You're where the Wild Things are...

An in-character blog set in the universe of EVE Online. These are the private diary entries of Lady Ekaterina Mariya deSilvestris, a minor Amarrian Noble and Capsuleer. Other existing characters within EVE will be referred to throughout, though any opinions and views expressed are those of this character. These entries may touch on or directly address mature themes such as violence, sexuality, race and ethnicity, and mental health. As noted, any views are those of the character.

Before we begin, I feel it important to say a few words on the subject of mental health. Ekaterina, or Ekat as many call her, is something of a troubled soul. This aspect of her character is a personal choice I have made, for very personal reasons. Although EVE is a game in which the players can immerse themselves to a greater or lesser degree as they wish, mental health is a very real issue for many people. Those two simple words cover a myriad different issues and concerns that affect people directly or indirectly every day all, over the world.

If you find yourself affected by any issues touched upon in these posts, or if you face your own troubles, please know that there are people out there you can turn to; doctors, friends, family - there is ALWAYS someone. If you are an EVE player, then Broadcast 4 Reps chat is available, staffed by wonderfully kind and good-hearted volunteers. If you know of someone who has mental health issues, then please just let them know you are there. It doesn't have to be anything big, just a smile, a cup of tea, a quick phone call about last night's game - just a little thing to show they aren't forgotten.

You Never Fly Alone.
30-11-YC121

What in the name of The Eternal Empress is wrong with me?  I felt so confident and sure when I returned from my Pilgrimage, but it seem to have evaporated.  I was so happy to see Lilya again, but that too I find a struggle.  Not that I am unhappy with her, but rather I struggle to keep the positive feelings of joy and love in my heart.

I hate the IGS forums, I do not know why I ever look at them.  Perhaps it was the design of God, for such things are not for me to understand, but I stumbled across some pathetic post by that Matari bitch, some vomit-inducing bile about Love.  Of course she was talking about him, and of course he responded with his usual sugar-syrup words.  The Harlot and the Traitor.  They deserve each other. I found myself agreeing with Elsebeth Rhiannon that this bullshit about Love is merely some poor and transparent justification for her whoring herself to someone who, if there was any honour in his soul, would be her enemy.

It was then that I felt it, deep inside me.  That Unclean Force, that Darkness, that hatred, uncurling in my heart and soul.  Yet I cannot truly accept that it is an altogether negative emotion.  It has power, real power.  I just need to learn to focus it, properly.  Yes, cutting, seeing my blood flow, helps release it, but there must be a better way.  I feel I can use it.  It is a gift, not a curse.  It is the same as the power I felt after She visited me, the gift She gave me to help me find escape from my captors.

Focus it what I need.  I think a visit to the exercise grounds would be a very good idea.

Papa has also placed me within the Command Structure of the 601st, as Captain.  Since Her Imperial Majesty's decree, they have been transferred to our family's Household Forces, rather than remaining within the Imperial Navy.  It is, in all honesty, a more natural position for them; after all, it was Papa that founded the Unit, and in reality the have more allegiance and loyalty to our family than to the Navy.  It is such a pity, however, that Lord Pitoojee has decided to end Ishta's secondment.  Sasha has not taken it well, although there is no reason why they cannot see one another, unless, of course, Lord Pitoojee forbids that also.  I do not know the reasons behind Lord Pitoojee's decision, though I understand he, and LUMEN, have some disagreements over Sarum's relaunching of the Reclaiming.  Not that they have any right to question the decisions and prerogatives of one such as Lord Sarum!  They have ideas above their station, and I cannot help but wonder if that is yet another sign of the poison being spread by that Harlot.  They is no doubt in my mind that she is the Enemy Within.  I think perhaps I should speak with one of the Paladin Commanders about my concerns.  We are not without our defences, for if the enemy have a spy in our camp, we can have one in theirs.
20-11-YC121

Today I visited the final Holy Station on my Pilgrimage - the wreckage of EF Seraph.  Though broken and burned, lying off the Navy Assembly Plant, it is still a glorious sight.  Glorious, yet heartbreaking, for here it was that Jamyl Sarum was attacked, murdered, by the hateful, twisted Drifters.

