However, I do not think he is so far over the line to be a lost cause.

The Assembly moves

2010-11-16T22:14:00.000Z

I received a notice that I am to appear today before the Intaki Assembly's Interstellar Relations Committee to provide testimony in a closed-door hearing.

The summons does not indicate what the hearing is concerning, but the rumor on the street is that the secession bill is being moved off the table. I cannot describe how happy this makes me feel.

If the Intaki people are ever to have a hope of enjoying the liberty of a free and independent state, the first steps must be taken by the Assembly. It is only by a measured and determined bid of the Assembly for full resumption of its sovereignty that we can even consider a secession without conflict. Anything less would lead to years of conflict and an unacceptable loss of life.

An offer I can refuse

2010-11-13T21:46:00.002Z

I have been contacted several times by Chairman Renjith Prabeaux of the Federal Social Democratic Party. At first I was hopeful that he might be persuaded to see the reasoning in our arguments and to be an ally in negotiating for a peaceful separation.

I am growing to believe that first impressions were wrong, however. It seems increasingly that he is an appeaser and Federation apologist. He seeks to make amends for past wrongs with token condolences and petty reparations.

He now wants me to consider withdrawing my call for secession in exchange for some gesture of reconciliation with the Intaki of the Syndicate. I agree that the Syndicate Intaki should be brought back into the fold, so to speak, but I do not believe that this gesture will go any appreciable way toward achieving that.

Having considered the matter, I do not think that I will be withdrawing my call for secession any time soon.

A call for action

2010-11-07T21:41:00.002Z

I know that I am but one man and my voice carries no more weight than others will give it, but I must cast now that full weight once more in calling for secession.

I have been content this last year or so to work quietly toward our economic and security goals without calling on the Assembly to break away from the Federation, but given the rancorous views of this would-be king Octirant, I can no longer stomach the idea of living within a Federation that not only gives birth to his intolerance, but rewards it a chairmanship.

The IPI has proven that there is a strength to be found within the Intaki people. We can grow our economy from within. We can make strides to improve our security without the assistance of a Federal navy.

Now is the time for a free and independent Intaki State!

Where does the time go?

2010-11-03T21:01:00.000Z

What a busy year it's been. I can scarcely believe how quickly time goes by, or how little some things change.

After all the strides I thought we were making toward a peaceful understanding with the forces of the Federation, I have come to realization of just how far we have yet to go.

I know there are some, like the FDU pilot Hussain, who we will never reach. But his is a position of relatively small importance. He is a single capsuleer and has little to no following or support.

Much more disturbing to me is the new highly visible presence of Gallente political party chairmen. In particular, the Nationalists' chairman Alain Octirant is a troubling presence.

Disturbing news

2010-09-15T19:20:00.004Z

When I first heard the rumor that the Federal Intelligence Office had detained and then summarily executed four people for connections to the Sansha incursions, I could scarcely believe it. Having little direct connection to the FIO, I spent the better part of the morning tapping my sources within the Navy.

To my utter dismay, it appears that the rumors are indeed true. Further more, I am deeply distressed to learn that one of those executed was Natasha Anchauttes. Natasha, was a member of the Intaki separatist movement on the Sajha colony. Although I did not know her personally, I mourn her as a sister.

I immediately condemned the act on the Intergalactic Summit, but in light of learning this new information, I will be pressing my senator to demand a full inquiry into these executions. Given their rash and shrouded nature, I cannot help but wonder if Natasha wasn't caught up by some anti-Intaki element of the FIO.

Homesick blues

2010-09-12T19:46:00.000Z

My annual trip to Villore is scarcely under way and I am homesick already. This year, I am focusing my efforts entirely on lobbying the Supreme Court and developing my contacts there. The majority of the court is still against the idea of a separate Intaki State, but I believe there are a few justices who, on a philosophical basis at least, agree with the idea that a member of the Federation does ultimately have the right to secede.

I have tried to argue the position that the primary political right of the individual and of political communities must be to secede from any larger political entity, whether they were born into it, were forced to join it, or voluntarily joined it. If one denies or relinquishes that right, one is little more than a slave--and no agreement to become a slave can be legally or morally binding.

Secession of individuals and communities does not have to mean war and violence. It should be a natural evolutionary feature of all political entities. We suggest practical and nonviolent means by which such separation can occur and the kinds of networks and confederations that could be created to replace oppressive nation states.

But politics and secession are far from my mind tonight. Tonight I would much rather be in my garden, sitting by my pond and watching the goldfish dart about. In my quarters here in the Supreme Courts law school, it is cold and dry and metallic. Like much of the Gallente Federation, it is as far removed from Intaki as I can possibly imagine.

How do we support Intaki?

2010-04-28T20:44:00.002Z

One question that I am often asked is how does the ILF support Intaki. We do it in a number of ways actually.

First, we patrol the spacelanes in around Intaki. We do our very best each and every day to fight the pirates who would do harm to honest travelers in the area. As our fighters grow more proficient, we repel more pirates each day and send others back to their clone vats.

But true to our Intaki nature, we do far more than fight. The Intaki Liberation Front is at the heart of the Intaki Prosperity Initiative, an alliance of corps working together to bring wealth and prosperity to the Placid Intaki.

In the few months since its formation, the IPI has already created a market hub at Intaki. More than 5 billion isk worth of merchandise is now available for purchase at the Astral Mining station in orbit above the homeworld.

All standard small and medium ammo is now available at Intaki 5-5, as are all T1 frigates, destroyers, and cruisers. The Intaki Trade Hub is currently the only low-sec Placid provider for the Augoror, Bantam, Bellicose, Breacher, Crucifier, Heron, Magnate, Navitas, Omen, Scythe, Stabber, and Vigil. There is also a plentiful selection of equipment and rigs for these vessels. A selection of industrial and mining vessels are also on the market in Intaki.

