Reach, Militaria (MNN) - Hero of State Answers Critics

"It seems not so long ago that we were all destined to be executed: our freedoms stripped, our lives negated by order of the Old Republic, our existence at the mercy of the Republican Guard. From these dark times, one man lead us out of the barren wastes to statehood: Major T. J. Solidus. Some still question his character: that he is still dedicated to the Old Republic; that he is a product of the old system; that he is complicit with the great purge of '04. Today we address these concerns with an exclusive interview with Cmdr. Solidus.

Cmdr. Solidus, how do feel about the recent signing of the Shadow Council Accords?

I believe that by signing this treaty, we are able to more adequately defend ourselves, for which I believe no-one can fault me on. If anyone remembers the purge of '04, we were totally out-gunned, out-supplied and out-performed by the Old Republican Guard. This treaty heralds a new age of state-sponsored economic, military and international co-operation which no citizen of our nascent nation can remember. The reality is that a nation like ours cannot afford to sit-by and wait to defend itself from outside entities - the world is a hostile place. Therefore, the Militarian Political Party [MPP] has backed me in this endeavor and sought the privilege and guidance of the Shadow Council.

You bring-up the Purge of '04. How do you feel about that time in our history?

Like every other citizen really: bitter and solemn. I lost many subordinates in the post-revolutionary exodus, and even more friends. Even though most of those responsible for the purge have been tried and executed for their crimes, many managed to flee the Asiatic Forces' grasp. I guess that I feel responsible for every death under my watch.

What do you say to the criticisms leveled at you that say you are no different to those who perpetrated the Purge?

I can understand the points that my opponents make - I was trained as an Officer of the Republican Guard. However, I hope they can see the difference between following orders and genocide. I made a choice when my Commanding Officer ordered me to "dispose" of my fellow citizens, to cover-up the atrocities of what I would have done. That choice is what we call Militaria today, and I would gladly bear the struggle of that time again and again for my fellow citizens.

Finally, what are your plans to transit from the interim military Junta to a Democratic government, and what time-frame do you believe that this could be achieved in?

I am hopeful that we will transition to a democratic government in the 08/09 period, pending the completion of critical infrastructure rebuilding programs. My primary goal is to assure the citizens of Militaria that we are capable of defending ourselves so as to not repeat the lessons of history.

Thank-you for your time Commander.

As always, I am ready to serve the citizens of our Nation.

So with those words, what are we left with? Should we trust the product of the old system with our new country? Are we finally a free people? Follow tomorrow's Public Profile article to decide for yourself.

Avril Garner, MNN.