By Maurice Merchant, Editor-in-Chief

3/7- Ever since the Dragonfly aircraft meant to aid Colonial Marshals in retaking Fort Winstone from Doctor Argyle Von Grimm were hijacked and turned against the Marshals themselves, people have wondered how Von Grimm knew the aircraft were coming. An investigation into the matter has revealed startling evidence that our own correspondent, Mister Hil Spencer, was implicit in this atrocity.

The Gazette reported on the Marshals’ intent to use the aircraft against Von Grimm several days before they were shipped. Since telegraph wires coming in and out of the Fort had been cut in the first days of the Marshals’ siege, and since the Gazette’s circulation in the Colonies is limited and late due to printing schedules, it was assumed the Von Grimm gang was cut off and we were given the go ahead to report the story.

The recent capture of a man affiliated with Von Grimm in a small town sixty miles east, however, has shed light on this story. The captured man claims that he was positioned in the town for the sole purpose of receiving wires from New Crowndon, and then relaying that information to a lookout at the fort using a lantern.

Thanks to the telegraph officer’s unusually meticulous record keeping, it was discovered that the messages regarding information on the aircrafts’ delivery schedule came from an office in the business quarter of New Crowndon, an office often frequented by Mister Spencer.

Mister Spencer was arrested late last night, and it is to the Gazette’s shame that the New Crowndon branch of the Gazette has been closed pending further investigation. As owner and proprietor of the Gazette, it is my duty to personally apologize to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives outside of Fort Winstone. I vow that, going forward, we will take careful considerations concerning what information we print, and who is given that information to report.

By Hil Spencer, New Crowndon Correspondent

23/6- The tenuous peace between Imperial colonial interests and the Territories continues to be tested this week, as several scouting parties bearing the markings of the Duv-Ayid and Moc-Torgue tribes were spotted beyond the Plasty Meridian.

Sightings were sporadic for a week before one such party was spotted outside of Fort O’Connor, well into colonial lands.

“We sent out men to parley,” said the Fort’s commanding officer. “The riders did not flee, but they did not respond to questions, either. Eventually they turned around and left, but at their own pace.”

A similar incident happened farther south, outside of a small Ranger camp.

“It was disturbing, but they didn’t attack us,” said one Ranger. “Most disturbing thing though were their weapons. They were carrying repeaters. Gun trade with the territories is supposed to be controlled, yeah? Nothing but single shot muskets and matchlocks, for hunting. These guys, though, looked like they were ready to take on the whole fort. They had better weapons than most of us.”

Imperial authorities are at a loss as to how the Duv-Ayid and Moc-Torgue scouts came by such gear, as no shipments have been raided, and the weapons described do not match any known Triumvirate make or model. Suggestions that the weapons were provided by the Von Grimm gang have been dismissed as ludicrous. Despite the open display of the weapons, the Marshals and Rangers alike are stressing restraint.

“Any unprovoked hostile action against these scouts will be met with the harshest consequences,” said First Marshal General Job Stoll. “So far they have made no aggressive moves against colonial interests, other than to show up. And if you remember, we broke that treaty first. It’s my belief they’re just sending a message, for now. Please remain calm.”