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."