In a strange case of life imitating art, Blake Aviation Security forces engaged a small squadron of fighter aircraft over the League of Nations building in Washington, following what is being termed a "large scale pirate assault" on the former capital of the United States. Shortly before noon yesterday, the city's air defense warning sounded and Columbian fighters scrambled to intercept a large contingent of unknown fighters. The Columbian defense flight managed to destroy the majority of attacking planes, but at least two squadrons of the interlopers successfully evaded Washington's defenders.

"The planes bore no markings," according to Air Marshal Matthew Sterling, who directed the city's defense. "The lack of markings is unusual, but not unheard of, for air pirates—or perhaps mercenaries. Though we have not as yet identified the pirate group in question, our investigation is ongoing."

The initial assault was not the end of the matter, however. By three o'clock yesterday afternoon, the two attacking squadrons that had successfully evaded capture struck again. An estimated sixteen planes attacked the old Capital building and destroyed several other structures. Bomb damage to the League of Nations is "extensive, but, fortunately, local police had evacuated the building. There were no civilian casualties in the attack."

Blake Aviation Security planes intervened, giving the beleaguered Columbians a brief respite. When questioned why BAS planes were in the area and ready for combat, Air Marshal Sterling replied: "Apparently, the Blake fighters were escorting the zeppelin carrying the ambassador from the Kingdom of Hawai'i...they just happened to be in the right place at the right time."

Sterling scoffs, however, at the notion that the incident bears a striking resemblance to fictionalized accounts of Paladin Blake's exploits (notably, "Paladin Blake and the Case of the Phantom Prototype," published in Air Action Weekly's sister publication, Spicy Air Tales).

"Mr. Blake has clearly led a colorful life, but I was here for the Unionist attacks in '34 and '35. I find it unlikely that some offshore criminal cartel organized such a large strike on Washington. This is real life, not the pulps.

"As I said, our investigation is ongoing, but I doubt it'll be anything more than a particularly audacious attempt to seize hostages for ransom."

Blake Aviation Security or it's founder could not be reached for comment.