DRANTACK, DRANTACK IV

Tenuous peace with Imperial Remnant strained earlier today when a ship belonging to the Drantack Government was forced to make an emergency landing at an Imperial Base early this morning. This experimental craft which has not been yet identified to the press; reportedly collided with a Skipray Blastboat during its descent, killing one pilot and injuring the other. The crewmembers of the unknown craft are unharmed, and are being held by Imperial officials.

According to the information released by Drantack officials, the craft appeared in the skies over Drantack and attempted to make an emergency landing at a Navy starport, where it collided with the Skipray Blastboat before landing. Members of the Imperial government are calling the accident a "callous abuse of trust," and proclaim that the craft was flying a straight, level path when the craft veered sharply to collide with it. The craft's crew is currently being held in the local garrison, but are in good condition according to diplomats from Drantack's Government who were allowed to visit earlier today.

"The Empire has no right to hold Republic citizens in captivity," commented Narick Lawson, aid to the senator of Drantack. "We are doing everything in our power to insure the return of the pilots and there craft safely and promptly, and we will not allow the Empire to escalate the situation any further." Imperial officials have been adamant in their demands for an explanation and an apology from the Drantack Government, and insist that it is the fault of the Drantack Government, not the Imperial Remnant.

As the craft landed, the pilots and crew of the transport were escorted by stormtroopers to the local military detainment center, while technicians from the Imperial Base began examining the experimental craft. Early reports indicate that the crew, as per their training, destroyed all sensitive materials before touching down. It is unknown why the transport was in Imperial space, however local authorities at the Imperial Base are calling the ship "a starship designed to spy on the innocent members of the Empire."

Since the riots were stomped out early last year between the Drantack IV Government and the Empire, relations have remained peaceful up to this point. The current standoff is putting strain on this tenuous peace between the younger warring factions of Drantack IV, and could escalate into further violence should either side be pushed to far.

Abrion Sector Press

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