Every sale we make in Intaki generates taxes which help fund government programs and enrich the lives of the Intaki people. But what's more is that many of the goods for sale in Intaki are made there or at stations orbiting nearby Intaki colonies. These factories put Intaki people to work in good-paying jobs that elevate their standard of living significantly.

Finally, we operate the Intaki Cultural Center, a repository for Intaki history, art and other culturally-significant information. We hope to make the center more open to foreigners and Intaki born off-world so that the universe will remember forever who the Intaki people really are.

A return

2010-04-22T17:33:00.002Z

It has been some many months since I posted I addressed the public through this medium. My abduction by Serpentis forces and a protracted war with Moira. gave me reason to curtail my public presence.

The time has come, however, to resume public discourse on the matters affecting Intaki. I am pleased to share the details of two events that have transpired in the last few months.

First, the Intaki Liberation Front has banded together with a number of other corporations to create an alliance dedicated to improving the condition of Intaki Space and the lives of those who live there. The Intaki Prosperity Initiative currently has six member corps with two additional applications under review. The group is increasing its abilities to fight piracy and has also created a market hub in Intaki. All manner of capsuleer goods are now available there and the hub is a one-stop shopping experience for pilots of small and medium vessels.

Secondly, the Intaki Cultural Center destroyed by Serpentis terrorists has been replaced by a bigger and better facility. The grand opening ceremony was a wonderful event, attended by many of our friends and supporters. During the ceremony I was afforded the opportunity to offer the following speech:

This center is a testimony to the tenacity of the Intaki spirit. Despite her beauty, no one ever said Intaki was an easy place to survive. But survive we do and not only survive but thrive.

This center will serve as a means for us to preserve our cultural heritage for future generations, but also a means to educate visitors about what makes Intaki special and why we fight to defend her.

Federation forces have gained the upper hand in the current factional conflict, but the threat of war still looms overhead. I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. We have before us many, many months of struggle and suffering. You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is independence. Independence in spite of all terrors - Independence, however long and hard the road may be, for without independence there is no survival of the Intaki culture.

There are people who ask me whether I am the same man that I was three years ago, or whether there has been any change in me. You are right in asking that question. Let me, however, hasten to assure that I am the same as I was three years ago. I have not changed in any fundamental respect. I attach the same importance to non-violence that I did then. If at all, my emphasis on it has grown stronger. There is no real contradiction between the present resolution and my previous writings and utterances.

Ours is not a drive for power, but purely a non-violent fight for Intaki’s independence. In a violent struggle, a successful general has been often known to effect a military coup and to set up a dictatorship. But a non-violent soldier of freedom will covet nothing for himself, he fights only for the freedom of his people. The Intaki Prosperity Initiative is unconcerned as to who will rule, when independence is attained. The power, when it comes, will belong to the people of Intaki, and it will be for them to decide to whom it placed in the entrusted.

[During this part of the speech a single voice rose above the rest. It called out clearly for “death to the Gallente.”]

This is not the first time I have noticed that there is hatred towards the Gallente among the people. The people say they are disgusted with their behavior. The people make no distinction between Gallente imperialism and the Gallente people. To them, the two are one. This hatred would even make them welcome the Caldari. It is most dangerous. It means that they will exchange one slavery for another. We must get rid of this feeling. Our quarrel is not with the Gallente people, we fight their imperialism. The proposal for the withdrawal of Gallente power did not come out of anger. It came to enable Intaki to play its due part at the present critical juncture.

I know the Gallente Government will not be able to withhold freedom from us. We must, therefore, purge ourselves of hatred. Speaking for myself, I can say that I have never felt any hatred. As a matter of fact, I feel myself to be a greater friend of the Gallente now than ever before. One reason is that they are today in distress. My very friendship, therefore, demands that I should try to save them from their mistakes. As I view the situation, they are on the brink of an abyss. It, therefore, becomes my duty to warn them of their danger even though it may, for the time being, anger them to the point of cutting off the friendly hand that is stretched out to help them. People may laugh, nevertheless that is my claim. At a time when I may have to launch the biggest struggle of my life, I may not harbor hatred against anybody.

Anniversary nears

2009-12-16T21:09:00.002Z

Where has the time gone? Has it really been three years since I founded the Intaki Liberation Front?

As I look back over what has been accomplished and what remains to be done I am filled with both a sense of pride and a feeling of sadness.

The ILF has done much to work toward the goal of an independent and sovereign Intaki nation. We have kindled a spark in the area's economy, put thousands to work and made strides toward increasing the safety of Intaki space.

There is much work left to be done, however, so as this third anniversary arrives and the fourth year of our struggle begins we will not offer a celebration, but an observance. We will save the celebration for the day when the ILF can disband and its members go on to other endeavors.

Of warnings and premonitions

2009-12-11T15:59:00.002Z

While attempting to mediate today, I could not shake a feeling of foreboding. It has been growing for some time, but this was the first occasion where the nagging ill feeling prevented me from finding center.

I do not know if this is because of the recent resurgence of the FDU in Placid, my belief that Intaki Pure is behind several violent attacks against Caldari and Federation enterprises or the increased scrutiny I am receiving from the Gallente government.

I have seen a great many more Federation militia members in Placid lately and news has reached me that several systems have been cleared of Caldari occupation forces. I wonder how long now before the sky above Intaki is once more illuminated with lights of space battle? And when the fighting does return, what will it mean to those who are powerless to do anything but watch and wait?

News that Intaki Pure might have been involved in the SuVee terrorist attacks doesn't surprise me, I'm afraid. Jyotmi is really trying to stir the pot with his public comments these days. I think he'd like nothing more than to see every Intaki separatist wage open war on both the Federation and the State. I fear my old friend has truly lost the path of Ida.

I think the most troubling thing, though, is the sudden appearance of these unidentified agents who are looking into my private life. My grocer tells me Intaki men with off-worlder accents asked him about when I shop and what I buy. Someone was asking about me at a book store run by a friend of mine. And twice now someone has tried to breach the security of my estate.

