Fiction Friday: Series 4 - Part 16

Previously:
Prologue Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13
Part 14 Part 15

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Max and I talked for a few hours and I got a good feel of what the corporation he represented, m3 Corp, was about. Essentially they were a multipurpose capsuleer corporation working out of a nearby constellation called Sukanan. Although ostensibly part of the Amarr empire, the patrols of the Navy and Ministry of Internal Order were sporadic at best and then only in force. Many Sansha Nation fleets and installations had broken down security in the pocket to the point where not even CONCORD could enforce security adequately.

That's where corporations like m3 came in. They were working for agents of the Imperial Navy in trying to blunt the Sansha presence, as well as trying to combat the rampant capsuleer criminal activity that began with the withdrawal of regular CONCORD patrols. Max's corporation was one of several working together in an official capacity as the BlackWater alliance (ticker: BWA). They weren't large like the null sec capsuleer alliances but they were large for a pocket like Sukanan and had some success improving security for lone pod pilots and some corporate fleet from Impro and Chemal Tech.

"Its not easy work," Max opined. "The automatic sentry guns run off a CONCORD database of who the pod pilot criminals are so we can engage them without interference, but we know of several pilots who are smart enough to keep off that list so we can't engage them first without taking sentry fire." He took a swig of his beer. "We've gotten pretty good at baiting some of them but they learn quick."

They weren't only a passive anti-pirate force. "We also do patrols in low sec space around Tash Murkon and Domain regions, and we've made friends in Providence so we're starting roams in there as well."

"Null sec space?" I said surprised. "You looking to move out there?"

"Yeah, that's the goal."

"But CVA, they're old school Amarr, right? Slaves, castes, etc?"

"They're conservative internally but they are still capsuleers and recognize the need for pragmatism like any good Caldari," he replied with a wink. "They don't interfere in allies internal policies as long as we continue to work towards securing Providence and Domain for the Empire."

"I've got a soft spot for the Republic," I said with a grimace, "I don't know if I like the idea of working against them with the enemy..."

"You mean the Ushra'Khan? A bunch of terrorists and pirates," he spat, "with more interest in the kill than fighting for the Republic. Hell, even the Thukkers are considered better upstanding citizens back in Pator."

I nodded and took a sip of my wine. "You've given a lot to think about, Max. I need to talk to my brother and see if he needs me but if not..." I left the question unfinished.

Max beamed his friendly smile and said enthusiastically, "Of course! I mean we'll need to run you by Grey and Darth, but I'm sure there won't be any problems!"

"Great," I said. "I could use fresh start." Another one, I added in my head.