Welcome to 2026! Arriving with a new year are new opportunities, new adventures, new experiences. And with all this new, here I am with some old habits. Taking a familiar path I departed into Pochven and began my circuit. I began my hunt looking for the unsuspecting. I was fortunate to find my first encounter. Fitting as it was the very target I enjoy, the very target that brought me into the region. The lone mining frigate.
The encounter relatively routine. I've had a lot time to tailor my ship and fit. I've practiced the approach and capture. All aspects of this capture have been honed and fine tuned. The only part of the encounter was that I was unable to secure the pod, the prize trophy. There will be more opportunities.
Taking the next week or so I slowly strolled throughout the systems of Pochven. I encountered fleets of PVE battleships with support. I encountered small gangs. Even some solo pilots. I chased a slippery Magnate around, but ended the session without success.
Having a bit of time I dipped into Pochven a few days later. I bounced a few systems looking for targets. I avoided some interdiction destroyers as well as some mobile warp bubbles(these are no fun). Upon entering Otela I was presented with a target. A lone Venture. Only 1 belt in system I quickly headed over to the location to prepare my normal routine.
During my crawl to the targets I will monitor dscan. Generally watching the activity within the system. Mostly larger ships moving gate to gate seeking larger targets. The Venture is not always desirable for these small gang hunters as they are not prepared to tackle and get on top of the Venture quick enough. The Ventures will generally be 100+ km away from the warp in to the site. This allows ample time for escape should an uncloaked ship arrive. Ventures also with built in warp core stability that will increase their odds of escape if initially captured.
Following my routine to the letter, I did notice a Loki show on dscan. Mistake number one, I 'assumed' that the Loki would have no interest in the Venture. The Loki dropped off dscan as expected. As I was already cloaked and crawling to my target I figured I would have ample time even if the Loki appeared with me.
My second mistake was another 'assumption'. Are you seeing a pattern here? Upon landing I could see that the target was around 100km away from the warp-in. Additionally I saw there was the potential that a ping could be made about 100km from the warp-in and somewhat closer to the target. For whatever reason I dismissed this option.
So, once I was within range I captured and dispatched the Venture. Quite quickly as the Venture exploded I found myself locked and warp disrupted by a Loki. My mistakes now catching me. With few options I decided to try to outrun the Loki and see if I could quickly get outside of disrupter range...this was unsuccessful.
So, I present my first loss of 2026 along with my second capture. A reminder and opportunity to learn. An ego check. A lesson to humble myself and see that there always others around. Sometimes with the same intentions as my own. Some more effective than I am, or at least a more effective counter. The circle of life as it were. Enjoy this dear reader, as likely this even will provide some retribution to you.
For now,
Be Well New Eden!
