The European Space Council (ESC) started out with seemingly noble intentions: "We'll open the door to the universe." "The Solar System – a home to all." And so on and so forth.
It didn't take long for these catchphrases to reveal themselves for what they truly were – colonial ambitions wrapped up in lofty ideals. We, the builders and first inhabitants of O'Neill 1 have witnessed this first-hand. The ESC sent us into space with promises of a new life and a better tomorrow. Instead, what lay in wait for us was a complete lack of freedom and back-breaking work in extremely dangerous conditions.
We would've pulled through, we would've toughed it out for the greater good – if only they treated us as human beings, informed us of their decisions, listened to our concerns and requests... But the ESC ignored us.
The consequences were inevitable – in 2022, after completing construction of the station, our situation was critical. Station management demanded eighteen hours of work every day, seven days a week, from everyone – regardless of age or health condition. Our peaceful protest was met with a disproportionate use of force, which included stun-guns. They thought it would break us, just like the countless protests they broke back on Earth.
The thing is, out here it's not so easy to call for reinforcements. Workers outnumbered guards 40:1, and one stun-gun charge held only fifteen rounds. The ESC's management had effectively shot themselves in the foot. It was over before they could realize – only seven hours passed before O'Neill 1 and O'Neill 2 declared independence and became the first nations established outside of Earth...
