You have heard my fellow Captain Toen call for your support of General Hague in what can only be called a revolt against the Earth Alliance. We are all commanders of our vessels, and have had to prove repeatedly our ability to follow orders and commands. But this situation is different, and requires reflection on what we all took our oath for, not just the oath.

There have been many events in the past few years, increasing in frequency since the death of President Santiago. These indications have pointed to a conspiracy, not wholly of Earth origin, that has wrested the rightful control of the civilian government from the populace that we have sworn to protect. The proof recently revealed to the Senate of discrepancies in then Vice-President Clarke's reasons for not being onboard Earth Force One at the time of its destruction hint at further complicity. Instead of civilian investigation, martial law was declared. And now, fellow officers, we find ourselves at a decision point that will determine the future course of the Earth Alliance.

"I was only following orders," is not a valid defense against following blatantly wrong commands. We must have informed oversight and disregard any orders that are against the Earth Alliance Constitution. General Hague, a member of the Joint Chiefs, has done so and found enough proof for him to exercise that oversight.

This is a call for all those who believe in their oath and what it stands for to join the Stackpole and Theseus in their support of of General Hague. Any ships firing upon either of our vessels, or any vessels that declare their support for General Hague, will be met with force in kind. Any vessels that wish to leave the battle area and jump for Earth rather than make war on their comrades are encouraged to do so. But General Hague has required that we gather his supporters, the supporters for freedom for Earth and all its peoples, and hold this sector of space. And we will do so.

Captain Michael Smit, in command of the EAS Stackpole and speaking for her entire crew.