I do not fear so much for my own safety as for that of my family. Taking on the life of a capsuleer and secessionist, I have accepted certain risks. My wife and children, though, are innocents and should not be made to suffer for my actions.

"Under state control"

2009-12-08T02:53:00.000Z

With Ishukone vessels moving above Intaki Prime, I am deeply disturbed by events in the Essence and Verge Vendor regions. It appears that facilities owned and operated by Sukuuvestaa Corporation were attacked by unknown saboteurs.

Commander Aakonoshin Piertalen, head of Sukuuvestaa's Internal Security division, said the attacks were carried out by "a highly organized group of Gallente terrorists seeking to deny the establishment of State rule in our new territories."

While these occurances do not directly affect the people of Intaki, the statements of Commander Piertalen are of some concern to those of us who are currently involved in the creation of a sovereign nation of Intaki-populated systems.

In the "auction" that was held earlier this year, it was announced that Ishukone had won the development rights to the Intaki system. CBD Corporation was the "winner" of Harroule and Ostingele; Hyasyoda Corporation was the "winner" of Agoze, Annancale, Brarel and Vey and Wiyrkomi Corporation was the "winner" of Eugales and Fraire.

These systems were among the earliest to be colonized by space-faring Intaki and have large settlements of ethnic Intaki residents. As part of the disenfranchised Placid Region, representatives of the planetary governments of these systems have been invited to consider participation in the creation of the Intaki Sovereignty.

The ILF is currently neutral in its position toward the Caldari State and hopes that the State could become a principal trade partner with the Intaki Sovereignty. The statements of Commander Piertalen cast a shadow on this however, and if other Caldari corporations follow Sukuuvestaa's example, the ILF may have little choice but to join the anti-Caldari resistance.

No hope left

2009-12-06T01:45:00.000Z

I can hold little hope of any good coming from the Gallente Federation. With Jacus Roden as the new president, I fear that the only course to a free Intaki will be a bloody one.

Roden secured a majority of 58.7% of all votes cast, but that did not include, of course, Intaki or any of the other occupied systems. His election is invalid and he cannot in good conscious be considered a President of the people.

His stated goals are primarily to take back Caldari Prime and the Luminaire System. Typical Gallente pride, to take back something that wasn't theirs in the first place while ignoring real and pressing matters in their own back yard.

Aguard received just over 30% percent of the vote, but some analysts believe that the votes of many frontier worlds excluded from the election process due to the "No Vote" law may have significantly increased Aguard's share of the vote and denied Roden an outright majority.

Without a nullification of the election from the Supreme Court, however, this is all just supposition and conjecture.

The times are changing

2009-11-30T18:33:00.003Z

On the eve of the Gallente Presidential elections, Daren Fasio has withdrawn his candidacy and is now supporting Aguard. Given some of Fasio's previous statements, I'm not sure whether this will help her campaign or harm it.

Closer to home, I've heard that a fleet of Caldari haulers, with Ishukone markings, are making their way toward Intaki. Moreover they are flying with an escort of Mordu's Legion craft.

I have issued an order to ILF pilots to not engage the newcomers unless threatened. We need some time to determine what this new activity means before we act.

It would be imprudent to attack those who could bring benefit to the Intaki.

More good things from Aguard

2009-11-25T18:22:00.003Z

Celes Aguard had a great interview broadcast last night. I think she really got some good points across. The Scope says viewership set new records.

To quote the Scope's article: "In the interview, Aguard spoke about her mixed Gallente/Jin-Mei heritage and career in Mies, as well as her plans to support fringe economies, as well as her controversial criticism of CONCORD. Post-show polls at the CAS show an increase in support for Aguard and her policies, placing her behind Jacus Roden, but ahead of Vilard Garioss in the race for the presidency."

Roden, I don't about. I use his equipment, but I'm not sure he would be a good fit for Intaki. He strikes me as the kind who would not understand the plight of the Placid Intaki. With Intaki disenfranchised, I can only hope that our brothers in unoccupied space take that into account

It happened

2009-11-18T18:16:00.000Z

I can't believe it. I'm totally dumbfounded. The Senate actually approved a bill that denies the most basic right of a democracy from millions, perhaps billions, of legal Federal citizens.

The ILF is already mobilizing to protest this illegal measure and I am lobbying my contacts within the Supreme Court.

Our only hope at this point is that the President will not sign the bill. I have little faith in him doing so, and signing the act would only be the last in long line of acts of treachery on his part. Although with the margin at which it passed the bill, the Senate would likely override a veto, even if it was issued.

What a sad day. I have always hoped for the creation of an independent Intaki, but I never longed for the death of the Federation. This law is, I fear, a step in that direction however.

Perhaps there is still some hope left and Celes Aguard will win the election and restore sanity to the Federal government.

A shameful act

2009-11-16T17:35:00.002Z

The Senate has actually done it. The bill to disenfranchise the Intaki, and the rest of the occupied systems, has actually made it to the floor for debate.

What's even more unbelievable is that there doesn't seem to be much opposition to it. It is as if all my speeches and comments on the apathetic neglect of the Intaki people by the Federal government has been honed into a single law.

Can there be any more damning bit of evidence that membership in the Gallente Federation is not a benefit to the people of the Intaki Sovereignty?

How can any who live in the effected areas consider the Federation their legal government if this bill is allowed to pass?

An unsettling rumor

2009-11-10T17:29:00.002Z

Although it has been some time since I undertook any missions for the Senate, a friend of mine who works as an agent in Villore tipped me off to a bill that might soon be debated on the floor.

The law would seek to exclude the occupied Federation systems from the upcoming presidential election. As little faith as I have in the Federation, I cannot believe that such a thing would be allowed to come to pass.

I have already begun preparing a message to Senators who I believe could be key in challenging such a measure. I only hope that the rumor proves false and I will have no need to send it.

A bad feeling

2009-11-05T17:47:00.001Z

I now have confirmation that Jyotmimana is the newest member of Inaki Pure.