My first emotion was shock.  I have never dared come here before, I did not think I would have the strength.  Fear, also; I could feel my pulse quicken, Dido reacting to my emotions, and had I not been in my pod, I am sure I would have felt a cold perspiration.  Yet, as I drew closer, I grew calmer, more peaceful.  I felt myself filled with a strength of Faith, a surety in Her never-ending Divinty, that kept me on course.

It was the same feeling I had all those years ago, when She came to me in my Darkest Time, when She imbued me with the power and will, the physical and emotional fortitude I required to escape my captors.  Only later did I find out that I had my vision of Her at the same moment that the terrible events were occuring if Safizon.  Did She come to me?  Did She reach across the void to touch me, to save me?  I do not know, but I believe that She did.

I have never spoken of this to anyone, nor shall I, but I knew, deep down, I would come here, eventually.  To pay my respects, to reach out to Her Holy Spirit.  If only I could have stepped outside Dido, physically reached out to touch the golden hull of The Eternal Empress' ship!  Physically, no; but spiritually?  Yes, I felt Her here, and with that I feel more confident, more certain, more hopeful than ever before. 

For that is what She is - Hope.

I shall return home tomorrow, then to Nafrivik.  I will be heartwarming to see Lilya again, for I have missed her.  Yet there shall be so many things to do.  For tonight, however, I shall spend the night in prayer to Her, The Eternal Empress, Immortal and Divine.

I shall give my all, my everything, to the Empire, to God, to Her.
19-11-YC121

I spent an extra day in Arx Adolis, in prayer to the memory of the fallen, and thanks to God and The Eternal Empress for our Victory there.  Afterwards, I had Dido cleaned and blessed again, and undertook my own ritual ablutions, for the next, and penultimate, Holy Station on my Pilgrimage was the Imperial Honour Guard in Amarr Prime, still in formation since the the day of the Coronation of Empress Catiz I.

Of the sight of individual ships, or even large fleets, I am more than used to, being the daughter of a Naval Officer, yet the site of the Imperial Honour Guard took my breath away.  Truly, they have restored their honour.  It is such a beauteous thing to behold, that I can scarcely find words to appropriately describe it.  The massed power of the fleet, in their glittering gold livery evokes nothing short of a sense of the sublime.  It is a fitting escort for Her Imperial Majesty, Empress of Holy Amarr, floating high above Oris as the planet shines like a radiant jewel in a Heavenly Crown.  I also felt a sense of security and stability, and there is no doubt in my mind that with such a strong and disciplined Navy, Amarr, in truth, shall weather any storm, no matter how dark and threatening the skies may be, now or in the future.

First and foremost, the words of my vow upon Her Imperial Majesty's Coronation came to my mind.  I gave that vow willingly and faithfully, and I shall uphold it, to the exclusion of all else, until God decrees that I should be no more.  I wish that others who had taken that vow held it in the same supreme regard, above every other concern they may have.  I suppose, of course, there shall always be those who are false, or who waver in the face of commitment to true devotion and loyalty.  They shall be found out, of course, and cast out with all the other betrayers and treacherous Enemies of Amarr.

I have but one final Holy Station to visit.  This one, I know, shall be the most moving and emotional, but God is with me, and I shall have the strength I need to meet the most personal of moments.
17-11-YC121

They say Pride cometh before a fall, but I cannot help but be proud as I write this in my quarters on Arx Adolis.  It was here, in Thebeka, that I undertook my first real action with PIE during the operations there.  Papa, too, was proud when he saw the medal I was awarded for my service, The Order of Thebeka.  Yet it is not just myself of which I am proud;  I am proud of what we achieved, given the difficulties we faced, the odds against us.  Not only the horrors of the Heretics' use of Deathglow, quite possibly the most vile weapon ever devised by a twisted mind, but also the active collusion of the Tribals in arming the rebellion.  Even supposedly State-loyal groups supported our enemies.  As usual, the Tribals hid behind their lies of undertaking humanitarian missions!  As if those barbarians understand anything about humanitarianism.  They murder women and children in cold blood, or at the very least give weapons to people induced to a psychotic mania and let them do it.  It is disgusting, and they should be punished for their crimes.

