The path of Prospector

[Yngen]

Colony News Service

The News thats right for you!

The following programming brought to you by Agiera Technologies, "Your future is our business."

"Good evening, we are interrupting normal programing to bring you live coverage of a special press conference given by Liberty Attorney General Clive Porter."

View switches to a room swarming with reporters standing in front of a podium, behind which is displayed the Justice Department seal. A bald-headed man in his early 40s walks out to the podium and clears his throat.

"Fellow citizens of Liberty. Nearly six hours ago, vital shipping lanes in the California system were attacked by terrorist Xenos. Preliminary estimates report the loss of one LPI-contracted transport and several smaller craft in the orbits of Mojave and Los Angeles. A quick response task force lead by LSF operatives comprised of local mercenaries and Bounty hunters responded to the attack. Early reports from LSF leaders indicate the destruction of at least one Xeno fighter, though they report no body found. LSF and allied losses have yet to be determined. One hour after the attack was ended by the arrival of the LSF Liberty Assault Carrier Goliath, the Liberty government received a pre-recorded message from the Terrorists that is currently being analyzed by government scientists. Rescue operations in the California system are on going and we ask for your prayers in the safe return of our citizens, however the outlook is grim as the true scope of this attack is not known.

Now, questions?"

Porter looks up from his teleprompter at the small group of shouting reporters. He selects one

"Yes maam?"

"Thank you, Porche Stewart, BBC. Mr. Attorney General, can you confirm that this attack was the work of
the Xeno known as Prospector, and are the rumors that his Lieutenant James Bannon was with him?"

"Initial evidence does indicate Prospector was directly involved and that 'Tex' was with him. This sighting all but confirms that the son of Thomas Banonn is indeed back working with Prospector.....and yes, Brendan?"

"Galaxy Gab, Mr. Attorney General can you comment on the timing of this attack? Today marks the 202nd anniversary of the Dallas Incident, does this have any bearing on the demands of the Terrorists?"

"I cannot comment on the demand list transmitted to us, but you are right, this day seems to have been selected carefully. As you all are aware the Xenos harbor a large contingent of former Agiera employees and their descendants."

"And Mr. Attorney general how do you respond to charges that Agiera is controlling the Liberty government with heavy lobbying to keep its black research projects operating?"

"The Justice department has ruled on that accusation already. Agiera is a respected and valued partner in the Liberty economy and I will answer no more questions on that line."

"Thank you all for coming, good day."

Amidst a roar of badgering questions the AG leaves the podium. The screen turns back to the CNS anchor.

"That was the Liberty Attorney General's ad hock news conference confirming a terrorist attack in California. Now, because CNS is always your first choice for the news, we go to Kevin Beaterline on Planet Pittsburg. Kevin?"

"Donna, I'm here at the Pittsburg Commerce tower where Agiera's mining subcontractor DSE operates at. As you can see, the promised walk out and protest is in full effect here. Hours ago the factory floors shut down in a pre-planned assembly intended to mark the anniversary of the Dallas Incident, where 15,000 Texans lost their lives in a botched trade-lane experiment. Trusted sources tell me this event was planned by the Xenos as a distraction to authorities to allow them to pull off their attack of the California system.

Back to you Donna."

"Thanks Kevin. Ladies and gentlemen I have just received word that CNS has aquired a copy of the statement released by terrorist claiming credit for the California attacks today. You hear it for the first time right here:"

View changes to a poor quality video taken from the view screen of a ship:

A voice over can be heard in altered tones:

"This is Prospector. Today citizens of Liberty just like yourselves struck a blow against the corrupt machine of the Agiera-controlled Liberty government. As you can see, the liberty government is using Bounty Hunters to enslave the citizens of California. We were successful in destroying this would-be oppressor:"

The commentary speaks through a silenced battle playing out where the Bounty Hunter Battleship Pluto explodes spectacularly amidst a swarm of Xeno Eagles.

"Today we mark the deaths of countless Liberty people brought on by the insane greed of Agiera Technologies who even now play our government as puppeteers would a rag doll. Unless the Citizens of Liberty rise up and throw down this yoke of tyranny we will never be truely free. The Sons of Liberty demand the immediate and complete dissolving of Agiera and all of its assets. We also demand a complete revision to the Liberty Constitution and the resignation of the Liberty president, followed by a complete reelection of Congress. If our demands are not met we will do so by force."

Static fills the screen for a moment, the switches back to Donna the anchor woman.

"There you have it, here on CNS where news comes first. And now a word from our sponsor:"

An advertisement for Agiera technologies follows.

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Somewhere in the Ontario system



"We better move it, Milia is unconsious. I don't think her suit gave out but I can't be sure."

Recovered less than an hour before by the Lonestar.Rebel, Milia Fallanya is carried back to Ouray for treatment.

The fight with the monstrous Bounty hunter ship had left Milia tumbling in the rocks, her eagle having disintigrated around her. She would understand the necessity of leaving her out there while the rest of the Xenos finished off the hated foreigners. The mission always came first and none of them were afraid to die. Still it would be a shame to lose one of their best. It hadn't been easy though. An LSF-Laid ambush awaited them at Los Angeles:



Having Fallanya strapped into his single bunk, Tex ran the LSF Blockade right through the floating Behemoth of an LSF Assault Carrier.

Now as they made their way home, Prospector transmitted their message to all the major news organizations.

Prospector: "It is done, now everyone will know the truth."

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[AU]Anton_Blix
-Signature by Doom