This worries me for several reasons. First, and for reasons I do not understand, Jyotmi has a vendetta against me and takes every opportunity to challenge me. I fear a bad cloning process may have left him mentally damaged.

But also, he is becoming increasingly radical in his views toward non-Intaki. With the ILF's view of openly accepting any who wish to follow the Ida and join us in our struggle, I fear Jyotmi's influence may put us at odds with Intaki Pure.

Time will tell, I suppose. Perhaps I am looking for trouble where it doesn't exist.

A new hope?

2009-11-02T16:54:00.002Z

I was fortunate enough today to be granted a short audience with Celes Aguard, Governor of the Mies system. She is currently campaigning for the Gallente Presidency and I have to say that I hope she wins.

Although she and I differ in our views on a number of issues, I believe she is the best of the current crop of candidates and will be the most likely to entertain the idea of a peaceful Intaki secession.

Aguard recently appeared in Lirsaurtton where she spoke mostly about Jin Mei issues, but she also said things that were encouraging to me as an Intaki.

"When frontier settlements starve under Caldari blockades, and riots and panic spreads among those who feel they are voiceless, all our leaders can say is 'toughen up,'" said Aguard in her speech. "Fear is a powerful motivator, but it has failed to quell the governmental apathy toward the minorities of the Federation."

At least she understands and acknowledges the problem.

The War is Over!

2009-10-30T22:47:00.002Z

As I had hoped, the current war has come to an end after only a week. The alliance attacking us apparently decided the cost of fighting us wasn't worth whatever pleasure they get from picking fights.

An interesting thing has occurred, however. Immediately prior to the war declaration we had accepted two new members. They were expelled for security concerns and now one of them has founded his own corp.

"Intaki Pure" has the aim to create a free Intaki state, but their take on things is a bit different than that of the ILF. They are more extreme in their beliefs of separation and seek to expel all non-Intaki from the system.

Given the ILF's mixed-race approach, I wonder how things will turn out between us. For now, we have positive standings with them, but time will tell.

A source tells me than my old friend Jyotimana was seen in their offices at the Astral Mining Station. That is a rumor that I will have to follow up on.

A good day to fly

2009-10-25T22:08:00.002Z

When this war began, it was my goal to bloody the noses of a few of the offending alliance's pilots. Today we were successful beyond my highest hopes.

Joined by our Caldari comrades in I-RED, the ILF was able to play a part in the destruction of not one but three enemy battleships. The cost to the enemy is the hundreds of millions of isk.

We have suffered a number of losses as well, but mostly small ships which are easily enough replaced.

At any rate, this war is serving as a good training exercise for our pilots, helping them sharpen skills they may be called upon to use in defense of the Intaki Sovereignty someday.

At war once more

2009-10-23T21:49:00.002Z

The ILF is at war once again. It would appear that as with our previous war, the corporation that has declared against us is not interested in our politics, but is merely looking for an easy target for its campaign of grief.

I'm calling in a few allies from various corps and alliances, so this griefer organization may not find us to be the prime target they thought.

The downside of the whole affair is that we will have to suspend operations at our production facility. We will continue to pay our workers, but will only be able to do so for a few weeks. Hopefully this situation will be resolved by then.

Missing the point

2009-10-21T21:56:00.000Z

The ILF is in the news again with a story about our space factory.

It's a nice little story, but I'm afraid it rather misses the point. Rather than focus on the isk we have made or the fact that we are rolling out a few high tech ships, I'd rather have it known that we are putting Intaki people to work. That we are training them and giving them good jobs.

More than a few advanced vessels, we are also making ammunition, modules, rigs and many standard issue vessels as well. This production, while not as flashy as an assault frigate, is employing thousands of people.

That's the point.

A new face

2009-10-19T21:50:00.000Z

While patrolling Intaki recently I met a new pilot to the area, Dakki, a visitor from the Syndicate.

It's been a while since I was in the Syndicate and my exit was not one that I would like to repeat anytime soon. But I wonder, what connections could be made there.

I am example enough that not every Intaki born in Syndicate space wishes to remain there. But how many would want to relocate to the home systems?

So far, our plans have focused mostly on future relationships with the Federation and the State. But what of our cousins in the Syndicate? It's no accident that the borders of the Intaki Sovereignty touch the Syndicate that much is true.

Perhaps I should pursue this a bit further and see what rabbit hole this Dakki might lead us down.

A plan open to debate

2009-10-14T21:42:00.002Z

My recent post to the Intergalactic Summit regarding a plan for the creation of the Intaki Sovereignty has created a bit of a stir, but not much of a debate, I'm afraid.

As I had secretly feared, it still appears that many within the Federation are willing to even consider the possibility that the Intaki would be better off outside the confines of the outdated union.

Rather than offer a constructive comment about my proposal, they choose to launch attacks. How I grow tired of hearing "Intaki is part of the Federation, get used to it."

If only the pro-Feds realized that is exactly this type of callus behavior that is the cause of much of the problems between the Intaki and the Federation today.

I still hope for a peaceful solution and work for it everyday, but it is increasingly easy to see why some of brethren are prepared to take to their ships and fight for a free Intaki in the more violent fashion.

Growing pains

2009-10-10T21:37:00.002Z

It's interesting what a little publicity can do for a corp and a cause. After banging the drums for Intaki Sovereignty for nearly three years now, it seems some of the news organizations are really taking notice of us. I'm sure the presence of the Caldari militia in Intaki has something to do with it, but I'll take the boost regardless.

The upside is that we are attracting a lot of new pilots. This is very good and we are bringing in some experienced pilots to go with the rookies. The drawback is that those rookies need training to be brought up to speed as quickly as possible. Low sec is rough country and I don't like to see them take too many hits in the early part of their careers.

Some of my freespace connections have offered to bring us into an alliance that would give us that training. However, I'm afraid that politically it would prove "too hot" and would also take us too far away from the Sovereignty to be effective in our mission.

