A Speed Bump on the Filamenting Highway to High Security

Recently, and thanks to slowing down my visits into each system into Pochven, I find a lot of exploration frigates in odd locations within the system.  These intrepid explorers are not sitting on any known celestials.  They are sitting in a safe location, but uncloaked out in space.

I was initially convinced they were at scanned signatures like wormholes or maybe a data or relic site.  Eventually they would then just disappear off the scanner never to be seen again.

Being nomadic, I am able to setup a combat scanner.  So I figured I would combat scan one to see what they were doing.  An important risk of Combat Scanning is scaring away the prey.  If they are busy, they might not notice the combat scanning probes.  But if paying attention they will scurry off.

On the first occasion I scanned down the Heron. and then cautiously warped over to the ship at range.  This lead to a failed capture as I was too far from the ship and could only see the filament gate open and witness a disappearing act.  My trepidation lead to a missed opportunity.

On another occasion during an evening roam I find a Heron on dscan.  I see that the ship is close to a customs office, so warp over to see if they are near or at a safe.  As I land I see the filament already running and, like the time before, they are already jumping through the portal.  Another disappearing act.

But, my luck is about to change.  Yes another evening and I am doing a thorough run through a system.  I found a Heron on dscan out in the middle of space.  Not wanting to miss this one I went to a safe location away from their scanning range and quickly refit for combat scanning.  

Luckily they did not seem to be paying attention as I was able to scan them down, return the fit of my ship to combat configuration and warp to their location. The filament portal was just opening as I landed and the Heron was about 200km away.  Just far enough to warp down to the target and quickly eliminate the ship.  I also acquired a trophy.

Finally. Third time was indeed a charm.  Adding to my glee I was also able to score a bonus kill in the next system over with another Heron that was just lingering on the gate.

Taking some extra time in each system to see what is lingering out in space has provided some extra opportunities.  I am grateful.

For now,

Be Well New Eden!