Requesting status update on South Alliance. Today scavenging remote controlled unit was sent for reconnaissance mission to map jumphole locations throughout Rheinland systems but shortly after entering into California system it was detected by SA patrol stationed near Los Angeles. Upon the imminent contact the drone was programmed to issue request if met with HF hail identification at unencrypted broadcast. SA ships opened fire immediately. Outnumbered and outmatched the ship changed behavior to return to Vespucci. Long range scanners detected SA presence at Magellan gate, this moment I had to take control of the ship to prevent it from being captured or destroyed. A lengthy chase throughout the California system followed, it broke with SA themselves who disrupted the trade lane the moment after drone went through the ring. The drone ship has been saved and brought back to Vespucci. Requesting status on SA so I can re-programm it to avoid unnecessary contacts like this one.