Hillbilly

[Stoat]

This is Richard Hargreaves on board the CNS Bloodhound, reporting for the Colony News Service from the site of a reputedly large fire-fight yesterday, involving the LSF, the SA, the Liberty Rogues, a number of mercenaries and pirates and the infamous William Wainwright, aka Hillbilly.

As you can see through this window, the wrecks of several ships are scattered across a large area, but some markings and ship types are still easily discernable. We have so far discovered the remains of at least one LSF fighter, although the LSF themselves are refusing to comment on suggestions that several of their own fighters were shot down in a number of engagements with criminal parties within the Texas system yesterday. There also appears to be the remnants of an SA ship or two, again no comment has been forthcoming from the SA, a Corsair gunboat, what appears to be a Corsair bomber, though this is still to be confirmed, and the Ravens Claw previously flown by the fugitive, Wainwright. The area is heavily irradiated, suggesting the use of nuclear mines, though whether by the criminals or Liberty forces is, of course, impossible to ascertain.

We can confirm that the escape pod from the Claw has definitely been deployed, but there is no indication at the present time as to whether it, and its passenger, was picked up by the security forces after the engagement. So it would seem, for the moment at least, that Hillbilly is still at large, although currently without a ship.

Wait, Im getting a message from our reporter on the Junker base, Beaumont, that Hillbillys escape pod has just been flown in. Yes, apparently he is unharmed, miraculous considering what remains of his ship. This will no doubt prove a thorn in the side for the LSF at least. I will be attempting to get a comment from LSF command over the next few hours, but considering their past reticence, I do not hold much hope.

Apologies for the break in story at this time but there appears to have been an incident on Beaumont. I will now pass you over to our reporter on the base, Jeff Lawson. Go ahead Jeff.

Thank you Richard. This is Jeff Lawson and Im standing in the launch bay of Beaumont base where, not 5 minutes ago, a young man had his ship stolen from him, by none other than William Wainwright, as he was disembarking on Beaumont. Sir? Sir? Can you tell us what happened, sir?

Weeeell, Id just docked an wuz about ter head fer Ruby's, fer a beer you unnerstand, when this feller comes up next ter me an he says, all polite like, Dont cause no trouble, Bubba, jus gimme the control keys ter yer ship an ahsll no be stickin yer with this ere knife. Now how he knows my name is Bubbas beyond me, but I aint no hero, yer unnerstand? So I just give im the control codes ter me ship. Anyways, he opens the airlock an then cracks me cross the back o my head. When I came roun my ships gone. Goddam SOB!! Ill have a headache fer a week, not ter mention what the wifell be sayin when she finds out.

So, there it is, another remarkable twist in this story. The Hillbilly is back in space, albeit in a starflier, barely ten minutes after being rescued himself. No doubt we shall be hearing of him again soon. Back to you, Richard.

Thanks you, Jeff. So there you have it. It would appear there are few, if any, depths to which Hillbilly is not prepared to sink in order to pursue his vendetta against the security forces for what he considers the murder of his cousin, all those months ago. I shall be reporting any further incidents as and when they occur.

The question remains as to what at least two Corsair built ships were doing this far into Liberty space. This will surely require quick and decisive action from the Government for a change, and I, for one, will be pressing them for a response to this latest threat to our security.

This has been Richard Hargreaves reporting for the Colony News Service. For now, back to Jenna in the studio..

Thank you, Richard. Next, how your finances are under threat of seizure by the Interstellar Bank of Credit. But first, these messages from our sponsor..

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