By Hil Spence, New Crowndon Correspondent

20/5- The Colonial Marshals will not be able to continue their pursuit, as the representatives for the Western Territories have voted down the petition to enter their lands.

The decision comes after nearly a week long debate amongst territory leaders. The Marshals need 16 of 20 votes to enter, but received only twelve, despite promising early talks.

Officials expected the heaviest opposition to come from the Duv-Ayid territory, since many of its clans and tribes suffered the most greatly during the period of Westward Expansion. However, the Duv-Ayid representatives voted in favor of letting Marshals cross. Many have conjectured their support was merely a ploy to get Marshals into their territory as a trap, though no official endorsement of this idea has been stated (and such a statement is unlikely).

The heaviest, and most surprising, opposition actually came from the Delsoon Territory, with which most colonial trade occurs. The representatives from the Delsoon tribes stated fear of reprisals from neighboring, hostile territories as their reason. These fears were echoed by several other territories as well.

Not all hope is lost, however, as all of the territories agreed on one thing: if Von Grimm and his gang are located within their borders, they will be dealt with, with the understanding that the bandits are not sanctioned by the colonial government. The tenuous peace between Triumvirate colonies and the Territories will continue, it seems.

“Just as long as someone doesn’t do anything stupid,” said First Marshal General Job Stoll, when asked to comment. “Just to be safe, we’ve placed Field Marshal Lassiter on restricted leave. He was…most upset about the decision.”

By Hil Spencer, New Crowndon Correspondent

13/5- Colonial Marshals report that they have recovered one of the stolen Dragonfly aircraft used in the attack against second cavalry forces at Fort Winstone. They say the aircraft was heavily damaged, and likely abandoned.

“It’s good to know one of ours took one of those bastards down,” Field Marshal Ameron Lassiter said. “It’s a real boost to morale. I’ve got three thousand men here, chomping at the bit for a chance to deal some payback to that son of a [expletive removed] Von Grimm.”

Unfortunately for those men, they will have to wait for some time before following. The crippled craft was discovered on the edge of the Colonial Frontier, and it appears that Von Grimm and his gang have fled into the indigenous territories.

“Our treaties with the native peoples prevent us from crossing west of the Plasten Meridian,” said the Commanding General of the Colonial Militia, General Jonathan Hoster. “We’ll have to petition for entry among the various territory leaders. We’re on good standing with most of them at the moment, but things will get more complicated if Von Grimm crosses into Duv-Ayid territory, which isn’t far from the border. If he does, I doubt they will care that he’s a bandit on the run. It could lead to renewed hostilities.”

The petition to cross the Plasten Meridian is said to be in motion, with representatives from Locmina and Tarumansk territories (those closest to the border) already granting their permission, as well as promising aid despite some remaining bad blood with the latter. The other territories are on the fence, but early talks are promising. The Marshals will require an affirmative decision from sixteen of the twenty territories to proceed.