In an unexpected move, BlasTech Corporation (BTC) and the Red Star Alliance (RSA) announced today that the informal ceasefire that had been existing between them for some time has now been turned into a full-fledged agreement on mutual defence and support. The new Outer Rim Defence Alliance (ORDA) spans five sectors of the Galaxy with around 30 systems and 180 billion inhabitants.

Representing their respective governments, leaders Brat Cost Ru and Kurami Jankov issued a joint statement to Republic Media Service saying that "the time has come to stop fighting at our doorsteps and join forces against outside threats to freedom and sovereignty in the Galaxy". No details were given as to the nature of such threats; however, avid readers will recall that BTC declared secession from the Imperial Union (IU) a short while ago, while RSA has been fighting the IU in the Elrood sector from the first day of coming into existence.

Not unexpectedly, commentators in both governments are declaring almost unanimous support, calling the new alliance an "unprecedented act in the name of peace and unity". A massive surge in population is anticipated, as refugees from several sectors have already started streaming back into the former war zones to set up home again.