...Incoming Transmission...
...To: Liberty Navy Primary Fleet Command...
...Encryption: Moderate...
...Origin: West Point Academy...
Sender: Recruit David Ripper (NM124327)
Subject: Patrol Report (08/10)
Sir/Ma'am
Below is the patrol report for date 08/10.
After issuing of a BDR-337 'Executioner' class heavy fighter; via the Battleship Mississippi, I set course for New York, and a reported Rogue presence near the California Jumpgate.
En Route I picked up an unusual transmission (the sender seemed to be making use of some sort of scrambler). I asked the source to identify him or herself, but they were less then cooperative.
As my newly-commissioned ship was not fitted with tracking equipment, I opted to leave the situation be until the signals origin could be deduced. As it turns out, that wasn't necessary as I stumbled across the vessels responsible en-route to the Jumpgate.
Just as I arrived the Hackers fired upon the Secondary Fleet Gunboat, 'Rose's Thorn'. I offered my assistance.
Hell, it was different from training, I'll give you that. I did a fair job dodging fire from the Rouge but was unable to get myself into a position to return the favour.
After a brief skirmish my shields were bought down. The Pirate fired on my unshielded wing before I could to initiate auto-repair systems, causing detonations in the starboard fuel tank. The Executioner lost primary drive systems, as well as weapons batteries, I was lucky to limp back to the trade lane.
I don't know what happened to 'Rose's Thorn', however the situation didn't look too good when I was put out of action. I hope she made it out, I'll be watching the Neural Net for reports.
Anywho; I made it back to West Point and my ship has been under repair for the past day. It looks as though she'll be space worthy again shortly (A few hours, according to the engineer. That said; he's still in training'¦ Not that I can talk.)
It's certainly been an active first patrol, and I'm not likely to underestimate the Rogues again.