Ubi Silvestria Sunt: October 2021

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.

29-10-YC123

Ill-omened times are upon us again with those blood-stained heretics crawling from their holes to murder and pillage. Yet there is no fear here, for we are unshakeable in our faith and trust in the protection of God, The Eternal Empress, and the stalwart defenders of the Empire.

Not only that, but in this household we have the excitement and joy that can only be brought about by new life! All the Saints be praised! Ishta is with child!

Of course, this is not wide news, yet, for she and Sasha are still unmarried, but that minor matter shall be rectified soon enough, and given how plain the love they have for one another is to see, I cannot imagine anyone being in the least bit surprised at them being united so soon. One of the advantages of being the youngest child, I suppose, is that one does not have to suffer a lengthy courtship for the sake of protocol.

Undoubtedly I feel a small pang of jealousy, for what I would not give for children of my own, but such foolishness is so easily set aside when I imagine the opportunities I shall be afford as an aunt to spoil the little one. Not that I am making any such purchases or preparations at the moment, for to do any such thing would be the most awful bad luck. I do hope Ishta is being instructed in the rites and beliefs we have in Nakri surrounding these matters. I rather think one of two of them will seem quite peculiar to her.

We spoke of Maksym and Ruslan's sentences. Ishta feels that Ruslan's being sent to a shtrafbat to be rather unjust, and perhaps she is right. She hinted at wanting to rescue him, though I am not entirely sure how might be achieved. I suppose I could make enquires, and Papa must have more than enough influence to have him transferred. It would not be the first time given that more than one member of the 601st came from such a background. I shall ask him about it.

Maksym, however, I think can stay right where he is. Whilst Ruslan could perhaps be persuaded to relinquish any claim on his family seat, Maksym most certainly would not, and we shall have enough trouble removing Danylo. Their father may be less stubborn when it comes to letting go of the title. After all, these recent tribulations have surely done very little good for his weak heart.

Once there is an opening left where the Kovals once were, I intend to see it agreeably filled.

14-10-YC123

Speaking with the Directrix, who has the most radiant glow about her and is absolutely blooming into her pregnancy, has reinvigorated me somewhat after the last few weeks of inward contemplation. She was looking for my assistance in some dealing with a Holder in Mehatoor, a Lady de Vil. It would appear this Lady has little regard for the environment around her own demesne and rather than healthy, vibrant wetlands, it is a disposal ground for the most toxic of waste. Of course, all the protective feelings that the Directrix has toward nature are of little use when faced with the arrogant attitude of a Holder against a Commoner, even if that Commoner may have more honour and moral strength than many of her so-called betters.

Hence, the Directrix comes to me. I may very well be able to help, but I believe we may need a multi-faceted plan of attack. This Lady de Vil seems to have forgotten that no Holder, in reality, owns their land. We merely keep it on behalf of Her Imperial Majesty, and to abuse that land is to insult the property of The Empress. The problem here, of course, is that one must consider why nothing has thus far been done to address it. It may be that the Imperial Authorities and perhaps de Vil's own Liege know nothing of the matter, or something rather more immoral and corrupt may be at play. If the latter, I very much doubt de Vil will take a stranger into her confidence, so we must gather our information through more subtle means.

Conveniently, the planet is Oceanic, and so has access to resources that are not so easily obtained here. What could be more everyday and ordinary than one noble approaching another noble to discuss the possibility of negotiating a trade agreement, and if I am there, then of course I am bound to have a personal contingent.

It will be a good opportunity, I feel, to give Ishta her first real experience of commanding a clandestine operation. She has a vast range of combat experience, but if she truly wishes to make Vorona a Special Operations force, she needs to widen her knowledge. I shall give her Alpha Team and full control of the planning and execution.

Well, perhaps not full control.

Alpha team should easily be able to uncover anything untoward that is taking place. In the meantime, the Directrix is to organise an environmental analysis of the affected area. This is I feel is something the Directrix can more easily undertake, but will aid our objective just as much. Should it be found that the toxins in the area be in any way inconsistent with de Vil's claimed industrial concerns, we shall know we are looking at something potentially much more serious than neglectful and inadequate environmental safety practices.

I may also have a task for Omega team. I had thought Nauplius was beyond usefulness since he had the foolish audacity to turn on my family, but it seems I was mistaken. After his failure to corrupt the good people of Nakri, he scurried off with his particularly bizarre brand of treason and heresy to the Federation, where he seems to have made himself quite the home. I am informed that he is causing quite a stir and tensions between his deluded followers and the citizens of Lamadent, Thelan, and Lirsautton are increasing day by day. It is a delicate situation by all accounts, and one that could easily explode into violence and bloodshed at any moment. Such a tragic event would, of course, seriously damage Nauplius' already unstable edifice, as well as cause disruption for the Federation. All it needs is a little something to set off this volatile mix.

I can have Omega team inserted into the area by this time tomorrow.

On the subject of volatile situations given a little shake, I should really assess the status of Operation Snegovschina on Floseswin. I trust my partisans are doing what they have been paid to do. Then I shall give Ishta the good news.