Caldari Navy arrests Wing Commander Okuuda!

As some of you already heard, the Caldari Navy announced they will court martial the 'Octopus' Squadron.
It has been confirmed that Wing Commander Sami Okuuda and all 8 officers of the 37th 'Octopus' squadron have been placed under arrest. The Navy also stated additional arrests and replacements will occur in the days to come.

The arrests are a direct result of their failing command of the Caldari Providence Directorate, but also the failures during operation Spectre and Highlander.
We'll go into more detail here, to fully understand their arrest and the possible charges they might face.

Caldari Providence Directorate (CPD)

This organisation was founded shortly after Tibus Heth became CEO of Caldari Constructions. As Heths power grew, so did the power and influence of the CPD. At the height of it's power, it controlled the State industrial base, directing the production of the supportive Megacorporations and assisting the Caldari Navy in expanding their fleet against Gallente aggressions.

When Heth was ousted from power, the CPD fell hard as the 8 Megacorps no longer recognized their authority, instead restoring power to the original ruling body, the Chief Executive Panel (CEP)

Operation Spectre

Operation Spectre is more known as the failed engagement of the 4 navies against pirate stations in nullsec a few months ago as detailed in this publication: 'Capsuleers respond en masse to the Call for arms, the Navies fail to assist!' that put our News agency in the spotlight.
Wing Commander Sami Okuuda led the Caldari capsuleer fleet during this failed operation. Do keep in mind that not only the State fleet leader failed that day, but all 4 nations Fleet Commanders did so. They called for capsuleer assistance, and they received it by the thousands, yet they managed to squander all this potential in a terribly led fleet to demolish two pirate research stations. Which failed on top of that, as the pirates managed to evacuate all important data & personnel before self-destructing these stations.

 

Operation Highlander

Operation Highlander is better known as The Battle for Caldari Prime. In this operation, the Caldari forced the conflict open by destroying a Concord ship. The immediate result was that Concord released all security protocols on the system, allowing the Gallente to jump in a large fleet to dispose of the Caldari titan & it's support. The support fleet was the 37th 'Octopus' squadron flying Chimera class carriers.
During the battle, all Caldari capital ships were lost, the largest and most expensive defeat of the State to this day.
To this day, the question remains why the Caldari never responded in kind by jumping in a fleet of their own to support their hold on Caldari Prime orbital space.

 

 

Conclusion
 

The reasons for the arrests concerning both operations seem to be incompetence. The State promotes people based on their merit. As a result of this policy, incompetence is harshly punished within the State. If you are unable to prove your worth for a position, you do not have the right to hold it.
This seems to be a fairly obvious reason for the arrest of Wing Commander Sami Okuuda and his fellow officers & personnel of the 37th Squadron.
Hopefully the arrests will be able to give some new & additional answers concerning these two operations.

The CPD mention in the news article makes for a less clear reason for the arrest. It can be that the State is disposing of the few Heth loyalists left in a position of power. It can also be that the Caldari Navy is penalizing CPD members for past actions when they could boss around the CN, using them for improper actions and operations.

Do keep in mind this is mere speculation. Hopefully more news will come forth of this court martial, clearing up the reasons for this mass arrest.


Update on the trial closure: Wing Commander Okuuda discharged dishonorably by the Caldari Navy

A failed rescue...

Recently, I was contacted by a fellow capsuleer to assist him in a rescue operation against a Blood Raider encampment in the Aridia region..
They had been raiding stargates in the area, searching for recently graduated pod pilots to abduct for their gruesome rituals. As their base was well-guarded he asked for support, and also needed my expertise in dealing with people who suffer from severe traumatic experiences.

As we began our engagement against the Blood Raider base, they reacted swiftly, sending out waves of frigates to disrupt our warpdrives & slow our ships to a crawl, making us an easier target for the slower but deadly battleships.
As my capsuleer companion managed to make short work of the frigates circling us with his Navy Omen, I deployed the full destructive power of my Abaddon, the Last Light, against their powerful battleships.  Each time my volley of lasers lit up, another Blood Raider ship exploded. Meanwhile, their frigates were thrown in complete disarray due to my companion's actions, finishing them off easily.

As their resistance waned, our focus now turned to the colossal structure at the center of the site, a Blood Raider Cathedral. This imposing structure did not only serve as the headquarter for this fleet but also served as their religious center, where they would drag off their captured victims, to undergo gruesome rituals!

The imposing Blood Raider Cathedral, home to unspeakable horrors

As the area is being cleared of the last few stragglers, we inspect the facility closer. It's eerily silent, as if all our efforts have been for naught.
As our ships docked and the security crew inspects the installation, our fears turn real... We have indeed arrived too late, on our holofeeds we see the gruesome remains of captured pod pilots, hooked to strange tubes and wires, all drained of their blood... A testimony to the darkness of the human mind....
Then all of a sudden, one of our boarding security teams report they found someone! The poor survivor was in the process of being hooked to one of their bloodsucking devices, but it seems the Blood Raiders got interrupted, leaving the victim in a tortured state.
After he got detached from the device, he gladly accepted to seek shelter & recovery aboard the Aurora Arcology project.

Albeit the rescue operation had failed, we still managed to rescue a survivor and take down an important Blood Raider base.
This will make the Aridia region a little bit safer for travellers and residents alike, but we don't make us any illusions that it'll last. The Blood Raiders are a hard organisation to discourage, and will always return when unpoliced.

