I believe in leadership. From personal experience I know that you’re only as good as your wingmate. Any fleet commander worth their salt should be able to tell you personal details about every pilot flying under their command. Without those personal relationships, how can we trust one another? The foundations of our universe are sown in mistrust, the harsh realities of survival in New Eden enveloping us on a daily basis.

But why must it be so?

In my NeoCom:

Roc,

With the impending threat of Sansha incursions looming, I am writing to offer my services.

Since entering the ranks of the capsuleer in YC111, I have been training tirelessly for combat. Of Caldari birth, I have utilized the resources provided by the State to gain expert proficiency in all of the core competencies, missile launcher operations and other key combat related skills. I’ve complemented this training with “hands-on” experience flying for the Caldari militia.

That said, I realize that there is still much for me to learn. Unlike my pre-capsuleer life, I’ve found few pilots that I consider “friends”.

Some of this is likely self-inflicted. I do spend a good deal of time out of my pod, offline and planet side. My employment has been with more industry focused corporations. Caldari culture, with it’s focus on competition and commerce, seems to engender a culture of acquaintances.

Most important is the fact that the Caldari State’s indifference to the despicable Amarrian practice of slavery has made me question where I should be placing my loyalties. I am no ally to the Amarr, this much I know to be true.

And that is my dilemma – I have spent several years training to fight, but now that I am ready, I realize that I don’t know what I should be fighting for.

Then I realized that, perhaps, I should not be asking “what” I am fighting for, but for whom?

So I send you this message. I am familiar with your exploits, as is every pilot of the State Protectorate, and I seek the opportunity to fly for you.

Regards,

Roniin Ashe

Roniin, I am flattered by your undeserving praise. I can empathize with your plight; you seem to be of noble heart and righteous spirit. It doesn’t surprise me in the least that the alliance between the State and the Empire troubles you so. No good can come from that union. To me, it is a short sighted convenience, a preemptive defense on Tibus Heth’s part to divert the attention of the Empress away from your people.

You cannot fly for me.

The Masuat’aa Matari are a close knit group of kin. We are Matari, in body, soul and mind. We are compelled to our task, unable to turn from the injustices in this galaxy. My corporation directors wouldn’t stand for me having an ex-Protectorate pilot under my command.

Of course, that is the interesting thing about leadership. If I truly believe that paths can be chosen, that we are not born into our fate, and can create our own destinies, then I also must lead by example, I must chisel out my own path.

I would be honoured if you would fly with me.

If these recent incursions by the Sansha Nation have taught me anything it is that all of us share one common belief: the citizens of this galaxy deserve better. While our views on what that actually entails may differ, our intentions are pure. This doesn’t apply to everyone of course. There are those in our universe that seek nothing but the enforcement of their own will on others, regardless of the wants and needs of those they choose to subjugate. History has shown us repeatedly that populations will never rest under this type of tyranny. This is why Kuvakei will fail. This is why I must not.

Let us fly as equals, as pod pilots, as immortals seeking to make a difference in this galaxy.

I await your reply, friend.

Fly safe.