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== Earth Site X-17 Destroyed ==
''Originally Published on February 27th, 2492<br>''
''Cocoon Station, Grant Jones''

This past Friday, we announced the revelation that a sizable Jericho V Fragment that had been previously undetected was heading towards Earth, with all the rest of the corporate assets as well as Floating Cities and Space Stations suffering from crises all over the Sol System, and with Earth being mostly unpopulated, the focus was set elsewhere, it was until the last possible moment that a Jericho V Fragment was detected to not only hit Earth, but to hit Earth Site X-17.

We also reported how Vulca Group made a quick risk assessment and their best scenarios predicted a near 100% loss, so they cut their losses (As well contracts with Free Company) and evacuated Earth entirely, leaving X-17 and its people behind.

With no clear corporate hierarchy to follow, it is unclear whether or not there was any form of leadership that attempted to bring stability and structure in these trying times (Especially considering that by now, Free Company being relieved of their contracts with Vulca Group was effectively an organization of free agents), but it was report that there was quite the chaos and panic on X-17 as the fare prices on shuttles had been spiking to over 1000%, looting was taking place as the medical personnel on site was employed by Vulca Group, and generalized riots threw the Earth Site into disarray. With little to no indications to follow, only a handful of shuttles were seen leaving Earth, and a few tribes were seen taking their distance of what was now considered to be ground zero for the Jericho V Fragment Impact. Finally, at 18:19 local time, the impact was registered according to NSI and Arc Systems.

The material loss ranges in the billions, maybe even trillions of Sol Credits, and while the loss of life is also considerable, at the time there aren't even approximate figures that could bring a full understanding to this tragedy. As of this moment, massive clouds of dust and radiation cover the area of Earth Site X-17 so it's impossible to get a clear satellite view of the destruction and the aftermath of this terrible event.

What happens next? Under normal circumstances, when an Earth Site is assigned to a corporation or otherwise run by a corporate organization, in the event of mass destruction such as this, New Geneva issues executive orders to isolate the area, declare a no fly zone, and issue warnings due high radiation as well as offer medical help to those affected by the event, however, and considering that Vulca Group relinquished ownership of X-17 before the extinction event, no such precautions or measures will be offered.

As of the time, no statement has come forth from Vulca Group, as they have now entered in talks with Aegis Macrogenetics about a potential partnership for mining operations and terraforming on the Belt.

The impact of this event will be felt for the years to come, as there may be severe and drastic changes in the weather, the terrain, and even environmental radiation as it were.

In addition to this, NSI is reporting that over 48 hours ago, before the Jericho V Fragment was discovered to be headed to Earth, a green glow was noticed enveloping over 98% of the Jericho V Fragment and forcing its trajectory to change, headed specifically to X-17, the green glow vanished the moment the Fragment went through the atmosphere. Needless to say, it appears this may be the same glow that was reported all over Cocoon Station prior to the apparent miraculous Jericho V Fragment colliding against it, however in that instance, the green glow appeared to have slowed down the Fragment, while in this instance, it almost is as if it intentionally directed the deadly Fragment to X-17 and caused its destruction. At the time of this article, speculation is running rampant and NSI has stated that an investigation is underway and they are escalating it to involve the New Geneva's Council in the matter.

As of right now, venturing to X17 should be considered highly dangerous, ONN recommends our viewers and readers to exercise caution, just because there is no corporate authority restricting the access to an area that is clearly dangerous, doesn't mean you'll be safe.

It is unknown if there are any missions to offer relief and medical assistance to the area, although with the degree of destruction caused by the impact, as well as the resident radiation in the area, it is likely there's no one to offer relief or assistance to. NSI recommends waiting until the dust settles and the radiation levels decrease to tolerable levels.

What are your thoughts on this extinction event? Have you been prepared for the future? Do you have a course of action for you and your loved ones to follow? Please share your opinions on the comment section below.

EDIT [27022492:2019]: ONN has learned that Free Company as well as personnel from Genetectic and multiple unaffiliated and freelancer individuals were in the area selflessly coordinating evacuation efforts and offering attention to the panicked masses who made it out of X-17 in time, ONN commends the sacrifice of these heroes as they stand as an example of sacrifice and team work in the darkest hour and in the face of certain death.

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