We're also having to deal with an issue that I truly hate: internal security. With the hatred that many spew at us, it is little doubt that some groups would love to get an agent inside the ILF.

Aw the joys and pains of success.

Impressive fantasies

2009-10-07T21:31:00.002Z

I'll give Jyotmimana credit, he certainly does have some active imagination. According to his most recent posts on the ILF, he believes that I am creating a network of pirate contacts who will help me "rule over low-sec Placid."

I honestly don't know where he comes up with some of these things. It seems to me that given many of the ILF's policies and public networking, he would be on safer ground to jump in the Pro-Fed loonies and label me a Caldari conspirator.

I guess maybe he's going for originality.

A ghost from the past

2009-10-02T19:51:00.000Z

A former ILF pilot has recently resurfaced and he seems to have an axe to grind with me and the corp.

I originally recruited Jyotmimana Karana to serve as a sort of cultural minister in the early days of the ILF. I wanted him to collect, preserve and display examples of Intaki art, language, literature and music. He faded away and after a prolonged absence was dismissed from the ILF membership.

Now he has come back with fanciful tales of pirate conspiracies and theories that I am planning to install myself as dictator of the Intaki System.

I can't help but wonder why now and why like this? A cloning accident, perhaps. Or maybe, like some of the current ILF pilots believe, he is being paid to dance and sing, a puppet of someone else. My old friend Marcus Tedric perhaps?

Regardless, it is a troubling development that I have avoiding confronting head on. I had hoped he would talk himself out and be done, but he now appears to be very persistent.

Coming soon to your freezer section

2009-09-25T15:07:00.000Z

The ILF's efforts to improve the economy of the Intaki System have, to date, rested primarily in the areas of industrial production and the retail marketing of capsuleer products. Our factories put Intaki to work and our sales add to the local tax base.

We are poised to undertake a new venture, however, that will have a very dynamic impact on the lives of working people on the planet. Through a partnership with a pool of investors, the ILF may soon help to form a farming cooperative owned and operated by local farmers.

The food grown on the farms will be processed and frozen for export by the Reva Division to markets established by our partners in the venture.

There are many details still to be resolved, but the implications are very exciting.

"Through perseverance many people win success out of what seemed destined to be certain failure."
Idama Disraeli

New members

2009-09-22T21:21:00.003Z

It is a good time for the ILF. We continue to attract new members to our cause and we are meeting growth projections in our industrial enterprises.

There is a fire burning within the corp now and I labor to find ways to keep it going. I want to make sure we keep gaining ground, but I don't want to rush us into a hasty mistake.

I meditate now on the words of the wise Idama:

Go to the people. Learn from them. Live with them. Start with what they know. Build with what they have. The best of leaders when the job is done, when the task is accomplished, the people will say we have done it ourselves.

Now is the time, Intaki is the place!

2009-09-18T19:26:00.001Z

They say the universe has become too complex for simple answers. They are wrong. There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right. A wise Idama said that "the destiny of man is not measured by material computation. When great forces are on the move in the galaxy, we learn we are spirits -- not animals." And he said, "There is something going on in time and space, and beyond time and space, which, whether we like it or not, spells duty."

You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of a free Intaki, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done.

So wrong I want to scream

2009-09-11T16:34:00.002Z

WRONG! WRONG! WRONG!

What is it with the IGS that makes people think they can post totally outrageous lies and pass them off as fact. The idiocy that runs rampant there is really almost too much for me to stand.

Two cases in point:
Dante Vailatti: This one is a prime example of Pro-Fed ignorance on parade. He ticks off example after example of how the ILF is counterproductive to helping the Intaki and then lists ways that we could be "constructive."

But the idiot has his facts backward. In fact, we have done everything on his "constructive" list and more. And I would like for him to show me an instance where the ILF has "hidden in [an] asteroid belt and shot at the occasional frigate."

And then, and this one really floored me, was
Dutch Gunnar: Now this one makes me really upset, because she is a pilot whom I used to respect. But after she lost control of her corp to a bunch of rogue pilots who knowingly and unapologetically fired on ILF while we had mutual BLUE standings, I have nothing but disdain for her.

Now she jumps into our thread and says that her corp is anti-pirate and has been around long before the ILF. It'd be almost laughable if it wasn't so damn sad.

Farewell, war bird, farewell

2009-09-07T16:25:00.000Z

Oh, that mercurial nymph Yuri. Her path of the Ida is a fiery one and she burns across the cosmos like a comet.

I wondered how long it would be before she formed her own splinter wing to carry out her own brand of freedom fighting.

It is, of course, splendidly ironic, that Ankhesentapemkah actually created this monster for herself. Had she not been so psychotically vocal in her calls for Yuri to be removed from the ILF, I doubt Yuri would have taken the step to leave on her own at this time.

Now, Ankhesentapemkah has called down Yuri's formidable temper with a war dec against her corporation.

As much as I am loathe to support violence as a means to any end, I must say that I gather some degree of satisfaction in seeing Ankhesentapemkah deal with the monster she created.

A blast from the past

2009-09-04T16:09:00.001Z

The on-going debate over the ILF and its position in the universe has brought out several pilots from Strix Armaments and Defence. Really? Strix?

When was the last time anyone saw one of these Pro-Fed dogmatics anywhere near the Intaki System? I thought they had pulled out of Placid last year. I know the members I keep flagged in my pod console are rarely active.

But there they are, speaking like they are experts on the Intaki situation. At least, David Caldera is an Intaki.

Far worse are the Pro-Fed Gallente who think they have some right to continue to dictate to the Intaki how we should run our own affairs. I can think of few worse offenders than Hussain. Doesn't he realize when he makes his veiled threats to continue to Gallente status quo he is only lending support to our claims?

By the Ida, I swear that some days I can hardly stomach to read what those fools post.

Ankhesentapemkah

2009-09-01T16:02:00.002Z

Ankhesentapemkah. The very name makes my blood boil. This woman is insufferable.

