UCAS NEWS - ABSURD DESTROYED

Ares Bathyscaphe Scientific Underwater Research Drone, or ABSURD has been lost at sea near the San Juan Islands. Divers are searching for an In-Mission Data Recorder to determine the cause of the multi-billion nuyen loss.

Ares Corporation is not currently commenting on the incident, but they are offering a significant reward for the recovery of any salvage parts or debris, reward based on how much of the wreckage is found.

One large piece of the aft hull was recovered this morning with a large gash and puncture hole. Ares Oceanographic Researcher Winkler Boyd said, “They look like giant tooth marks, like something took a huge bite out of it.” He also went on to point out, “...but that’s just not possible, each tooth would have to be the size of a surfboard.”

Would-be treasure-hunters have been warned by UCAS Lt. Commander Eke Marls that there have been sightings of awakened Orca Whales in the area, and to approach with caution.

“This thing that attacked ABSURD might be responsible for the decline in the Orca population that we’ve observed. It might just be big enough to hunt a Killer Whale,” said Marine Biologist and Researcher Dr. Pepper Clemens. “It would take a big animal to bite that Bathyscaphe.”

When asked what the Research Mission that the Bathyscaphe was on when the loss occurred, Ares had no comment.

The large vessel was said to be unmanned, and no lives were lost in the accident. Lone Star has not commented as they claim it’s out of their jurisdiction.

Mike Halverton, UCAS News.

Artwork by Mike Underhill