Colonel Beauregard "Rapier" Travis—the most decorated pilot in the Confederation of Dixie—has a new accolade to add to his already impressive list of accomplishments. In a public ceremony last Thursday, Col. Travis was named the "Ace of Aces" of his nation, after scoring his 62nd confirmed kill in a recent skirmish with Texan privateers two weeks ago.

Travis has already earned two Southern Stars for Valor—the first, for his defense of the Ashdown rail junction; the second for leading a daring assault against the Empire State in 1935—and is the youngest pilot to reach the rank of Colonel in the Dixie military.

Confederation President Robert Turner presented Travis the award in the capital building in Atlanta. "Colonel Travis represents the best and brightest among us, and it is pilots of such modesty, skill and daring that shall protect us from those who seek to destroy us," said President Robert Turner.

Travis received the award with his characteristic modesty. In his prepared statement, Travis expressed gratitude for the honor, but also asked that citizens of Dixie remember those who had fallen in battle, in defense of their homes and families. Travis was uncharacteristically emotional as he delivered his thank-you address. Many readers may recall that as a young militia flier, Travis' longtime friend and friendly rival, Martin "Banjo" McCauley was killed in a dogfight with "Marshal" Bill Redmann.

"I am one man among many," Col. Travis said after taking the podium. "I have sworn to protect the Confederation of Dixie, to my dying breath...but I am not alone. The men and women of our militia forces are all willing to make the same sacrifices, pay the same price, as those who came before us. I thank you for this honor, and I ask that you remember those fallen in our defense."

Travis' citation comes as the young Colonel and his squadron—the Winged Knights—are being reassigned to the Texas-Dixie border, in response to heightened tensions between the two nations. Travis' mission against alleged Texan privateers has prompted an increase in hostile rhetoric between these two turbulent nations, and both sides have begun escalating their military presence along their borders.

When asked if the reassignment of the Winged Knights to an undisclosed border post marks the opening shot of a war between Texas and Dixie, Travis responded: "We are not in the habit of making war on our neighbors. We formed this great nation to avoid having others meddle in our affairs, not to impose our will on those who do not agree with us. We will not fire the first shot against Texas, but by God, we will fire the last."

-Jonah "Doc" Duval, AWN Dixie Correspondent