Japan clings to 'Fireworks' story, UK on the hunt for 'artifacts'

In a distressing disregard for free speech, Japan is also now backing away from earlier saber-rattling against China, claiming that fireworks were the cause of mid air pyrotechnics earlier this month. 

In a potentially related story, science ministers in the UK have been reaching out to allies with locations of 'artifacts', which apparently have great technological value.

Additionally, sections of Antarctica are surrounded with an unidentified toxic substance. Any naval traffic that comes in contact with the substance appears to come away with damage.