Ah, but all that is behind us.  The rebellions are quelled, peace restored, through the brave and noble actions of PIE and our allies, not to mention other Imperial forces involved in the fighting, such as Sasha and his unit.  I think I shall spend some time here in prayer, giving thanks to God for the strength found in standing with The Faithful.
16-11-YC121

If Fort Kumar is an example of the rewards those who serve our Motherland may expect, then Arzad II is an example of the punishments that must befall those who betray her.  My journey there was not so hazardous as I expected, though I have no doubt taking the proper precautions was a wise choice as always.

I must admit I find it difficult to even imagine the mind of anyone who would take up arms against us in rebellion, though it is a sad reality that many of the lower orders, and, more horrifingly, even some of the higher, do not seem to appreciate the fortunate life they have been given in serving God.  There are many who think that the annihilation of the Starkmanir was too much, but God is Wrathful as well as Merciful, and we, as God's Chosen, must be so too.  It cannot have been an easy decision for Idonis Ardishapur to have taken, but what choice could he have had?  Any child would avenge the murder of their father, Honour demands it, but when one's father is a Royal Heir!  It was not only for the Honour of the Ardishapur Family, but for the Empire as a whole.

An example was set, as was only right and proper.  Those who choose to ignore it are fools, and they shall join the Starkmanir in their fate.

Later

From enemies to allies.  I have docked in the CVA refinery in Misaba, and been made most welcome by the hangar crew.  I shall spend some time refreshing myself and offering prayers before continuing on.

It is strange to be out here again after so very long.  Once upon a time, in a different life, I belonged to a group that was part of CVA.  I wonder what became of them and the friends I made there.  I could never have foreseen the path my life would take, but at least I can find such comfort in the constancy of allies such as these.  I only with other supposed allies were as trsutworthy and dependable.

I wonder if I shall ever find myself in this part of the cluster again.  Such exciting times I had.

I think I shall rest here awhile before moving onward to Thebeka.
15-11-YC121

Fort Kumar in Kenobanala is a sight to behold!  It is, at one and the same time, majestic and forbidding, projecting its military might far beyond its immediate vicinity.  I do not exaggerate when I saw I was awed by it.  I was even given the honour of permission to dock, which must be rarely extended to anyone not immediately connected with the Fortress, and never to anyone not militarily connected to the Empire.  I can only assume that it was granted because of my being a Praetorian, though I suppose it is possible my family name had some little influence, if the Commander knows my father.  Whatever the reason, it was a welcome show of hospitality to a humble pilgrim.

I spent some time there, and was given a small tour of the Kameira traning facilities, and even a chance to spar a little, which was most exhilarating.  Ishta, I think, would be very appreciative of some time here, and this place made me think of her.  Like Ishta, the Kameiras have been granted Ammatar citizenship.  They show such bravery and loyalty to our Empire, and such devotion to God, it is only right that they be duly rewarded.  It gives me hope that others may be so elevated, that they shall come to see the Light, and the Beauty that comes with having one's eyes opened to the Glory of God and the Righteousness of Amarr's Destiny.

I have now docked in the Crusade station in Mehatoor, to prepare for what is most likely the most dangerous and risk-filled stage of my Pilgrimage - Arzad.  Yet I have no fear or anxiety.  The further I progress, the closer I am to God, and I shall be rendered safe by such proximity to the Divine.  I have Faith too, that She, the Eternal Empress, guards and guides me.
14-11-YC121

I write this in Arx Exubitoris, PIE's Citadel in Dresi.  I would never have dared imagine that I would ever be allowed in this place.  It is a magnificant bastion, testament to PIE's proud history and noble purpose, a history and purpose I now have the pleasure to share in.

Once I have made my daily prayers, I shall make some use of the superb training facilities here, as it is only right I should hone my hand-to-hand skills.  Also, if I have time, I shall visit Dresi III, the small planetoid whereupon is Dam-Argat, with it's awe-inspring Cathedral, dedicated to Zakara the Martyr.

I hope Lilya is alright without me.  I know she shall be missing me terribly, and I have not spoken to her since I began this Pilgrimage, nor will I until I have completed it.  I know it was not necessarily, and certainly not a condition imposed by the Paladin-Commanders, but I feel that during this Holy Journey, I should, inasmuch as I am able, avoid contact with anyone I do not immediately encounter, and only then if it serves a part of my Progression.

