The Free Trader Gollonayii had left the starport and was heading out of the system when it was intercepted by a Tukera Lines cruiser. The cruiser demanded to be allowed to board the Gollonayii to examine its cargo, claiming exclusive right to export Ianician crafts and legal right to enforce the monopoly. Fortunately the trader was being escorted by three System Defense Boats of the Ianic Navy, and they officially informed the Tukera vessel that no such rights had been given, and that they were engaging in an act of piracy.
The Tukera ship then without warning opened fire on the Ianician SDB's, disabling one immediately. The other naval vessels returned fire, and the resulting battle lasted for three hours before the Gollonayii escaped and the Tukera cruiser withdrew.
The System Navy had been scrambled by then, but concentrated on the urgent rescue of the survivors of their own ships rather than pursuing the aggressor.
Since this is a matter involving interstellar trade, it falls under the
jurisdiction of Imperial authority. The government of Ianic has sent an official representative to Adabicci
(1824 Spinward Marches; A57189B-B) to petition the Duke to restrain Tukera's
activities in their system. They will also be filing suit against Tukera
Lines, LIC for the cost of three System Defense Boats, and have informed
this reporter that they will be seeking punitive damages.