There's a lot to report, so I'll cut down to the facts.
Myself and Captain Elwood caught three ships, two Lane Hacker Broadswords and a Sabre, engaged in the act of piracy of a lawful trading vessel along the lane from Riverside Station to the New York jump gate. Since this was the case, I wasted no time and gave the order to destroy the offending ships, a task that was achieved quickly with one kill each. The Sabre pilot, undetered by the categorical failure of his peers, continued to battle on whilst a steady stream of friendly reinforcements arrived. Most were told to stand by and watch the Lane Hacker Outcast Destroyer hovering within targetting range. A few decided not to heed this order, which forced my hand. A pilot named XimiX in particular ignored repeated disengagement orders from myself, and was dealt with by force.
As Captain Elwood was finishing the Sabre up, three Reapers of Sirius ships popped up on the scanner and liberally engaged our force standing by. Elwood claimed one of the three, Juan Zavala, in short order, whilst the Gunboat EM and his assigned wing started by clearing the offenders. However, an inexperienced naval pilot named Private Dice managed to disable my ship, another ship and his own with two consecutive nova torpedoes. From there, the battle swiftly reversed its course, our remaining forces making a tactical retreat to Riverside. Bravely, Commander Anderson entered the fray to cover the retreat of the remnant of our force, butchered by friendly fire. He lost his ship, but his escape pod reached Riverside shortly thereafter.
I found myself sitting in Elwood's hold whilst he joined Admiral Hale to deal with a pair of destroyer class vessels in orbit above Manhattan, which they both made short work of. All the while, listening to Curtis' incessant crowing and lack of vocal control when adressing his superiors, particularly myself.
Being kindly dropped off on Norfolk Shipyard, where my Guardian lay in wait, we proceeded again back to Manhattan, where Admiral Hale had encountered fresh foes willing to throw themselves against the might of the navy. Myself and Captain Elwood quickly intervened and turned the tide of the new skirmish, running down those who tried to flee and destroying those who did not.
Regarding the request for additional manpower to be shifted to the Pittsburgh area;
For now, no forces will be permanently deployed at Planet Pittsburgh. It is one trade lane away from Fort Bush, and easily accessable by the local and numerous New York garrison. Ignore threats of legal action and civil unrest. Take neccessary action if threatened by the use of force or by any intent to commit illegal actions such as treason.
Additionally;
Captain Elwood;
You are gifted with an exceptional amount of luck, having Admiral Hale intervene just before you pushed your luck one step too far. If I get any more of your witty banter, you can expect to be incarcerated.
