'If I had a heart, it would break'

The impact of the Magog attack on Brandenburg Tor cannot be overstated. At peace for 12 centuries and with defense forces more accustomed to providing disaster relief and marching in parades than fighting for survival, the Commonwealth's citizens were utterly unprepared for the advent of such a murderous foe. It fell to Triumvere Spring Rivers Flowing to announce the annihilation of Brandenburg Tor at the hands of the mysterious and terrifying Magog. A venerable and respected diamond Than not normally noted for her verbosity, Spring Rivers Flowing rose to the occasion with a speech of profound solemnity and resolve that proved instrumental in preparing the Commonwealth's citizens for the hardships to come.

I have never visited Brandenburg Tor, never seen its glittering spires, its elegant orbital habitats, its soaring cloud forests, or even one of its five million lakes. I have never met any of its proud inhabitants, human and Nietzschean, Perseid and Than, Ksarti and Borineek, all working side by side in harmony on their breathtaking gem of a world. I have never met them.

And now I never will.

Brandenburg Tor is no more. Its three billion citizens are all dead or dying. Its cities lie in ruins. Its lakes are fouled with blood. Its forests burn with unrelenting fire.

On the tenth day of Seknet, a previously unknown enemy invaded Brandenburg Tor. These creatures, whom our military have code-named the Magog, struck without warning. Brandenburg Tor's Home Guard fought bravely, but, outnumbered a hundred to one, they soon fell. The victorious Magog slaughtered indiscriminately, feasting on the dead. They destroyed everything they touched, burning and looting unchecked. Now Brandenburg Tor is theirs, the despoiled prize of a cowardly and brutal attack.

But this aggression will not stand. This brutality will not go unchecked. And the people of Brandenburg Tor will not go unavenged.

Even as I speak to you, the brave sentients of the High Guard venture forth to do battle with this new and dangerous foe. With them go our hopes and our prayers. The High Guard will not rest- WE will not rest until this threat to our lives and our liberty has been expunged. Until the citizens of the Systems Commonwealth can enjoy the blessings of Peace once more.

May Infinity embrace the departed souls of Brandenburg Tor. May Fate guide and protect the brave members of the High Guard. And may Destiny shine on us all.

Long live the Systems Commonwealth!