Recorded March 17, 1979. Received and broadcasted across the Empire. Archived in Montbailey Imperial Library, New Dawnford prefecture, Ganymede colony.

It is a film of the Emperor himself, a narrow man in his forties, whose image has appeared beside the most legendary figures to live since he was conceived by the late Empress and her consort. He was not powerful like his Councilmen, or brilliant like the scientists, or even as gorgeous as the film stars (though he certainly tried). But the Emperor was kind enough, wise enough, and that was enough to win him the hearts of his empire.

This broadcast, then, is rightfully infamous.

—-

[Some interference. The camera is not steady.]

“My friends and subjects. I ask you to not be unduly alarmed by the nature of this message. Act rationally and not in terror, for the sake of your Empire and its people.”

[Inaudible shouting; explosion in background. The Emperor looks around anxiously.]

“Since our first steps toward prosperity in the 18th century, my dynasty has been immeasurably proud of the people we stand for. From our home planet onward through all the colonies, ours is a monument of progress for all eternity.”

“But a silent and insurmountable threat has revealed itself to us this morning. We have been overtaken by a force that sees itself superior, and through direct communication it has ordered that we return to the planet we came from, never to venture out again. It has demanded all monarchs’ elimination. It has imposed that we return to a state of knowledge we have not seen since the late 1700s. It insists that it is righteous, and I have failed to defend against it.”

[More yelling— closer. Whoever is holding the camera picks it up and runs. The ground can be seen briefly as Emperor and cameraman scale what is presumably a bridge.]

“All citizens— residing outside the planet Earth— must return and live under their reign— or flee into the far reaches of space. There is a nomadic— race of extraterrestrials— that will provide you sanctuary. They are— known as the Ilixar.”

[Gunshots. The Emperor shoves on his helmet, removes a rifle from his back, and fires down at the enemy, round after round of golden plasma. His voice is tinny and mechanical from within its metallic valves.]

“I hereby abdicate from my position to free you, but first I order you to flee. Citizens of Mars, Far Orbit Station, the Moon, Ganymede, Europa, Venus, and Io, do not attempt to fight, for it will be your demise. Offer all means of escape to your neighbors as well as yourselves, and bring provisions to as last as long as possible. Do not attempt to return home, ever. I confirm this message on the day of March 17, 1979.”

[End recording.]

—-

Our Emperor died shortly after the end of this recording. His body was destroyed by his killers.

Since Ganymede, we have had no home. Since the Emperor, we have had no hope. We know nothing of what has become those who fled, for we were cowards and returned to Earth.

As you can imagine, distribution of this file is strictly prohibited. History has since been rewritten. We have been cleverly pitted against each other so we may never rise again.

Long live the Empire.

May someone return to avenge us someday.