When President Clark instituted Night Watch to spy on free Earth citizens, I stood silent.

When President Clark ordered the dissolution of the Senate, I reminded myself of my duties as a naval officer and did nothing.

When my brother, of whom I have spoken often to you, Commodore Field, was killed in the recent attacks by armed Earth forces against unarmed Earth citizens, I decided to fight.

My only regret is that I was not as strong as General Hague, a man who had the courage to speak out against the darkness which now surrounds us and holds us in thrall. For it is a dark day indeed when otherwise honorable men such as Commodore Field and Captain Siefert feel they must open fire on other Earth ships.

Commodore Field, the orders of President Clark are illegal and are not to be followed. By dissolving the Senate and declaring martial law when there is no justifiable reason for doing so, President Clark has shown where his true loyalties lie: to himself. He stands accused of murder and treason against the state, and until those charges are tried in a fair and just manner, all Earth military forces should fail to execute his orders. This is not a decision driven by emotion, though we all know that emotions are riding high. This decision is driven by the clear-cut directions of the Earth constitution, the laws of which we have all sworn to obey and uphold.

Captain Siefert of EAS Anshar, by firing on me I must assume that you are following Commodore Field's orders. But by firing warning shots as you did (for warning shots they must have been, passing so far below us), you have proven your own honor. Honor dictates that you follow the Constitution, and reject the illegal orders of President Clark.

Finally, some of you may have monitored recent unauthorized broadcasts from my ship. These messages where broadcast by members of Night Watch who murdered my Communications Officer and used his security codes to break through the comm firewall. Their intent to take over the ship itself was foiled by my security officers. Those members of Night Watch who were injured in the fighting are being given medical attention and the rest have been placed under arrest. At the soonest opportunity they will be placed on a transport to Earth to be court martialed on charges of mutiny in accordance with military law.

Given the damage that Night Watch has caused both within the military ranks and at home, and to my ship itself, I can understand feelings of anger at members of Night Watch. However:

I wish to CONDEMN in the STRONGEST possible terms the actions of Captain Nesbitt of EAS Nergal and announce my attention to bring him to trial on charges of murder. No matter their crimes, members of Night Watch are still citizens of Earth and under the protection of Earth law.

Let us all remember that we are fighting our brothers, sisters, and friends. There will be no winners in this war.

Lt. Cmdr. Caldwell, Captain EAS Pingora, out!