While out in Sanctified Vidette, I do get access to my mail, as it is relayed via the friendly Amarr Navy research station in system. It was harder to get news while in the depths of Mezagorm than here in Anoikis!
I was happy to see that there was a new letter from Brother Hugo about the Epikouria colony. But my happy feelings did not last long: he wrote me that they are under attack! Not by the native Sleepers, nor by the first colonists living on the planets (the 'originals'), but by a fleet of outsiders, capsuleer pilots. First, it looked as if they were pirates, as they started by raiding the shipping lanes ferrying raw resources, commodities and products between mines and factories on planets and the new station.
Then, they started attacking several outposts and orbital structures that belong to our colonists, depleting the shields and bringing the structures to reinforcement. Perhaps these were not merely raiders, but rival colonists wanting to push out Publius and his people! An eviction attempt, sure to demoralize also the Ghosts who have just gone through a similar ordeal and sought relief with Publius and his colonists.
Oh, how frustrating it is to realize that Brother Hugo's letter started its journey several weeks ago! Whatever the outcome of this confrontation, it is too late to do anything about it, too late to send help. What took place already took place.
With great trepidation I continued to read.
Brother Hugo and his companions held prayer vigils throughout the long sleepless night of the reinforcement timer, imploring God to spare the colonists and to help the capsuleer pilots fighting for them. These vigils were well attended by the lower decks' workers and their families - folks that are not even sure if they will be evacuated at all should the worst happen.
The prayers were answered! Publius and his fellows were able to form a large fleet for the reinforcement timer, in numbers such that the assailants chose to leave, after broadcasting their goodbyes in local. To be sure, the system is still in full alert, and will be patrolled for a while to come, until they are sure it is not a ruse by the enemy. But the outlook seems good.
This was the first real crisis for Publius' colony and a true test of his defenses. The colonists came out victorious, which no doubt did not go unnoticed by the Originals on the planets, who now can have confidence that the Starborn can indeed protect them from raiding parties.
PS. Links to keep track of the letters of Brother Hugo:
I. First Contact
II. Diplomatic Talks
III. Refugee crisis
IV. Setting up a new home station
