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Usea Today: Asteroid on Collision Course With Earth!
Published: Sunday April 21, 1996



Topics:
-Asteroid on Collision Course with Earth!
-President Makes Announcement to Ambassadors and Their Respective Nations.
-Secretary of State Expresses Support for NMD Proposal
-Overseas Troops to Return Home Temporarily
-Military Commander to Become Chief Of Staff
-New Regulation on Cell Phones and Network Information Announced


President Makes Announcement to Ambassadors and Their Respective Nations
April 20, 1996. The President of the FCU announced to the ambassadors and leaders of all nations that the asteroid "1994XF04" would collide with the Earth as feared. The date of impact and estimated scope of damage was made public. This announcement sent shock waves around the world. The President also announced that a special project to circumvent the collision has been initiated.

Two years ago, in December 1994, the International Union of Astronomists (IUA) announced that it had discovered an asteroid that would reach the Earth within several years. If the asteroid were to collide with the Earth it would cause massive damage. The FCU government promptly ordered a further study of the asteroid to be undertaken. Under the leadership of the IUA, a special team composed of prominent astronomers, astronomical physicists, and geologists was formed. They soon determined that the asteroid, with a diameter of roughly 1.6km, had an extremely high probability of hitting the Earth. They named the asteroid "1994XF04 Ulysses". Last October Comona University, assisted by Shellsbridge University's observations, was the first to calculate the exact trajectory of the asteroid. 1994XF04 will pass through the Earth's Roche Limit on July 3rd, 1999, at approximately 3:30pm USEA Eastern Standard Time. They calculated that the asteroid will hit with the same explosive power as 2,000,000 nuclear bombs. Fragments of the asteroid will impact over a wide area of the Northern Hemisphere. Upon impact the world will without a doubt, be plunged into a Nuclear Winter.

The FCU government judged that it would not be prudent to release this dire news to the public. In cooperation with the Aerospace Society, government researchers began to explore possible solutions to this disaster. They soon realised that without the cooperation of their allies they could not accomplish their objective.

"The disastrous effects of the asteroid collision will not only affect the USEA, but the whole planet. We are now facing almost certain extinction. We must increase the number of underground shelters and strengthen our defenses. We are now considering possible methods of intercepting the asteroid. If the human race is to survive into the next century, we must devise appropriate measures." said the President, appealing to the world for assistance with this special project.


Secretary of State Expresses Support for NMD Proposal
20th April, 1996. Secretary of State Stetson visited the headquarters of the USEA Treaty Organization (UTO) to attend an urgent meeting of the Committee of Foreign Affairs. He explained to the allies how the National Missile Defense (NMD) system could be used as a means to destroy the asteroid, and asked for their cooperation. At a press conference following the meeting he stated, "It is the FCU's responsibility to construct a missile defense system that will eliminate the threat the asteroid Ulysses poses to the FCU and its allies."

Regarding the organization and implementation of the NMD, some allies were skeptical that the NMD may be used for military purposes. However, they eventually expressed willingness to cooperate. The Secretary of State, after considering a worst-case scenario, made additional suggestions for the final defense plan. "Without the understanding and cooperation of all countries it will not be possible to implement this defense plan." said the Secretary of State, without disclosing further details. Plans such as attaching a propulsion device to the asteroid, or shooting interceptor missiles at it, are being considered. However, once "Ulysses" passes the Earth's Roche Limit and fragments, no countermeasures will be able to neutralize it.

Even though the effectiveness of the NMD remains unclear, among the many plans proposed for defending the Earth, this is the most plausible. The countries involved in the development of the NMD will shoulder a heavy burden.

Overseas Troops to Return Home Temporarily
Upon hearing the President's address, the Secretary of Defense, Commander Richard Payne, under orders from the FCU, ordered the temporary return of all troops stationed overseas.

The Sixth squadron, currently in the Far East, is already en route to its homeport of Waosun. As of 7pm April 20th, the flagship aircraft carrier "Fort Grace", with its accompanying Aegis class cruiser "Teetime" leading, is heading north towards the Peyton Channel. However, in the Independent State of Ugellas and the adjoining southern region of the Republic of Amber, hostilities between FCU forces and Erusian forces have increased. FCU forces have retreated, leaving the IUN international forces no choice but to also pull out of the region.

According to Major Meyer of the 6th Airborne Division, the 120th Airborne Division which is currently dispatched in the neutral zone, had completed preparation for the occupation of Snider on April 21st. However, immediately prior to commencement of the mission, orders were changed, and the assembled forces were temporarily disbanded. The forces were to retreat approximately 120 kilometers to the aast, and regroup at Ganda Base, located on the front lines.

The mission was plagued with extreme difficulties, and the IUN forces commenced their retreat. The evacuation was scheduled for completion on the evening of July 22nd. However, in the early hours on the 20th, unexpected storms hit the region, and the C-17 transport planes were unable to carry full loads. The remaining equipment was then entrusted to IUN forces.


Military Commander to Become Chief of Staff

July 18th, 1996. The FCU military announced at a press conference that Commander Robert Taylor would succeed Michael Riass as Chief of Staff. Riass died suddenly on June 20th. Taylor, who last year was a General serving in the southern regions, crushed the anti-government stronghold base on the southern island of Scali.


New Regulation on Cell Phones and Network Information Announced
The Ministry of Communication made an announcement that due to the state of national emergency, all forms of media are now restricted.

Under prior regulations many forms of media were exempt from regulation. However, plans to limit the number of personal users of both mobile phones and the Internet have been announced, as a high volume of information exchange among the general public is projected. The government fears that misinformation and rumors may lead to social unrest, large-scale violence and terrorism.

The Ministry issued the following statement and appealed to the public for calm: "Cooperation from all agencies and nations is imperative. Official information will be released in a timely manner, through a centralized media. Plans concerning the asteroid will be made public through newspapers, TV, radio and magazines."



Sources
PROJECT ACES: AC4 SITE