DropShip Carrying Four BattleMechs Hijacked 8/06/3132
INN - Interstellar News Network
SHINONOI--Two days ago the DropShip Mathis was hijacked en route to a Republic
armory on Dabih. The Mathis was carrying four BattleMechs at the time. The
hijacking was reported when the 15 crewmembers of the stolen DropShip were found
drifting in space in the Shinonoi system (Prefecture II) in two escape pods.
The crew of the Mathis, a DropShip owned by Harambe Manufacturing, is being
treated for injuries and mild dehydration sustained during their 36-hour ordeal. All are
listed in stable condition and two have been released from the hospital. Gareth
Hackard, a systems engineer traveling with the shipment, was released earlier today.
Hackard reported that he saw little of his attackers, but they were organized and
efficient. “We don’t know how they got on board,” Hackard said. “Those of us below
assumed that we had left the JumpShip in the Dabih system. We were very surprised
to find out we were in Shinonoi. They moved around the ship efficiently, and
immobilized us in the ’Mech hangar with riot foam and some kind of knock-out gas.
When I woke up they had locked us in an escape pod. Some of the crew had been
beaten very badly.”
No one has claimed responsibility for the hijacking, and authorities have declined to
comment or speculate on potential suspects. The current whereabouts of the Harambe
DropShip and the ’Mechs aboard are unknown. Harambe Manufacturing is not a
familiar name to many outside the ’Mech production industry, but is well known in
the personal transport vehicle industry. Three years ago, Harambe began to branch
out into ’Mech production, but industry analysts say they were unprepared for the
increased competition of the ’Mech production field.
Now, what was once a thriving manufacturing company has posted losses for six
consecutive quarters. Harambe was counting on its fledgling ’Mech production
facilities to pull the company out its slump. Although insurance will cover some of the
monetary losses, Harambe will likely file for bankruptcy as a result of the hijacking,
and might face legal challenges from families of the crew.
Jacob Bannson, owner and CEO of Bannson Industries, expressed disappointment at
the news. “This is a terrible blow not just to Harambe, but against the entire Republic.
Four BattleMechs is a sword hanging over any of the less-protected planets in the
Republic. Something must be done.” In response to the news, Bannson announced
that the recently-acquired DiNapoli Industries would be redirected for BattleMech
manufacturing. Bannson further revealed that he was in negotiation with Republic
military officials to fulfill the contract on behalf Harmabe.
“The defense of the Republic is paramount,” Bannson said. “We must do whatever
we can to provide for the common defense against potential aggression, whether from
these lost ’Mechs, or future dangers.” Harambe CEO, Okolo Harambe, was
unavailable for comment.
INN - Interstellar News Network
SHINONOI--Two days ago the DropShip Mathis was hijacked en route to a Republic
armory on Dabih. The Mathis was carrying four BattleMechs at the time. The
hijacking was reported when the 15 crewmembers of the stolen DropShip were found
drifting in space in the Shinonoi system (Prefecture II) in two escape pods.
The crew of the Mathis, a DropShip owned by Harambe Manufacturing, is being
treated for injuries and mild dehydration sustained during their 36-hour ordeal. All are
listed in stable condition and two have been released from the hospital. Gareth
Hackard, a systems engineer traveling with the shipment, was released earlier today.
Hackard reported that he saw little of his attackers, but they were organized and
efficient. “We don’t know how they got on board,” Hackard said. “Those of us below
assumed that we had left the JumpShip in the Dabih system. We were very surprised
to find out we were in Shinonoi. They moved around the ship efficiently, and
immobilized us in the ’Mech hangar with riot foam and some kind of knock-out gas.
When I woke up they had locked us in an escape pod. Some of the crew had been
beaten very badly.”
No one has claimed responsibility for the hijacking, and authorities have declined to
comment or speculate on potential suspects. The current whereabouts of the Harambe
DropShip and the ’Mechs aboard are unknown. Harambe Manufacturing is not a
familiar name to many outside the ’Mech production industry, but is well known in
the personal transport vehicle industry. Three years ago, Harambe began to branch
out into ’Mech production, but industry analysts say they were unprepared for the
increased competition of the ’Mech production field.
Now, what was once a thriving manufacturing company has posted losses for six
consecutive quarters. Harambe was counting on its fledgling ’Mech production
facilities to pull the company out its slump. Although insurance will cover some of the
monetary losses, Harambe will likely file for bankruptcy as a result of the hijacking,
and might face legal challenges from families of the crew.
Jacob Bannson, owner and CEO of Bannson Industries, expressed disappointment at
the news. “This is a terrible blow not just to Harambe, but against the entire Republic.
Four BattleMechs is a sword hanging over any of the less-protected planets in the
Republic. Something must be done.” In response to the news, Bannson announced
that the recently-acquired DiNapoli Industries would be redirected for BattleMech
manufacturing. Bannson further revealed that he was in negotiation with Republic
military officials to fulfill the contract on behalf Harmabe.
“The defense of the Republic is paramount,” Bannson said. “We must do whatever
we can to provide for the common defense against potential aggression, whether from
these lost ’Mechs, or future dangers.” Harambe CEO, Okolo Harambe, was
unavailable for comment.
| August 6, 3132 |