Early this morning, representatives of the Antares Federation and the Parliamentary Vasudan Empire signed a joint trade deal together. The deal has several distinct elements, starting with the repeal of most GTA-era import tariffs along the Antares/Vasuda subspace corridor. It also renews and expands upon the special administrative status of Beta Cygni, which the Empire ceded to the Federation in exchange for economic consideration. In addition to the existing terms, it will now be easier for Imperial citizens to seek residence in Beta Cygni and vice verse. In what many are calling a sign of the new Emperor's pro-Terran stance, this section of the deal makes no mention of species.

More concerning for the GTA is the Empire's stated willingness to act as a proxy buyer, purchasing technology from the GTA for resale to the Federation which the GTA will not sell to them directly. The GTA has publicly criticized this agreement, calling it a end run on their sovereignty. So far, it seems this agreement encompasses only civic technology, with Triton bulk freighters and Hippocrates medical ships being specifically called out in the announcement. Nonetheless, the Federation's growing naval strength is concerning to many within the GTA, and the Allied embassy in Aldebaran is reportedly holding closed-door talks about this issue.

