' Wrote:Welcome to the Black Talon Operations Manual Escorting
Black Talon exists to get RepEx shipments to their end destination successfully. But how do we do that?
The first way is by not allowing our protected cargo to come even within sight of a pirate. If we fail to do that we have lost. The Black Talon vessel should travel one trade lane ahead of the cargo vessel or vessels. This ensures that you encounter the pirate vessel before the valuable cargo does. Have some quick reference words set up with your escorte so that they know there is trouble ahead. I find that 'Drop' or 'Flee' work nicely.
When you come to the end of the trade lane, wait until your escorte is in sight, and then take the next lane. I always tell my escorts that I assume the lane is safe unless otherwise stated. When you come to a JumpGate, use the same procedure, wait until the trader is in sight, then jump. Normally though, tell the trader to wait until you give an all-clear.
It is important that you and your escorte plan your route ahead of time, that way neither of you are surprised. It is also important to keep in mind escape and alternate routes for your escorte, and know which way they will run if confronted, so that you can draw the pirate in another direction. Don't be foolish though, once your escorte is out of there or safely docked, scram. Nothing says you even have to engage the pirate, just give the shipping captain notice that he's there, and keep tabs on the pirate until the shipment is safely away.
But good guide Fletch, I might revise RepEx's using some of your material.
The rule I beat into Black Talon pilots is "If the pirate sees the trader, the escort has failed at their job."