I feel at peace in this place, secure.  My quarters are comfortable, and I am sure I shall rest well.  Perhaps if I rest earlier, I shall have more time for a visit to Dam-Argat. I would so dearly love to see it.  I am told it stands surrounded by ice plains, which would also be a new and exciting experience for me.  Ice plains are not something one sees very much of growing up on a station.
13-11-YC121

As I knew I would, I had nightmares, and did not sleep well.  I do not recall my dreams clearly, only shadowy figures and half-heard, unsettling noises.  Perhaps there is something unpleasant at work, an Unclean Force, or perhaps it is my own inner Darkness uncoiling again.  I shall not be dissuaded from my Pilrimage, neither by man nor by daemon.

I left the Ministry of War station and visited the nearby Memorial in Andrub first.  The Drifters had long gone, continuing whatever mysterious business they had.  I offered my prayers to the Martyrs again, my thoughts drawn to their sacrifice, defending our home against unwarranted Tribal aggresson.  I am reminded that there is always, always more that I can give.

I then travelled to the Memorial in Nishah, once again praying to the Souls of the Martyrs, entreating that they should look well upon my future endeavours, that they shall lend me their strength and fortitude in my times of need.

 The final Memorial, to the innocent victims of brutal Tribal terrorism, is in Pashanai.  My route took my through the State, and despite the solemnity of my journey, I could not help but think, briefly, of Commander Adams.  I am sure he would have some flippant comment on my Pilgrimage.  How different things might have been, but that is the past, and I cannot think on it.  My route also took my briefly through the Federation.  Of course their laughably impotent Navy made some vague empty threats at my presence, but Dido is more than capable of outrunning anything they have.

I reached the Memorial in Pashanai to find more Drifter Battleships there.  Perhaps they were the same ones from Andrub, but it is irrelevant.  I ignored them and prayed for the Souls of the Fallen Innocent, at Peace now in the Presence of God.  In some ways the wounds are healed, or at least physical damage is repaired, but Justice is still to be done.  So long as one enemy remains alive to threaten our Empire, we cannot rest.  All must be brought before the Judgement of God.  On that day, we, the Truly Faithful, shall rejoice.




12-11-YC121

I have visited the Battlesite in Kor-Azor Prime.  As in Sarum Prime, one can feel the Power of God here.  It lifts my spirits to see the wreckage, smashed and torn asunder, of our enemies, and I realise that none can stand against us.  No matter how dark circumstances may seem, no matter how dire the situation may become, Amarr shall prevail.  This is as true now, with even more opponents ranged against us, as it was during the Elder War.

Our Victory did not come without sacrifice, of course.  No victory can.  Many brave Believers gave their lives in the name of God, in the name of the Empire.  They are at peace with God now, for no truer nor more deserved Fate can their be for the Faithful.  They shall be remembered for Eternity, Honoured above all.  I know that any humble effort I can make shall pale into insignificance before the Glory of the Fallen, but if I must fall, I pray that it shall be in battle, for God and for The Empire, in emulation of the Heroes of the our Beloved Motherland.

As I floated silently above the Memorial near the planet Eclipticum, I prayed to and for the Souls of the Martyrs.  I shall hold the memory of their deaths in my heart, and draw from it the strength I need to fulfill my duties.

The strange Autothysian Drones of the Drifters were taking an interest in the Memorial around the Emperor Family station in Ami when I arrived.  As is their norm, they showed no desire to interfere as I offered my prayers here also.  Yet I found their presence an uncomfortable reminder of the Dark Forces we face.  I was glad to be so reassured by the feelings of Peace filling my spirit as I prayed.

I have chosen to rest in the Ministry of War Bureau above Andrub II-1.  There is another Memorial here, which I shall visit when I awaken.  Two Drifter Battleships were patrolling near the station when I arrive.  I do not feel fear when I see them, just hate for what they did.  I shall offer another prayer to the Martyrs before I sleep.  Perhaps they can armour me against the nightmares I can feel picking at the edge of my mind.
11-11-YC121

I have begun my Pilgrimage in Sarum Prime.  It seems the most fitting starting point, given my familial ties to this system and the Sarum Family.  In this system is, of course, a site connected to the Elder War, when the Tribals attempted to inflict untold devestation upon us.

