Bombers from Niigata Star City's 2nd Squadron and interceptors from Sigma Wing were scrambled earlier today in response to what was described as a "battleship-sized scanner signature", with Sigma 19 (no relation to the system) eventually intercepting a Core Mako in Sigma-59, heading towards the Sigma-19 jumphole with an escort of five Core fighters: four Mantas and a Wraith piloted by "Core Guildmaster" Matt Bishop. The battleship's escorts had already jumped to the Sigma-19 system by the time that Kaichou bombers were able to get within range of the battleship, and we made several attempts to deter the battleship from Guild space, including firing several warning shots that caused minor shield damage. All five escort fighters jumped back into 59 at this time, prompting me to return to Niigata briefly to retrieve the Silver Bullet II.
After some bickering that revealed that the Core had no intentions of leaving Guild space, we engaged the enemy, eventually trading two Karasus for 4 Mantas and a Mako. Matt Bishop was able to escape onto the Luxury Liner Hawaii, although I attempted to chase him down on the liner. Difficulties in bringing a suitable weapon for close quarters engagements onto the liner (no guns allowed, according to OSC policy) allowed Bishop to escape back into the woodwork.
Silver Bullet II sustained heavy damage in the fight, including the effective loss of the aftermarket Beagle Active Probe that I had installed in the nose. Silver Bullet II also experienced loss of number one and number two engines due to enemy action, but remained battleworthy and eventually made it back to Sigma-59 with only one engine and thruster power. Silver Bullet II is due for repairs, as it is currently operating at only 24% combat effectiveness, but I've made plans to have a Mako kill mark painted on the side of my ship.
![[Image: PFjFVMW.png]](https://i.imgur.com/PFjFVMW.png)