(OOC note: This is supposed to be in the format of a news show. Think 'NBC Nightly News [with Tom Brokaw] and you've got the right idea.)

Good evening, this is John Trokaw. Etrenank has always put high priorities on taking care of children-- our descendents who will carry on and in the future command Solaris. Even among the 'worker bees', nothing is given higher priority by the government then caring for offspring. But recent reports show that the future of Etrenank... could be in danger.

*Switch to splash with a gold-hued computer generated background with an image of Etrenank's exhibition center [where Cain and Krelian spoke to the public regarding the destruction of the Gates] with bold white text reading "Baby boom?"*

Children. They are our future. It has always been a basic rule of nature, even among the surface dwellers, that caring for one's children takes priority above all else. But lately, statements released by hospitals across all of Etrenank are in agreement of one thing: Over the past 4 to 6 weeks, conception across Etrenank has dropped dramatically to the point where the population growth could very well drop below 'zero' to where the population is dropping. Older Solarians are dying of natural causes, but if this trend continues, no new children will be born to balance things out.

We were able to meet with Doctor Ken from the western hospital for his comments.

"Everyone here is puzzled. Sure, this problem has only been around for a month or two but it's got people worried. Etrenank's population is usually steady with no dramatic increases or decreses, but this epidemic could tip the balance. Couples who are already expecting are doing fine, they've got nothing to worry about. I've been approached by a numerous couples who want to have children, but no matter how they try, the female can't get impregnated. Artificial insemination isn't having any results either."

Statistics released by the city government coincide with Ken's commentary. Expecting couples are required by law to notify authorities of conception, and this is typically done after an evaluation performed by a doctor. But lately, the number of reported conceptions has dropped dramatically.

Some speculate that a heightened encouragement of birth control by mass media may be partially to blame for this crisis. A representative from a contraceptive manufacturer contacted us and informed us that contraceptive sales have dropped tremendously. People are trying to rear children, but for some reason nature won't allow it.

Reporting for ENN Nightly News, this is Jon Trokaw.