"Kill Yuri Intaki!" seems to be the only message repeating over and over in her brain. How could anyone who claims to champion the Intaki cause be so far removed from the Ida?

First she curses as traitors and terrorists. Then, when we push for peace and understanding she rails against us for that.

I grow weary of tasting the back of her hand. I am told that her voice carries weight and that she is held in high regard in some circles. It never ceases to amaze me that people confuse being shrill and obstinate with being important. Being loud does not make you right.

I pray for the wisdom to navigate these dark waters.

What else would I expect?

2009-08-31T20:22:00.003Z

So much for hoping that our relief effort would do anything to help convince our detractors of their error in judgment.

Within hours of the release of the article by The Scope, some cretin had to start bashing the ILF in a post on the Intergalactic Summit. I don't know why I let the fools bother me so much; the idiot who started the thread couldn't even spell propaganda properly.

It does illustrate just how blindly some of those who cling to the Federation will follow its dogma. They honestly believe that everything in the Intaki System is fine and there were no problems on the homeworld prior to the arrival of the Caldari.

Idiots...

At long last — success

2009-08-29T20:19:00.001Z

It certainly took long enough, but planetside officials are at last able to take receipt of the aid supplies we have been gathering for the last three months.

And, to add to it, The Scope has finally taken notice of our activities here.

Maybe now people will realize that we are not terrorists and have the well-being of the Intaki people at heart.

An uneasy peace

2009-08-22T20:04:00.002Z

It was with some difficulty that I was able to reach Geerim Frein in police custody today. He is indeed a good man and one dedicated to the people of his village. There was no question of loyalty among the hundreds who followed him.

I was gladdened that they were able to surrender without coming to harm, but the whole scenario was a depressing one for me. Intaki taking up arms and being suppressed by their own police.

As much as I pray for it, I am losing faith that there can be a path to independence without some bloodshed. Things have already gotten too far out of hand with the Federal Defense Union and I fear that our allies within the Caldari militia will have little power to stop their government should a hostile take-over of Intaki's sovereignty be planned.

I have expressed as much to Vremaja Idama, but his answers are as cryptic as any riddle. If forces beyond my control lead to a bloody path, so be it. But I cannot and will not advocate open violence as a means to achieve our goal.

Alarming trend

2009-08-20T03:02:00.003Z

Scope News Bulletin

Citizens on Intaki are arming themselves in preparation for the anticipated sale of our planet to the Caldari megacorps. The news reports cite Geerim Frein as one of the leaders. I've met him, but only briefly. I do not believe he is a rash individual, so his actions are a sure indication of the frustration felt by the population of Intaki.

I cannot say I blame them. This action by Heth runs directly opposed to what members of the Caldari militia told us when they came into Intaki. I do not think the generals lied to us intentionally, however. I believe they were lied to by their leadership.

First the Gallente tax us and offer nothing in return and now the Caldari sell our resources to the highest bidders; when will these fools realize that the Intaki System and her residents are not property?

I remain dedicated as ever to a peaceful creation of a free Intaki State, but I fear this is the beginning of a violent era in Intaki history. With how much blood must the Intaki pay for what is already theirs?

Home again

2009-08-15T07:11:00.002Z

I have arrived home again, but my arrival is bittersweet. I was making progress in improving my standing with the Supreme Court when violence once again broke out on the home world. Why does this always seem to happen while I am away?

Fortunately, the wealth I earn as a star captain affords my family some protection, but it is still unnerving to be across the galaxy and learn that violent riots are taking place not far from where your babies sleep.

To add insult to injury, the pro-Fed contingent on the Intergalactic Summit has taken up the cause of challenging everything any member of the ILF posts. It's frustrating to be told the will of the Intaki people by a Jin-Mei who has never lived in the system. It's almost worse to be subjected to the idealized memories of someone who grew up on the planet but hasn't been back in years.

It would be so much easier to live up to the accusations they make; to turn terrorist and attack anything that moved in the system. I sometimes wish one of them would show up in Intaki so that I could give them a welcome like the one I received on my first visit to the home world.

But doing so would be to turn from the Ida and to debase myself. I would be no better than the pirates I have sworn to oppose. No, I must continue on suffering the fools and their name calling.

On the brighter side, my return to Intaki allowed me to negotiate two mutual aid agreements with alliances interested in operating in the Intaki area. Given USF's recent departure, these new agreements come at an opportune time.

While I do not relish the thought of armed conflict, I am not so blind as to think that the pirates and opportunists will not be beaten back without a fight.

I must admit, though, it is nice to sleep in my own bed.

What things that must be done

2009-08-06T15:41:00.002Z

It's always hard to leave Intaki. Knowing that my wife and children remain behind while I warp away or clone jump across the galaxy. If it wasn't for the importance of the cause, if I didn't believe that I was working for a better future for them, I couldn't do it.

Space holds no allure for me. Operating in its cold and empty vastness is a means to an end. I look forward to a day when I can retire from my captain's chair and resume my quite life as a writer and teacher; to return to my role as husband and father.

As much as I would like, however, I cannot accomplish my goals in Intaki. Fighting off the Serpentis and skirmishing with pirates may do more in the short term to improve the lives of the Intaki, but it does little to win us our sovereignty.

I must now return to Villore and champion our cause there. If I can win enough support among the senators and sway the Supreme Court's opinion on the matter, only then will we stand a chance to gain independence without violence between us and the Gallente Federation.

Friends and Enemies

2009-07-30T19:51:00.002Z

The friend of my friend is my friend. The enemy of my friend is my enemy. The friend of my enemy is my enemy. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

If only life in such absolutes were true. This new Intaki movement certainly proven that they are not.

I am thankful for their assistance in running out Huzzah Federation, but their clashes with Beyond Evil and Good, particularly on the Intergalactic Summit forum do little help our cause. After much ruffled feathers, though, it seems the two groups have worked things out at least.

