The following transcript of Governor Simon's speech, given on June 3rd, has been made part of the public record. Visual records of the speech are also publically available, as are transcripts and records of the subsequent question-and-answer session with the press.
Approaching the podium, the Governor appears tired and somewhat haggard, as if he's not slept much in recent days.
Citizens of Rhydin,
It is with great regret and sorrow that I announce Rhydin Air and Space Guard's first mission-related death. One of our pilots, Miles Jaffey of the 301st Firebees Atmospheric Defense Squadron, was killed two days ago while on patrol over Rhydin's waters. The exact cause of his death is still under investigation but we are convinced it's not due to pilot error or any malfunction in his craft.
Records from flight-recorder data and eye-witness accounts both indicate that something, we're not sure what, caused a great upheaval in the ocean waters. We didn't see the effects here since the incident occurred so far from our coastline, but the disturbance was large and powerful enough to reach Miles" ship hundreds of meters in the air.
The Governor takes a long breath and looks out over the gathered press corps before continuing.
We do however, believe that Miles" death is a direct result of a larger scenario that's affecting our city and a significant area surrounding us. Of late, our scientists have been tracking unusual changes in Rhydin's weather patterns and climate. Some of these alterations are extremely subtle and not easily identifiable. We haven't been able to make complete sense of these shifts or why they're occurring; I've issued a directive to our top scientists and climatologists to focus their efforts on discovering whether we're witnessing natural occurrences or whether these changes are being wrought by a specific person or group. As yet, we have no definitive answers.
I ask each of you to remain vigilant. If you notice something unusual, please report it. I realize that's a very generic request ? I can't define for you what is or what isn't unusual because we're often finding evidence of altered climate behavior after it has taken place. Please rest assured that we're working diligently to get ahead of this thing so that we can take a proactive, rather than a reactive, approach.
The Governor pauses for a moment, glances down at his notes, and speaks again, his voice wavering slightly.
For those of you wishing to attend, a public service will be held for Miles Jaffey this coming Saturday. I've also established a Memorial Fund, the proceeds of which will go directly to his wife and child who live offworld. Any and all donations from the public are much appreciated by myself, by his family, and by the entire RASG.
As we learn more, as I have more information to provide, I'll supply it. I'm sure you have questions. I'll take them now.
Q&A Session begins.
Approaching the podium, the Governor appears tired and somewhat haggard, as if he's not slept much in recent days.
Citizens of Rhydin,
It is with great regret and sorrow that I announce Rhydin Air and Space Guard's first mission-related death. One of our pilots, Miles Jaffey of the 301st Firebees Atmospheric Defense Squadron, was killed two days ago while on patrol over Rhydin's waters. The exact cause of his death is still under investigation but we are convinced it's not due to pilot error or any malfunction in his craft.
Records from flight-recorder data and eye-witness accounts both indicate that something, we're not sure what, caused a great upheaval in the ocean waters. We didn't see the effects here since the incident occurred so far from our coastline, but the disturbance was large and powerful enough to reach Miles" ship hundreds of meters in the air.
The Governor takes a long breath and looks out over the gathered press corps before continuing.
We do however, believe that Miles" death is a direct result of a larger scenario that's affecting our city and a significant area surrounding us. Of late, our scientists have been tracking unusual changes in Rhydin's weather patterns and climate. Some of these alterations are extremely subtle and not easily identifiable. We haven't been able to make complete sense of these shifts or why they're occurring; I've issued a directive to our top scientists and climatologists to focus their efforts on discovering whether we're witnessing natural occurrences or whether these changes are being wrought by a specific person or group. As yet, we have no definitive answers.
I ask each of you to remain vigilant. If you notice something unusual, please report it. I realize that's a very generic request ? I can't define for you what is or what isn't unusual because we're often finding evidence of altered climate behavior after it has taken place. Please rest assured that we're working diligently to get ahead of this thing so that we can take a proactive, rather than a reactive, approach.
The Governor pauses for a moment, glances down at his notes, and speaks again, his voice wavering slightly.
For those of you wishing to attend, a public service will be held for Miles Jaffey this coming Saturday. I've also established a Memorial Fund, the proceeds of which will go directly to his wife and child who live offworld. Any and all donations from the public are much appreciated by myself, by his family, and by the entire RASG.
As we learn more, as I have more information to provide, I'll supply it. I'm sure you have questions. I'll take them now.
Q&A Session begins.