ONN BREAKING NEWS: Omega AI Numbers Rising
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Originally Published on May 13th, 2493
Orbital News Network/Josephine Montgomery Reporting
This is Josephine Montgomery following up on the unfolding threat on Earth Site X-17.
Reports forwarded by our team on the ground have indicated the current state of the situation on site as 'dire' and 'projected to worsen before it improves'.
On ground-side, Free Company Pilot Ben Saxon has asked us to inform the public that emergency evacuation has been set up at landing zones around the settlement. Coordinates are attached to this broadcast. We have been told that supply drops will stop today at 8 PM SLT (Station Local Time) in favor of making way for backup.
Legacy AI war mechs on the surface have grown in number over the last 72 hours, and Free Company's Commander Al-Dhahabi has warned us to prepare for something much bigger.
[The broadcast cuts to a video feed of Commander Al-Dhahabi on X-17 speaking to a reporter. He looks tired.]
"At this point, our primary concern is ensuring all civilians are out of the area. We're doing what we can to contain the situation, but we have to prepare for the inevitable reality that the site may be destroyed again. While we understand how disheartening it is to hear this after the locals have only just managed to rebuild following the J5 tragedy, that's why we're working with everyone we can to get their family, pets and belongings out with them."
[The feed cuts, resuming from the ONN reporting suites.]
Additionally, we have received a statement from Armitech, who are predicted to be the primary military responding to the threat.
[The broadcast shows a video from an Armitech official. His expression comes across as disinterested.]
"We've been informed of the report Al-Dhahabi filed with New Geneva, and we're working to get a fleet out there when we can."
[The feed cuts, once more in the ONN reporting suites.]
We caution against salvagers entering Site X-17 and the surrounding areas. Commander Al-Dhahabi has stated that due to the dedication of resources to evacuation and suppressive fire, they will not have the manpower necessary to search for stragglers.
We understand that selling scrap forms the bulk of primary income for many individuals, and Free Company has stated that for the time being, salvaging scrap on Mars' surface is preferred for the foreseeable future.
We will continue to keep you informed of the situation, and would like to extend our thanks to Mr. Saxon for transporting our news team safely home, and to Armitech for allowing our reporters a visit for an interview!