The whole affair just leaves me a little depressed, however. As much as I have tried, I cannot seem to be the leader the Intaki separatist movement needs to unify the various different groups and catalyze the idea into a reality. Perhaps I am too moderate for the extremists to comprise with. I deny them the blood they feel must be spilled. And I am too extreme for the groups like Placid Reborn who feel we should continue to hobble along under Federation rule.

By the Ida, I pray for the strength to carry on and see this task completed.

Another ILF success

2009-07-28T07:52:00.002Z

While we may not mount the killboard stats of other corps, the ILF does find ways to measure its success.

This week's fuel supply operation was a shining example. The ILF assembled, organized and executed the mission perfectly. No fuel was lost, no ships were damaged.

I'm told the delivery will keep Serenity Station up and running for five months. I remember that when I founded the ILF people didn't think the corp would last five months!

Never a dull moment

2009-07-22T18:12:00.000Z

You can call living in the Intaki System a lot of things, but boring isn't one of them.

We are currently prepping for our first clandestine jump freighter voyage to bring fuel to Serenity Station. This is an exciting development as it should allow us to bring in a massive amount of fuel in one jump. This will greatly reduce the number of supply runs we need and be safer for our pilots.

Anything we can do to stay a step ahead of the gate-campers is great, but saving time and isk makes its that much better.

I've also been receiving some information about a new Intaki separatist movement that could be making a move in the area. I'm always a little leery about about fanatics, even those who support my cause, so I'm going to have to wait and see before I pass judgment on this group.

An unexpected twist

2009-07-17T10:49:00.001Z

Well, it would appear that Invicta. did not oust BEG after all. Instead a new group has come out of the Intaki Syndicate region and beaten them.

Huzzah Federation once started as anti-pirate but turned to piracy out of greed and laziness. For the time being, they don't appear to have noticed us to much. I have put the corp on highest alert and set Huzzah to red.

The Invicta. situation

2009-07-12T09:06:00.002Z

Invicta. has put the BEG POS in reinforced mode again. This attack seems much more focused than the first one in April.

BEG's station will come out of reinforced tomorrow. They are going to try to fight off any attack when that happens, but then, win or lose, they are going to move their operation.

This attack reminds me of the old axiom that those who live by the sword will die by the sword. BEG certainly has done more than their share to fight the pirates who swarm the space around Intaki, but their overzealous use of their NBSI policy has led them into trouble before and appears to have done so again.

Regardless of the cause or outcome, ILF pilots will be in Intaki to help BEG with its POS, whether that be defending it or dismantling it.

Stepping back and enjoying it

2009-06-17T05:29:00.000Z

For more than two years I kept a firm grip on the reins of the ILF. I made appointments and put people in charge of some areas or aspects, but I never surrendered any of the true control over the corp's direction.

That has changed and I think for the better. Since naming AncientGuardian as my mahesha, I feel as though a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders. He has a steady hand and a level head and after all this time, I am reasonably assured that we share the same vision for the future of the Intaki people.

With my new-found freedom to escape from some of my management duties I plan to take an extended holiday on Intaki. My twins are beginning their "firsts" (first words, first steps, etc.) and I don't want to miss them because I'm floating in a pod or arguing with some Senator in Villore.

A warm welcome

2009-06-11T22:10:00.002Z

I have never advocated a violent revolution for the Intaki people and I think should relations with the Federation completely sour I shall miss certain aspects of my life in Gallente space.

In Aunia, for example, I am always warmly welcomed. Eladette Gelarbese is always glad to see me and I must admit that aside from Mrs. Hawke, she is one of my favorite women.

How many missions have I undertaken for her? It must be hundreds by now. I know many find running missions mundane, but I find great satisfaction joining the crew of the ILF Liberty Hammer and clearing out some pirates every now and then. Sure the old Dominix isn't as flashy as some of the new ships and maybe I should care a little more about my standing with the Amarr and Caldari, but I don't. They are a threat to the prosperity of honest men and women and they must be stopped.

If only a few more Gallente cared as much about the Intaki as I do about them. But perhaps that is asking too much.

Cold and lonely

2009-06-06T16:57:00.002Z

One thing I've noticed this week, the rooms in Villore are always kept cold. I very nearly left my lodging here in the station to sleep in my ship. Although I do not like the dreams I have while in my pod, I feared hypothermia.

Pacing endlessly for warmth did give me some time to think about the situation in Intaki, however. It is blatantly apparent that the Federation has no true interest in the Intaki System. There was no move made when the system fell to the Caldari and our own relief effort was turned away while needed goods and medicine hovered in orbit.

A new plan for secession must be developed and put forward as soon as possible. I have a few ideas ... but they will need to germinate and grow a bit before I put them forward. Going public with a plan to early would be rash, as it will surely be picked apart by the Pro-Feds. No, it must be strong enough to stand before I reveal it.

Unbelievable!

2009-05-28T19:42:00.001Z

After working for more than a week with Gallente officials and planetary leaders, they have refused to accept our donations!

I'm totally blown away. Their reason? They don't have a mechanism to accept such a donation from a private corporation and even if they did, they do not have the means to see to the distribution of what we have collected.

At least they were awfully damned apologetic when they turned us down. Bastards! If the whole planet were lit afire I don't think they would accept water from the ILF!

It makes me wonder why I even bother sometimes.

A proud day

2009-05-16T14:55:00.002Z

Today, I am proud to be an Intaki. When news reports began to come through of potential shortages on Intaki Prime, the ILF and her allies sprang into action. In two weeks we have raised the following:

antibiotics: 83,486
construction blocks:663
consumer electronics: 7717
Coolant x 1500
Dairy products: 15,590
electronics parts:14,394
Enirched Uranium: 420
Frozen food: 82,632
frozen plant seed: 10,307
high tech scanner: 50
high tech transmitter: 50
high-tech data chips: 300
High-Tech Manufacturing Tools x 13
holoreels: 3630
hydrogen batteries: 3382
livestock: 417
Long-Limb Roes x 170
mechanical parts: 34,872
miniature electronics: 5,131
Planetary Vehicles x 296
planetary vehicles: 1,536
Polytextiles x 1875
Quafe ultra: 100
Quafe x 10
robotics: 1250
Rocket Fuel x 10
Spiced Wine x 60
spirits: 2720
Superconductors x 370
synthetic oil: 10
Tabacco x 104
Transmitter x 10
water: 634,555
Wheat: 1060
Zemnar: 150

In addition we have collected over 125 million isk and a number of vessels have been donated as well. I am now in talks with Federation officials for the distribution of these goods.

