Intergalactic Summit

I, Lieutenant Commander Siyu Shan Inhonores of the Gallente Federation Naval Reserve, hereby declare my indefinite resignation from the Federal Defence Union as of 1633 hours on the 29th July YC114, with immediate effect. Status within the Federal military reserve remains unchanged.

Some of you might have seen this coming. For the past four years, following my decision to take up an independent license at the outbreak of hostilities in 110 from the Federal Naval Academy (instead of going on as a full-time military capsuleer), I have participated in the FDU in service of the people against the atrocities of war and armed conflict. As a soldier since sixteen, I fight against those who are designated 'the enemy'.

Since the fall of Caldari Prime, the State has been the designated enemy. But I believe, as soldiers of democracy, any member of the Federation armed forces who consider the Caldari to be some sort of archnemesis or bane of existence to be severely mistaken in their priorities. We've been at war for just four years; the Caldari are not the bane of the Federation when there was cooperation for the past century.

Alas, that is besides the point. Since the decision by the capsuleer militias to start rewarding pilots for achieving military objectives, I believe all sovereignties can effectively "write off" the contestable regions until this war reaches a conclusion. I'm aware a Senator was reprimanded recently for making such a statement, especially considering the Intaki homeworld's location, but it is an inconvenient and unfortunate truth. Without any sort of permanency, concepts such as 'victory' and 'defeat' lose meaning.

I have assumed command of a small military unit called Soltueur Company. While nominally Gallentean, there is a chance of taking up work on behalf of CONCORD and the DED, at which point I hope we might be granted terms of immunity under various Assembly peacekeeping protocols. This may involve work for any organization of any CONCORD member nation. Alternatively, humanitarian relief through standard Federal military channels or the Servant Sisters of EVE is another option. Whatever the case, I am finished with grandiose capsuleer schemes. Any future work in space will be subdued and off-the-radar, as loud capsuleer work tends to do more harm than good. If any capsuleer of any nationality wishes to join me, they're more than welcome (as long as one does not expect much in the way of interstellar heroics).

Goddess go with the rest of you.

Lt Cdr Siyu Shan "Seriphyn" Inhonores
Gallente Federation Naval Reserve

I'm going to pretend you said 'militia life' there, Mekhana.

So can I call you Seri-bear now? Berry Seri, perhaps? Seri the Merry?

'General' just doesn't have quite the same ring.

I have watched your efforts since I "assumed the pod". Despite the ever present detractors that will surly arise, this must have been a difficult decision and the columniation of considerable soul searching. I wish you the best of luck and every happiness on the next phase of your journey.

M. Inhonores,

War changes us all and anyone who has had to see light ebb away from a man's eyes as their life leaves them will certainly not pass blame or shame on those who, wishing to leave their sanity and integrity intact, resign themselves from the brutality and death of armed conflict. The service and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform is so often left unremarked and unnoticed so from one soldier to another who has served their Federation well, thank you.

You are correct the Caldari people are not our enemies. The Regime of Tibus Heth and the Provists however is.

Good Fortunes, Commander.

Seri, welcome to life after.

Enjoy it. If you need anything, ask.

I do not share your pain. War is just another avenue in order for the four empires in which to occupy themselves, while for us capsuleers it's a great business venture.

War is not horrible if the only thing you care about are your profit margins...

Well done, Lieutenant Commander. The more gallentes will follow your example, the closer we get to the victory and to the end of this war. I am happy, that rational reasoning won against gallentean stereotypes in your mind.

Well done and good luck.

This is the most sensible announcement I've seen you make since you first joined our little club of "immortals".

This pointless war has taken too many lives already.
But there are still gallentes that are allowed to wield weapons.
There are still caldari who are dying on frontlines.
There is uncut gallente propaganda on open broadcasts.
There are minmatar terrorists swarming in Empire and State space.
There are still systems under control of federal puppets.
You can't just close your eyes and walk away.
Because there is a bit more in being a soldier than just doing your job.
And while I may change my uniform and deployment,
there's only one type of resignation acceptable for me, without declarations, silent and permanent.
But until then, while I still can breathe, I will be doing what I have to do.
With fire and steel.