Ladies and Gentlemen. Pilots. Citizens of the Federation.

I stand before you this evening, on the steps of the Federal Senate in two capacities. Firstly, as Executive Officer of the Federal Intelligence Office. Secondly, as a citizen who is well aware of the risks we face at a time of war.

Like many who have found success when thrusting themselves into the free market of the Federation, I started with a humble beginning. I am all too aware of how much citizens of the Federation have to lose.

Thankfully, since the events of YC110, our economic strength remains intact. Still, after almost five years, we push forward into a bright and prosperous future. On the strength of its own industrial and commercial backbone, the Federation marches onward and provides for its people and armed forces int his time of conflict. Our military remains strong, resolute, capable, and well-funded under the administration of President Roden. This however should never lull us into a false sense of security. It should never blunt our senses.

We must never lose sight of the fact that we are very much at war, and that at an time, threats to the Gallente people may come from not only from(sic) outside our borders, but from within. It is the duty of the Federal Intelligence Office to ensure that this risk is minimized, and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of every one of our citizens. Some may label our methods as harsh, or tantamount to a breach of civil rights and liberties. Some far left media outlets have even regarded our practices as "cloak and dagger". Reminiscent of a time long gone by during a war almost a century ago.

To those who would doubt our motives, I say that the actions we take serve on purpose. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of citizens across the Federation. To ensure that a mother may escort her children to school without worry for safety, and that a father may practice Gravball with his son in a public park without fear. To protect the most fundamental civil rights of our people.

This conflict that the Federation finds itself locked into did not come about through the actions of our government. however, it is something that our administration must deal with for the safety of our citizens. The Federation was forced into this war in self-defense due to a fundamental breach of our sovereignty, and a traitorous commander, already mentioned this evening, who sold himself to those who wish to destroy our way of life. This is undeniable fact, backed up by the presence of a wall of Provist steel that orbits Caldari Prime.

Some will attempt to push the blame for this conflict onto the Federation. Some will claim that the events of Malkalen were the catalyst for the outbreak of war. The blame lies not with the Federation, but with the racist prejudice brought against us by those would seek to attack the fundamental principles of our constitution. We must be aware of this, and as a people we must remain vigilant of the threat to Federal security that we face, until such a time the external influence is removed, and both order and balance are restored.

Some will regard the actions of the SDII as a breach of their rights, and an invasion of their privacy or civil liberty. Our actions are necessary in times of conflict such as this, to ensure that any among us who seek to place security at risk are rooted out and are subject to the full extent of Federal Law. While the security of our borders is now stronger than ever, after the tragic events that we witnessed in Evaulon, now is not the time to become complacent. The external threat that we face, the Provist threat, is as real as ever, and the current situation in Luminaire reinforces this point without a shred of doubt.

Today has been a wonderful chance for The Department to speak with those citizens who have their concerns, and assist in vanquishing them. From here onward is the time for vigilance, the time to remain alert, and the time to do your part for yourself, your fellow citizen and the Federation.

Administrator Gaterau will act as my second in command form her onward, and will be free for NeoCOM contact via mail at all times to answer any queries about the FIO, The Department, and our operations. He will also remain the primary contact for all queries regarding employment, and offers of assistance to the FIO. With that in mind, I will allow you all to enjoy the evening to its full extent.

Thank you for your kind attention, Ladies and Gentlemen. I can spare a few minutes for questions.