There it was, 70km and closing. I checked the systems on my Rifter, medium shield extender, passive shield tank ready. I hit the afterburners, readying my three vulcan autocannons, and raced towards the encounter. There were few frigates that could withstand an up close onslaught from a well piloted Rifter.

He got the target lock before me, but I didn’t panic; still I approached at maximum velocity, waiting to get in range to unleash my fury.

A nos latched onto my ship, and then another. That was the enemy pilot’s first mistake; my autocannons didn’t require capacitor; it was one of the many glories of being a Minmatar. I was almost in range when the first volley from his medium beam lasers tore away half of my shields.

“What the? Aura, verify combat readouts are operational!” I barked. There was no way a frigate should be able to inflict that type of damage. Aura quickly affirmed that the enemy frigate was indeed packing a hefty punch. 

I had never encountered a Succubus before; that was my first mistake, not knowing the capabilities of my enemy. I had relied on my prowess, arrogantly underestimating my prey. 

I got into range and let loose with a ferocious volley against the enemy frigate, barely scratching its shields. Not only could this ship dish out the damage, but it was withstanding everything I had to throw at it easily.

Another blast from its beam lasers, and my shields were gone. I checked my damage output; I had done 2% damage to my enemie’s shields. I was going to lose this fight and I knew it.

I broke to a close orbit, hoping that my transverse velocity might be too much for the enemy’s turrets to track; it was very unlikely in a frigate fight.

My impotent autocannons continued firing, not even scratching the shields of the Succubus this time. Its pilot activated a shield booster, and was quickly restored to 100% as I continued to watch my armour plates get shredded, flying into space behind me.

I was outclassed. I was outgunned. I was embarassed.

The Succubus broke off the engagement when I soon reached hull. Fleet chatter picked up.

“Alright, pay up.” Cytral said triumphantly. You could hear Doc and others groan, having lost their wager on me, their Fleet Commander and combat training officer. 

“I want a rematch in the Renegade, Cy.” I said, completely emasculated before my men.

“You kidding me Roc? I honestly thought you were going to win this one!” There was laughter in the fleet channel. I hadn’t had a chance. It was testament to my presence that so many had bet ten million isk a piece on me. 

“That’s a sweet ship, Cy. You could’ve let me know I was going to get spanked.” I said.

Cytral and company had recently ambushed some pirates, and the Succubus had been left intact, its original pilot having ejected to save his life. Cytral had his mechanics work hard on the ship to restore it to operational capacity, and it had paid off. 

It had cost him close to one hundred and twenty million isk to get it to its current functionality, but as was just demonstrated, it was worth it. I couldn’t imagine any other frigate being to withstand it. In fact, it would probably even hold its own against a cruiser class ship.

“Only thing I’d have on you would be range and speed, Cy.” I said, wanting the chance to redeem myself. “And even then, I honestly don’t know if I’d have sufficient damage output to break that tank. Damn, what a mean ship.”

More laughter in the fleet channel. It wasn’t laughter at me. I honestly believed we were all shocked by the result. I think it was more that nobody had seen me so completely ineffectual, and it was our friendships and respect for each other that allowed us to make light of it.

Still, I wanted payback. I hated losing to myself, and really that is what had happened here. Had I researched a little, I would’ve seen what the Succubus was capable of. She lived up to her name admirably. She was ugly to look at, but gave you pleasure you couldn’t possibly imagine. I didn’t like that the joy came at my expense.

“Either way, we’re taking that to the frontlines of the war, Cy. You in that, me in my Firetail; the Amarr wouldn’t stand a chance.” I said.

“Aye, that is something we can do.” Cytral replied.

We docked up after finishing our original task, each of us moving on to other duties. I found myself brooding over this more than I should’ve. 

I found myself wondering how exactly I would beat that ship next time.

Any ideas?