I joined Phate for some piracy today. Our first target was the USV Cleveland, an Advanced Train hauling Gate/Lane parts through Magellan. We were able to destroy his escort, a Havoc Bomber, but the Cleveland itself escaped to Leeds. Temporarily at least. Cleveland Scan Escort Scan
Just after the Cleveland managed to escape, another trade vessel landed right in our midst. However, it was escorted by an Orca Gunboat. While Phate was extracting payment from the trader, I occupied the Gunboat, making sure that it was too far away to render assistance to its ally. Once we received payment, I let the Orca go. Trader Scan Escort Scan Payment received
After this, perhaps thinking we were occupied, the Cleveland attempted to flee. We pursued it to Newcastle, where we were finally able to cut off the ships access to trade lanes, and disrupt its cruise drive. It insisted on putting up a fight, however after we vaporized the majority of the ships components, it was more willing to listen. It dropped its load of 4990 units of Gate/Lane parts, and I atomized them on the spot. Cleveland Stopped Conversation with the pilot Destroying Cargo
The Bretonian Warship, the HMS Warspite, as well as the White Tiger Mercenaries, attempted to stop us as we left. They were unsuccessful, and as we returned home, Phate stopped for rest. I still had work to do however. Our Interrogation ship had become bloated with Bounty Hunters, which had outlived their usefulness to the Hackers. With 69 Hunters from the Interrogation vessels, and 289 of my own, totaling 358 Hunters, I loaded them up on the Calamity and proceeded to Arranmore. I notified [MR]Michael.Carruth of the arrival of their new guests, I understand they have some...creative interrogation methods. Hunters in my hold Message to the Mollies Making the transfer
With that task completed, I picked up my Stiletto, and launched for the Outcast worlds. With my recent promotion to Hacker, I have finally received clearance to fly the Falcata bomber, and needed to go to Palermo to receive it. On the way, I proceeded to test the recent fruit of our R&D Department, the Personal Lane Generator. While it DID produce the lights and sounds associated with Trade Lane travel, it failed to affect my speed in any way at all. I guess the R&D Department needs to go back to the drawing boards. Personal Trade Lane
Also, I stopped briefly on Cali base for a quick resupply. While there, I spoke to an Outcast, who obviously did not recognize me as a member of the Hacker Guard. While I know the Outcasts are trusted allies, we should be wary of their true intentions, as evidenced here. Rumour
The rest of my trip went without incident, and am now the proud owner of a Falcata. It is currently sitting at the Phoenix Shipyard, I'll look it over there before it sees combat. Also, I'll transfer a total of 5 518 000 credits to Hacker accounts, 4 million from the piracy of the Chamberlain, and 1 518 000 from the sale of the 69 Hunters aboard the Interrogation vessels.
That concludes my rather extensive report, I hope nobody fell asleep while reading it.
Dexter out.