Ubi Silvestria Sunt: September 2020

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.

25-09-YC122

I had my first taste of combat against the Triglavian invaders today, taking the fight to them in their own twisted realm. Unfortunately it was less successful that I would have liked, though perhaps more so than I was expecting. Their first few vessels proved little challenge to my Punisher, Andromeda, but a Kikimora-class presented more of a challenge. I must admit that I had not considered the dangers of being in enemy territory and I am fortunate that the signal to my clone was still functional. The loss of the ship is disappointing, but it is a learning experience. The rest of today will be spent recuperating; I still feel overly nauseous after clone jumping.

Felix has apparently finished setting up his planetary industrial operations and production lines are now fully functional. Excellent news, of course, and we will soon be able to begin the next phases. Not a moment too soon, as Sansha activity in and around Nakri appears only to be increasing. Simply one more enemy of the Empire to deal with, and one we intend to focus on.

06-09-YC122

I thought today would be a routine patrol, if there can ever be any such thing. I fear that with the focus so firmly upon the Triglavian invaders, many are forgetting our more familiar foes, and the madman Kuvakei's unholy abomination of a vision has never faded. It is frightening to think that one of this maniac's so-called acclimatisation centres was hidden so skilfully in Thebeka, and had I not investigated the signature that had been reported by local authorities who knows how long it would have remained, permitting his hideous automatons to work their evil. I dare not dwell on the tortures endured by the poor souls who are kidnapped and taken there. My discovery of the place was truly God's Will, and I was His Tool, bringing Divine Wrath to the enemy, and Blessed Peace to the innocent unfortunates.

I feel that I must have been guided by God and The Eternal Empress. The Nation's forces were numerous, but they were no match for the guns of Star of Amarr, and she sustained barely a scratch. I shall ask Father Mikhail to give her a blessing, whilst I give thanks to both God and The Eternal Empress. I must also admit that because of the grim nature of the task, and the haunting, disturbing nature of the enemy and their activities in this human farm, I realise that there must be more of these twisted places hidden in the dark recesses of our Empire, and not necessarily so very far away. So many enemies, so much work to do, and I never feel as though I do enough.

Not only shall I give thanks in my prayers tonight, but I also shall pray for guidance and direction. Now that Lilya has released me from my promise and dissolved our engagement, what other direction do I have? I may as well give my all to the war.

I have avoided any mention of Lilya and I. Now I have made it real, though it was real enough despite my foolish attempts to hide from it.

I think I must also pray for strength tonight, for I know already what little I have will fail me.