Search Continues for Missing Child

[DeJaVu]

[12 December 3071; Basalt] Elements of the Basalt Protectorate Militia continued their search today for six-year-old Athena Deliopoulos, who has not been seen since a recent raid by elements of an unnamed mercenary unit retreated through her apartment building three days ago. The soldiers were joined again by Athena’s family and their friends, as well as members of the Rose City Municipal Fire Department and several off-duty policemen.

“Three days is not a long time to survive as long as the climate is acceptable and you have access to food and water—but especially water,” Adept Harris Jacobsen said, taking a break from moving rubble. “With all the broken water pipes and what we’re spraying, hopefully she’s getting water.”
Rescuers have already uncovered the bodies of Athena’s parents, who were killed when the mercenaries’ BattleMechs tore through the building and collapsed the exterior wall of their bedroom on them while they slept. Athena’s brother, four-year-old Dominikos, was found alive after his bed was sheltered by support beams. There are high hopes that Athena’s room may have been similarly structured.
Our viewers may remember our earlier reports of this latest raid by the corrupt governments of the Great House and the unprofessional and rogue mercenaries they employ. This particular unit, which we have not yet been able to identify, attempted to destroy a peaceful Word of Blake educational facility outside Rose City, but then retreated through the city when faced with the heroic elements of our Protectorate Militia ‘Mechs and tanks. Although the mercenaries were able to reach their DropShip and escape, they were stopped from causing any significant damage to the educational facility.
Of course, the local damage is devastating enough, and the damage to Athena and Dominikos’ family is irrevocable and heart-wrenching. We will of course update you when more information becomes available.