DUBLIN - Following extensive fighting over the last few days after a sudden and unexpected push by the Bretonian Armed Forces into the Dublin system, an escalation was confirmed after reports of Molly asteroid miners rigged with high-yield explosives were let loose on Bretonian positions beyond the Somerset Defense Grid. This news comes following the destruction of numerous support ships of the Bretonian Armed Forces within Dublin by Molly and allied resistance forces, itself claiming countless lives on both sides, before seemingly calming to a lull over the course of the night and early morning. Pressure began building once more over the afternoon until it was confirmed that two 'Hegemon'-class asteroid miners had emerged from the Molly staging ground within the Arranmore Field alongside numerous support and defensive vessels.
Both vessels, identified by Molly officials as the Hope and Fortune, gold mining vessels repurposed for the defense of Dublin, were escorted from port to Bretonian positions south and west of the initial incursion point near the ruined jump gate to New London. Despite intense Bretonian opposition, both vessels closed within range of their targets before erupting in a massive explosion, crippling warships that were caught within range of the blasts. While attempts were made by the crews of each vessel to evacuate prior to their approach, it is currently unknown if any survived the resulting explosions.
Outcry from the fighting has been widespread across Lipari Island following the LSNN's coverage and live broadcast of the fighting, with many Bretonian refugees sharply criticizing their homeland's intentions within Dublin. While many members of the Lipari Congregation have not offered their positions on the events that took place within Dublin, Representative Arianne Yilkip (LE-01) has told the Lipari Solar of her intentions to propose a bill to the Congregation denouncing the Bretonian invasion of Dublin. She followed this intent by stating, "We stand for those who cannot. This is some of the only news leaving Dublin, and it's both heartbreaking and absolutely immoral. All those Bretonian refugees who watched tyrants burn their homes, some of them twice, are watching their homeland try and do it to others. I can't say I like the methods those resisting are employing, but we are complicit if we don't take action here."
The next session of the Lipari Congregation is scheduled to begin May 14th, with a fifteen member quorum in attendance. The Lipari Solar will provide continuing coverage of these events and more when more details become available.
|