Useless

2009-05-04T10:16:00.000Z

Useless. I want to believe the men and women of the Senate are, at heart, good people. But they seem to be more interested in endless discussions. I have no time for parliamentary procedure when the Intaki people suffer.

Reports of anticipated shortages did nothing to motivate the Senate into action on the situation in Intaki. The ILF and its allies are compiling stores of goods for delivery to the Intaki people.

It's sad that the Caldari militia appears more interested in the plight of the Intaki than its own government. It makes it easy to see why my grandfather made the choice he did those many years ago.

Still no better

2009-04-21T21:42:00.002Z

The conditions on Intaki are not much better than they were a few weeks ago. For the most part the rioting has stopped and I am thankful that my wife and children are safe.

I cannot believe the snide arrogance of those who have never been to Intaki when they say "The Intaki are as free as anyone." Free to live in fear of the space above them and now free to fear their own neighborhoods.

I travel to Villore again this week to meet with my contacts within the Senate. Hopefully the situation in Intaki will be enough of an embarassment to them that they will be more willing to listen to reason.

12 dead

2009-04-03T19:26:00.002Z

My heart is sad and heavy this week. While I was away in Aunia, running missions for those inept clowns in the Federation Navy, rioting broke out in Intaki. Hundreds were injured, but worse, a dozen people died.

I've lost ships before and the valiant crews that went with them. Deaths by the hundreds. But those men and women accepted that risk when they signed on aboard a star vessel.

The deaths on the planet this week are different, however. Those people did not choose to be born on a planet abandoned to pirates and drug smugglers. They did not choose to be "marginalized" by the Gallente.

Their only crime was to cry out for a better life. And the punishment was death.

Under Siege

2008-11-04T21:22:00.001Z

Prosperity was attacked this week. This marks the boldest act of aggression by the Ministry of Destruction to date.

While threatening, the attack did little actual damage, however. AncientGuardian repaired the damage and has added additional defenses so we are in good shape once more.

MODs losses continue to mount as well. They lost three ships, including a battleship to Prosperity's defenses and Mort Eveson downed one of their pilots in Intaki today.

There are rumblings to form an alliance, more specifically to join the United Star Federation. Since that group has all but abandoned the Intaki System, I am hesitant to walk that path.

I have nightmare visions of a repeat of The Star League. That jackass Marcus Tedric and his betrayal of the Intaki people has left a wound from which I fear I will not soon.

Time to go home

2008-10-10T21:53:00.004Z

Recruiting didn't go as well as I would have liked, but I did manage to get what I believe are a couple of quality recruits.

I'm not going to give up on trying to find some new members, but I'll do it through the forums and not in the rookie system.

I went home last night and it was good to be prowling those old familiar belts. I was joined by some senior ILF pilots and a couple of the rookies. Chemtar even made an appearance.

It was a very nice homecoming.

Betrayed

2008-10-08T19:25:00.001Z

The Intaki Liberation Front has been betrayed by one of our most trusted allies.

Marcus Tedric has shown his true colors and will forever be known by me as a traitor to the cause of the Intaki people. He is a liar and a hypocrite of the first order and has proven himself to be as stubborn and obstinant as a jack ass mule.

(Marcus Tedric)

After pledging in March to support the Intaki Liberation Front in its efforts to bring peace and stability to the Intaki System, Marcus did just about everything he could to keep out of the system. Not only would the coward not fly in Intaki's defense he would not even part with a few isk to help fund those of who do.

No amount of effort on my part could convince him to play an active role in meeting the goals outlined within The Star League Charter.

I nearly gave up on the alliance, but was persuaded to stay and move forward by the other members who said to forget about Marcus and go on without him. I chose to stay in the alliance, but foolishly made one last attempt bring Marcus on board.

I was unable to do so, although I did manage to prove once and for all what a treacherous villain Marcus Tedric truly is. Acting on his own, without ratification of The Star League Council and obviously without authorization from the President (which was me) Marcus Tedric assumed dictatorial control of the league and expelled the Intaki Liberation Front from the league.

I'd like to say I was stunned, but that would be a lie. I was disappointed. That is true.

Recruitment diary

2008-09-05T21:06:00.003Z

Recruiting continues to be one of the hardest parts of my job. When I founded the ILF (has it really been almost two years now?) I certainly never expected to be in this situation at this point.

I guess I was just a bit naive of the whole process. I thought the corp would be viral and grow as older members attracted newer ones. I thought if I got big enough people would just come to me.

What I've found, though, is that the corp requires constant tending. It's just occurred to me that the corp is like a garden. Old plants must be pruned and new ones planted. Some grow for many months or years, others bloom quickly and then are gone.

I'm writing from Duripant, 9 jumps and a billion miles from home. I miss Intaki. I wish I was with Ayd'n, Shamus and the others. But if I run home and take up the fight today, who will be there to fight tomorrow.

No, I must remain vigilant. I must find new blood to fill our ranks and grow this corp into a force to be dealt with.

A time to rebuild

2008-08-18T17:52:00.002Z

It certainly has been a rough couple of months for the Intaki Liberation Front. We've seen a lot of friends head off to new adventures and the rise of faction warfare in the home system is a constant threat that I don't know how to deal with.

For now, I suppose, it is a time to rebuild. I'll have to up the recruitment effort and fill out the ranks before we can make any meaningful progress.

If only recruiting weren't such a hassle and yielded better results. C'est La Vie.