16-03-YC121

Amarr Victor!

The Operation was a complete success.  Two more of the Heretics' Forward Operating Bases neutralised.  There was a stirring number of PIE officers present, along with an most pleasing turn out from LUMEN and other allies.  Admiral Xideinis was Fleet Commander, and it was, as always, an honour to serve under him.

Fortunately, I had managed to have everything I needed, or thought I might need, brought to Mehatoor in time, despite Ramina getting somewhat distracted with giving charity to some poor beggar girl on the station.  I cannot fault Ramina's kindness, of course, it has ever been a trait of her family, and is one of her qualities that first attracted Sasha. I do so hope he has moved on from his silly infatuation with Istha.  Strangely, I thought I vaguely recognised that beggar girl, but that seems unlikely.  Perhaps I have simply seen her around the station but never paid much heed before.

In the end, I did not need any extra ships.  Perhaps Constantin had given a blessing for my safety without me knowing, but this time there was not a single loss on our side - not even me!  Of course, it is also probably that we were all being even more cautious than usual.  Firstly, the enemy appeared fewer in number than on previous operations, though our force was essentially the same as usual.  The Admiral did wonder if they were keeping further response vessels in reserve, but if they were, they did not arrive.  One cannot help but ponder the possibility that something in the background prevent them from effecting their usual response, especially as this happened at both FOBs.

Secondly, and of more immediate concern, was a definite change of tactics.  Usually the enemy response team would immediately come toward us, but this time they did not do so for some time - again witnessed at both stations - and when they eventually did, it was not all at once, but in waves.  More interestingly, they retreated back again, out of engagement range.  To repair?  To attempt to lure one ot two more headstrong pilots on our side to follow them into a trap? I am pleased to say that PIE pilots are very unlikely to be so easily ensnared, but it is not an unwise tactic to try, and can be very effective in taking apart an enemy force.  Whatever the reason, it forced us to evolve our tactics in response, which was done with great success.  Still, it was mentioned, and I had thought of it myself, that had we had vessels fitted with warp disruptors, the enemy's tactic would have been immediately rendered unviable.  I know the Executioner class is looked-down upon by some of my superior Officers, but I honestly believe that had my ship alone only been fitted with one such device, rather than the two Webifiers, I could have prevented one ship escaping and aided in its destruction.  How much more influential would each additional ship so fitted be?  I am giving serious thought to submitting my design to the Admirals, for consideration towards an official PIE fit.  They will likely reject it, but I shall try nonetheless.  I believe in it.

The fleet has stood down, and some of my Comrades and Officers have gone to lend their strength to efforts in the warzone.  Anka is about to be secured for the Empire again, and rightly so.  I would go, but I must get something to eat first.  Strange how I have felt quite hungry the last couple of days, more so that usual.  If operations are still underway when I am done, I will go and assist.  If not, I shall see if Constantin is still in the Empire.  I would like to celebrate our Victory properly, with My Love.