First Blood

        "Incoming neutrals." the scouts reported.

        Knee Anderthal knew this was a chance to taste real combat. Even though the pilots were not at war with the alliance, general policy in nullsec is that that today's neutrals are tomorrow's opponents on a scouting mission. Deny their intelligence and your establishment is safer for it.

        The Rifters were already built and fitted. He wanted to be ready at a moment's notice and have spares on hand should he get into a bad situation. He selected one and took off.

        His allies were prepared. Disruption bubbles were set up 10km away from the gate leading toward his new paradise. He orbited the bubbles and waited eagerly, configuring his neural display for combat targets. He caught a couple glimpses of a neutral Rapier, but the ship obviously had a cloak, as it didn't hang around his vision for long. Already the capsuleers were showing they were smarter than the Guristas.

        Suddenly, he detected three hostiles inside the solar system. The team was ready and waiting. The hostiles warped in. A Stealth Bomber, an Interceptor, and an Interdictor. They flew directly into the web and the spiders descended with aplomb.

        Maybe capsuleers weren't so smart after all. It certainly wasn't elegant or even fair, but it was First Blood nonetheless.