—Bill "Tomahawk" Roundfoot, AAW Navajo Nation Correspondent

Tensions are on the rise in the Southwest, as the Republic of Texas and the Navajo Nation clash in the skies over Arixo. The current dispute began less than one month ago, as the Republic of Texas destroyed a cargo zeppelin, the Concord, bound for the Navajo Nation. The zeppelin's contents are unknown; some claim that the zep carried medical supplies bound for the Nations. The Texas Air Rangers say different.

"We have evidence that the Concord was carrying aerial torpedoes, ammunition and other weapons bound for criminal groups in Oklahoma...all under the guise of a 'medical' shipment," said First TFS pilot Phillip "Flamberge" O'Malley, who spearheaded the raid and is credited with firing the shot that downed the Concord.

The Concord's crew parachuted to safety—and are now in Ranger custody—though O'Malley admits the zeppelin's captain is still at large. "The Air Rangers will find him. We always get our man."

Navajo representatives dispute the Texans' claims, however, stating that the Concord's cargo had been legally purchased. "The medicine on board that zeppelin was the property of our government," said Navajo tribal spokesman Joseph Two Trees. "The medical supplies were intended to combat a potential outbreak of influenza," and that the destruction of the Concord is a violation of several trade agreements and treaties. Two Trees added that the outbreak "is the result of the deliberate contamination of cargo shipments that pass over or near the Republic of Texas."

Three days ago, the fearsome Uing Sotu squadron, commanded by Hopi ace Soloho Salawa, raided the Republic of Texas, striking oil refineries and beating back a hasty Air Ranger response over Lubbock.

The Navajo force withdrew after inflicting a great deal of damage; at least six Air Ranger airfields are reported as "heavily damaged". The Rangers, in hot pursuit, closed and engaged Uing Sotu over Arixo.

Arixo militia forces responded, firing on Navajo and Texan planes. Both the Texans and the Navajo fliers fought their way back to their respective territories.

"This isn't the end of this," O'Malley vowed. "This unprovoked attack will not go unanswered, I promise you that."