Following several highly publicized incursions by air pirates, Pacifica Governor Chester Haskell has been under intense pressure to take action against the growing pirate menace. The most recent attack by infamous pirate Nathan Zachary and his Fortune Hunters Gang did more than five million dollars in damage and shut down production at Boeing's largest plant. To that end, Haskell today announced the formation of a new squadron of the Pacifica Air Militia: The 36th Interceptor Squadron, "The Hunters."

Haskell said: "The 36th will act as an elite unit to search out and destroy pirates before they can harm the people or property of Pacifica. This new squadron will be based aboard Pacifica's premiere military zeppelin, Rainier; the fastest, best equipped, most lethally armed zeppelin on this continent, built right here by Pacificans."

The Governor went on to explain that the new unit will be headed up by ace pilot Captain Greg "Splash" Paine, best known for his tour of duty as commander of the 12th Squadron, known for its success in striking pirate enclaves in the islands off Pacifica's coast. Paine is reportedly already aboard the Rainier, drilling his new squadron, but the Governor read a statement from the Captain, to all pirates: "If you come here, you will leave empty handed and broken. If you want a soft target, look south."

Haskell concluded his speech, "This is the latest plank in my Pacifica-First platform. While Hollywood tries to project her power across the ocean to Hawaii, in a vain attempt at empire building, we have liberated more counties from their grip. Rest assured we shall defend those gains, and every other inch of Pacifican soil."

The Governor refused to clarify whether his statements applied to the recently formed Alexander Archipelago Air Militia which has been harassing Pacifica patrols in southern Alaska.

—Lee Wong, Pacifica correspondent