HCYON Executive Commander's Journal

4/23/115

After a long, relaxing shower, Reid steps out of the bathroom and into his main quarters, where a cup of hot Intakian tea was already waiting for him under the dispenser. He picks up the steaming beverage, taking an initial sip, then proceeds to his plush, body-reactive couch. As he sits, it molds to his body, gently pulsing the appropriate temperature so that he wasn't too hot, nor too cold. The computer system in the room kicks in completely at his presence.

“Good evening Commander Ardorei, I trust the tea is adequate. Is there anything else I can do for you?” Reid was always amazed at how personable and accommodating the computer program always seemed to be, even though the technology was hardly new. The systems were tweaked by CTO Namoi Walker, however, which seemed to add a profound personal touch.

“Play some instrumentals, something calming, old Gallentean style.” A small beep indicates the system working on fulfilling his request. As the music begins, Reid further modifies the experience. “Lower music volume and ambient lighting by 50 percent.” The computer again does as he wishes. “Is that sufficient Commander? Reid smiles slightly and leans back, sipping his tea again. “It is, thank you.”

He thinks for a while against the melodic background about everything around him at that very moment. So many things that seem so accessible and so abundant filled this room, and were very easy to take for granted. He thinks about all of the real struggles the Minmatar Republic have faced, and his admiration for both their failures and their triumphs. He thinks about his great fortune, and how for him, the only choice is to use that fortune to try to help those that needed and deserved it most.

These thoughts rush his mind for a while longer, no doubt due to the event he attended earlier today, in honor of Karin Midular also known as the “Ray of Matar.” He decides to put some of these thoughts into words and starts his log.

“Today Electus Matari Council member Elsebeth Rhiannon held a vigil for the Ray of Matar, otherwise known as ex-prime minister Karin Midular, who is still in a coma. It was a pleasant event that brought people together to focus on her beliefs and legacy rather than stewing over the justice that is yet to be had.”

“While I agree that justice must be obtained, we can't let this atrocious event bring about a civil war. Whether the physical body of Karin Midular lives or dies, we absolutely must protect what she has stood up for, and that will require a patient and disciplined approach to justice. Not an easy thing to do, particularly for Minmatar tribes who's cultural beliefs call for blood and war in these situations.”

“Thankfully, so far, things have remained stable, and if anything positive is to be said about it, the TLF have almost completely taken the entire war zone. You simply cannot deny the Nation Warriors' wrath when it's at its peak. The Halcyon Directive is honored to be a part of this.”

Reid reflects on the vigil again, then continues the log entry.

“I would be lying if I said I didn't feel like an outsider during Ms. Rhiannon's gathering. There were some very passionate and emotional Minmatar capsuleers there, sharing old stories about their lives and their heritage. Not only do I not relate in that regard, but questions of Federation involvement in the attack did come up. As much as I respect the Republic, it's obvious that this incident has left respect and trust in the Federation questionable. Unfortunately, it never takes hard proof for something like this to happen. Many people will believe what they want to believe without any evidence at all, no matter where they come from.”

“So it goes without saying, while I am proud of the Federation and all it has achieved, being there representing such had it's discomforts. I can only wonder if there are those in Electus Matari who do not trust The Halcyon Directive and our genuine desire to fight the good fight with them. However, I only acknowledge these thoughts minimally, and we will let our efforts in the war be our stamp of approval. I may not have been able to provide any interesting stories or cultural background at the Ray of Matar's vigil, but what I will provide is pilots who will give their all and hopefully, when she regains consciousness, we'll be looking at a united Republic and justice will finally be served.”

Reid ends his log there and enjoys the rest of his tea, letting the music take him someplace else for the rest of the evening.

HCYON Executive Commander's Journal
4/17/115

“Integration into our new alliance relationship with Electus Matari is in full swing. Combat pilots are getting more experience flying with each other and CTO Namoi Walker has initiated talks with Gradient's industry specialists in how we can merge our operations with theirs. We enter into this at a critical time for the alliance, as they have just elected their new leader Virgil Scipion. While he seems like a fine choice for the job, I'll need to practice communicating with him more often. His sentence structure and accent are unique to me, however, I consider this a welcome challenge.”

“Our efforts in the war have been strained as of late. Our last couple of operations have been met with powerful resistance by Amarrian pilots who are backed into a corner. I cannot deny the force in which they are pushing back. Regardless, this was expected and we will be increasing our efforts to properly defend Minmatar space while continuing to train our pilots to do better in the field. Besides, I'm fairly confident that Jessica Reiss enjoys it even more the harder they fight back. The woman strikes me as the type that enjoys a struggling prey.”

“I will also make note that a rising pilot in our ranks has began to spark my interest. Decain Alizarin is a quiet capsuleer with a relatively questionable past, however his efforts as of late mark a certain loyalty that cannot be denied. Nothing through the intelligence I've seen indicates that he will be a problem, however I've taken it under advisement to still keep an eye on him. I'm hoping to engage him on a more personal level at some point, perhaps a drink at the HYCON Promenade. I've never seen him speak to anyone in there so far, but I'm sure I can figure out a way. After all, I am the Executive Commander of The Halcyon Directive. Surely that counts for something.”

Reid ends the log and leans back into his chair, letting the low sounds of Brutor-themed opera fill his quarters, sipping his red Intakian tea. The music always had a way of reminding him of the cause they were fighting for in a way he could truly feel. He doesn't know if the war will ever end, but he does know that the Minmatar will never quit fighting.

HCYON Executive Commander's Journal
4/4/115

“The Halcyon Directive has finally joined Electus Matari. This is great news for our fledgling corporation, and while I think this membership will make some things easier and more prosperous for us in the near future, the hard work is just beginning. The transition process is complex as we reexamine our rules and adopt theirs, making sure our pilots have the right lines of communication open, and for the first time, settle into the reality that we are no longer truly independent. While I have some concerns in this matter, the benefits of this relationship far outweigh them. We can get much more done with these veteran capsuleers, not only for ourselves, but for the well being of the Minmatar Republic. Tribal Liberation Forces are still doing well in this conflict, however, it is obvious at this point that it is far from over, which means HYCON will still be fighting for months to come.”

“Particularly, I am looking forward to the industrial benefits. Activity at our local research facility has been bustling with the news, and it is expected that manufacturing of some kind may finally commence. There are still many variable to consider before we begin, but just knowing we now have extended resources and knowledge is enough to sustain us for at least a few more weeks. I sincerely hope Namoi can finally put her plans into action.”

Reid stops his log for a moment, sharing an exchange with EM diplomat Del Vikus about his 'Del Vikus Lil' Orphan Whiskey Fund.' After a few clever retorts and a good laugh, Del Vikus and Ferista Nhey welcome Reid to Electus Matari and continue about their business. Reid, shakes his head and after taking another sip of Intakian green tea, continues.

“We also have some new members that will be joining the corporation directly. I have made it clear to them that our operations are still a work in progress, and we have a lot of work left to do. They seem eager and willing regardless. This is fortunate and I hope the new blood will help us move forward as well. Some have become restless in their respective fields and it's understandable, however nothing great is ever easy, and we are indeed trying to create something great.”

“I am confident we will see the fruits of our labor soon, and hopefully we will be a profound addition to Electus Matari.”