Quote: 3.1 An attack is any hostile action that drains shields to less than 50%. Saying "Engaging" is not sufficient and aggressors are not allowed to destroy a ship before allowing sufficient time to respond. If a player is attacked he has the right to defend himself regardless of who is attacking. Trading nanobots, shieldbatteries or other ammo and equipment during a fight is also considered taking an active role in the engagement.
Consequences:
So yes, you were called into a fight in progress. You still have to offer some RP before you start shooting. You aren't allowed to just open up on another ship without saying a word. Feel free to ask for help if any of the rules are confusing. Your ship has been fined and some equipment removed.
I don't know which fight you mean, because I always RP before fight. But I think you mean the trader I attacked, because he denied to pay, it was near Colorado JG, i taxed him while Ambassador was there as well and a rogue bomber was disrupting the trade lane, the trader denied and I opened fire. Then Ambassador instantly opened fire on me, without saying a word and the trader was shouting "OORP!" without any reason, he was just pissed, because his cargo was full with H3.