Notorious air pirates, Jonathan "Genghis" Kahn and "Marshal" Bill Redmann reportedly engaged in a fierce dogfight over Reno, each struggling to claim a supply of helium on its way to the Nation of Hollywood.

The Republic of Texas cargo airship Pecos—accompanied by Blake Aviation Security escort—was en route to a Lockheed facility in the northern portion of Hollywood, carrying a supply of zeppelin-grade helium, when it was attacked by "Marshal" Bill Redmann and his pirate gang.

Blake Aviation Security forces took heavy damage, but managed to stall Redmann's initial strike. But, BAS forces didn't have long to cheer; according to ground observers, a second attack was launched...by none other than "Genghis" Kahn and his infamous Red Skull Legion!

Click to enlarge "Marshal" Bill Redmann

Though the Legion has seen hard times of late—rumors of Kahn's debt to the Purple Gang being "bought" by a notorious Chicago gangster abound, but are unconfirmed—the airship Macchiavelli and a half-dozen pirate fighters swept in and launched an offensive on the Pecos, severely damaging her engine nacelles.

Before the Macchiavelli could move in and finish off the defenders, BAS forces received some unexpected help...from "Marshall" Redmann.

After regrouping, Redmann and his gang moved back into the battle zone, attacking Red Skull Legion planes and reportedly downing Kahn's wing-mate, "Hettyhawk" Corbett. Though unconfirmed, it is believed that Redmann refused to allow Kahn to "jump his claim."

In the resulting battle (which forced both pirate gangs to withdraw after taking heavy damage), the Pecos and her remaining Blake Aviation escorts made their way to safety.

"You can always trust pirates to be pirates" said Paladin Blake, CEO of Blake Aviation Security, at a press conference following the raid. "They have no honor, and they'll fight over a prize like hungry dogs over table scraps. That's why Blake Aviation Security is here...and why we'll always beat criminals like Kahn and Redmann. There is no honor among such thugs and hooligans."

—David Hawke, AWN Field Correspondent