That they even had the audacity to strike at CONCORD, to ignore the established Law of New Eden, speaks volumes of their utter disregard for anything approaching decency or honour.  That they built their ramshackle fleets in secret, with appropriated funds meant for their own people shows that these so-called Elders are nothing but charlatans and thieves, happy to send entranced fools to their deaths in order to further their own twisted, selfish ends.  Elements of the Republic Fleet even defied their own government and mutined to join the invasion.  We must also never forget the Tribals vile use of chemical weapons against innocent civilians.

Surely, against such weapons and such treachery, we would have fared much worse had it not been for the intervention of God.  Deliverence came in the form of Heaven's Champion!  Her!  The Eternal Empress.  Jamyl Sarum.  She saved our Beloved Empire, our Motherland, as surely as she saved my own unworthy soul from the torments of Angels.  She saved us because we had Faith, because we Believed, because we are God's Chosen.

Of course, Our Saviour could have taken the offensive into the Tribal's home.  She could have wiped them out in Holy Retribution for their cowardly acts.  Yet, in Her infinite Mercy, She did not.  Empress Jamyl respected the Rule of Law and the office of CONCORD, and stayed Her hand.  The Tribals should be grateful, but they have never begged for forgiveness for their trangressions as they should have done.

The enemy may have been chased back into the shadows, to skulk in the dark, benighted corners of New Eden, but if we are not vigilant, they will return, seeking unholy vengeance as creatures of that ilk do.  We must remember the example of Empress Jamyl.  We must not lose our Faith or forget our Covenant with God.  We must bring all to the Light, one way or another.

As I sat at the Mekhios Graveyard, I could feel Her Divince Power.  It felt much as it did when She came to me in my Darkest Hour, though far more potent than even then.  I feel a sense of purpose, of direction.  I know that with Faith in God and The Eternal Empress in my heart, I can fulfill my Destiny.
10-11-YC121

I have been with PIE for exactly one year.  It has been a most eventful year, and many things have happened that I would not, could not, have dreamed of.  Not all have been good and well, of course, but I feel I am growing stronger for them.

It seems most apt that on this anniversary I shall begin my Pilgrimage, the next stage of my spiritual growth.  I would never have believed I would be here.

My God and The Eternal Empress Bless me, my Family, and all those I love.
09-11-YC121

In a short amount of time I shall begin my Pilgrimage, my journey to the most holy and significant sites of our Beloved Motherland.  I have made all necessary preparations; a new clone, with no implants, so that I am as physically pure as I can be; sacred ablutions, prayers, and ritual blessings to make me so spiritually.  Once I have written this small entry, I shall join Father Mikhail as he blesses Dido, so that even the vessel that shall carry me on my travels is righteous in the Sight of God.  I have not completely finalised the itinerary, indeed, I am tempted to let God guide my direction, but I have some time to think more on it, whilst my hangar-crew make the final preparations for departure.

This Pilgrimage is so much more than a requirement to be elevated to Paladin, it is is necessity for myself.  With every place I visit I shall move closer and closer to God, and as I do so I shall reflect upon what it means to be one of God's Chosen People. I shall focus my mind upon my Holy Duties: to bring The Light to New Eden, and to destroy the Darkness.  Yet it is not only the Darkness in the Universe I must face, the multitudinous enemies that besiege Our Divine Empire, it is also the Darkness within.  For it is still there, quieted perhaps, but no less present.

I shall miss Lilya, but this journey I must make alone.  She will understand, I know.  She shall be within my mind and my heart as I travel, and God shall see this.  I have such questions regarding her, regarding my feelings for her.  I know I shall find answers.

Ishta has been given a task to undertake in my absence.  I cannot know if she will meet with success, but if anyone can, it is her.  She, also, shall be in my prayers to God during my journey.  I sense that her fate is bound closely with that of my family.  I should never have believe it but a few months ago, but I find myself wishing that the name deSilvestris was on her papers, rather than Pitoojee.  That, as with all else, is in God's Hands.

I shall think of Sirna, also.  How could I not?

May God, and The Eternal Empress, Bless and Guide my Journey.