Saxon's shooting shock

THE FERVEAN Observer can today exclusively reveal that President Saxon has been taking marksmanship lessons.

A government insider informed us that Ms Saxon had been taking instruction in the use of handguns and submachine guns from retired military personnel.

The insider stressed that the lessons were paid for out of Ms Saxon's own pocket, and were to supplement her previous position in the FCPD before entering her career in politics.

Speaking outside her residence in northern Ferveo City, a spokesman told the press that, in light of the attacks by the Fervean Values Force on Saxon's predecessors two months ago, personal firearms knowledge could be vital.

"In today's climate of terror and intimidation, it would not do for the leader of a country to have no combat capability," he said. "It would be inappropriate for me to comment further."

Saxon reopens borders

ACTING-President Saxon today issued her first high directive, reopening Fervean borders.

The order was made to respond to the expulsion of all Pagemaster citizens and the unilateral closing of all borders by former President Gabriel Seismos two weeks ago.

Speaking outside Parliament, Ms Saxon also issued a formal apology to the Commonwealths of Pagemaster and Jagera on behalf of her late predecessor.

"We do not know exactly why Mr Seismos closed the borders, as all his closest advisers were executed by the Fervean Values Force. However, my administration wishes to extend their most heartfelt apologies to the Jageran and Pagemaster governments, due to the disruption of international trade and the loss of thousands of our soldiers."

Addressing international TV cameras directly, Ms Saxon continued, "Hundreds, thousands, of all our soldiers and citizens were killed in the operations, and the bombings. I give my condolences to the families of the deceased; Fervean, Jageran and Pagemaster. I hope that in the future the bond between our nations will strengthen and thrive.

"We must strive to keep the unity of the International Democratic Union stable."

AREV self-destructs

IT EMERGED yesterday that the Exordium Island Object, while being transported from Research Site 19 to an undisclosed location, self-destructed in the hours prior to the death of Timothy Bishop.

Acting-President Jennifer Saxon, 34, spoke to the press about the mysterious object in the late hours of yesterday's preliminary cleanup operation.

"Our scientists are unsure why the AREV detonated," she announced outside Parliament (undamaged in the explosions on Thursday), "but the ocean around the site is far too deep for us to even attempt to salvage the item."

"The crew of the transport were unhurt. Due to the Official Secrets Act I cannot disclose the names of the crew members, but we never did find out just what was inside the AREV."

Saxon makes grim revelation

AFTER the chaos of the explosions yesterday, former Deputy Foreign Secretary Jennifer Saxon flew into Ferveo City aboard the FSC Nimbus to take command.

Speaking in the smouldering ruins of downtown Ferveo City to a thousand-strong crowd of shaken onlookers, Ms Saxon informed the crowd that everyone above her in the chain of command, including President Seismos, had been murdered in an unprecedented attack by the Fervean Values Force, who had also detonated the bombs in Ferveo City.

She also reassured the public that "there is no further cause for concern. The leaders of the FVF have been either killed or arrested in a joint Fervean-Jageran-Pagemaster assault on a fortified island some distance southwest of Exordium Island.

"While we mourn the deaths of our elected government, we must all play our part in rebuilding our nation, one step at a time. While I hesitate to take on the mantle of Acting-President, I will take the post until our nation recovers from this terrible tragedy.

"We are the future. As Ferveans we cannot allow terrorists to break our spirit. I look forward to building a strong nation, stronger than ever before, with the full support of the Fervean public."

"Let us move forward into a brighter future, starting with the reconstruction of this city. Peace through politics. Thank you." She then stepped from her makeshift platform to enthusiastic applause and took immediate command of the military presence in the city.

Detonations in Ferveo City

BREAKING NEWS

A SERIES of deadly explosions minutes ago ripped through downtown Ferveo City, seriously damaging much of the city's infrastructure.

It is apparent that hundreds of people are dead or mortally injured. Emergency services are strained, and fires rage across the industrial district.

Details are sketchy at best at the moment. We will endeavour to keep you up-to-date on the events of this tragedy as they happen.