Workings of the Aurora Arcology: The Redemption Program

Introduction

The redemption program is a project that aims to grant unlawful citizens a new chance in life. Despite this being a very controversial idea, it's nonetheless part of what the Aurora Project stands for. It is important to note however that only those criminals who wish to redeem themselves can participate in this program.
Criminals sentenced for their wrongdoings cannot use this program to escape their sentences. These individuals usually become part of the Prison Lend-Lease Program.

This project is divided into smaller redemption projects, each aiming to guide a specific group to use their criminally gained skills in a more suitable way.

The Slaver Redemption

One of the most successful, and surely the largest of the redemption projects is the Slaver division. It is important to note that there are two groups of slavers!

Amarr Slavers:
These are legal slavers, working in the Amarr Empire. Despite their name, their jobs rarely involve enslaving people, but are more focussed on guarding slaves at various Holder Estates and maintaining order among them. That said, it is know that some of them undertake illegal slave raids on remote settlements.
The few Amarr slavers that arrive at the Arcology generally request a transfer to the Amarr Empire, wich we grant. The reason for this is that we are not above State nor Imperial law, and these citizens will be trialled in their own nation, should they have broken the law.

Non-Amarr Slavers:
These are the slavers that more closely resemble the stereotype of the evil enslaver. Either as part of pirate groups or freelancers, they raid & enslave people for profit on the slave markets. The ones that arrive at the Arcology are given a choice to participate in the redemption program. Refusal or failing to comply to the terms stipulated in the Redemption contract will see them turned over to State Law for punishment of their crimes.

Slavers that join the Redemption program are under strict surveillance and undergo training as riot control forces. The reason for this is the expertise they gained in controlling unruly rebellious groups. Their ability to quickly identify leaders and subdue them before things grow out of control is crucial in maintaining order during protests and put down riots with minimal casualties.
One of the main points of the training programs is to reduce their brutality towards other people during holographic unrest control exercises. This is attained by the usage of non-lethal weapons & methods.
Once they successfully rounded their training, they are enlisted in the Aurora Arcology law enforcement as Riot Interdiction Teams.

 

 

The Blood Raider Redemption

 

This is undoubtedly the most controversial program we got running. Blood Raiders have a vicious, brutal and horrific reputation. Despite all this, it happens that some of their scientists can no longer live with their actions and apply for our redemption program.

Due to their extensive knowledge in the medical field and unique knowledge gained through their work in Blood Raider facilities, they are a great asset for any R&D facility focused on biological systems.

Their contract with the Aurora Arcology stipulates that they assist our medical teams in researching new medicines & improve existing treatments. Withholding information, or attempting to insert malicious products will terminate their employment immediately & will have them turned over to  State Law.

Thanks to their contributions, the Aurora Arcology can boast being at the forefront of medical research in the branch of blood-related afflictions.

 

 

The Angel Redemption

 

This is our most recent redemption project. A group of Angel Cartel VIPs asked for shelter within the Aurora Arcology. In exchange they offered their skills in managing a tight hierarchy & authority system. Coupled with their ability to impress criminals, they can provide a boost in our redemption programs related to other criminal groups.

As with all other redemption projects, the contract does mention that they will be turned over to State Law should these Angel VIPs conduct any criminal activity while under Aurora employment.

 

 

The Pirate Pilot Redemption

 

It often happens that young & rash pilots join the pirate life for adventure, wealth & excitement. But after a few close encounters with death, and living at the edge of society, they realize pirate life isn't all that shiny.

Through our redemption program we offer these pilots a way back home. In exchange for atoning for their crimes through community work aboard the Arcology, they receive the ability to return home to visit family & old friends. Most pirate pilots that use this opportunity are from Serpentis & Gurista origin.

This is a project set up together with the Caldari Navy under strict regulations. It is only applicable for pilots who have not gathered an extensive criminal record. If any pilot fails to comply to the redemption contract, he will be turned over to the authorities.

 

 

Conclusion

 

It's important to note that all participants of the various redemption programs are under close surveillance of our security forces. Any breach of contract regulations will be dealt with accordingly. In repeat cases or severe incidents, the redemption contract will be terminated and the violator will be turned over to State Law to be sentenced for his crimes.



First immigrant arrives for the Ayem Colony project!

Unexpectedly, the first immigrant for the future Ayem project arrived today! This immigrant is a Ni-Kunni Exotic Dancer who was rescued from a shipwreck in the Providence during our travel to the Ayem Colony System
Upon her rescue, our colonial taskforce informed her not only of the Aurora Project to grant refugees & rescuees a new home, but also of the Ayem project, to expand an existing colony to a large population center.

The idea of assisting the colonial taskforce in preparing for this large project, and be there from the beginning to see it grow, appealed to her. After she introduced herself as Laleska Del Peraggio and told the crew her former employer terminated her employment on the ship's destruction, she was welcomed into the group. The Overseer, who leads the taskforce, hired her as administrative assistant.

With her as the newest recruit for the colonial taskforce, they now count 217 members in their group. 200 are the main workforce, divided equally between employees & workers. There are also 6 Civil Engineers for future contructions present, and 9 geologists to pinpoint the most profitable locatioons for industries.
The leader of this group is the Overseer, who hired the former exotic dancer as his administrative assistant, in helping him with this task to govern the whole Ayem Colony Project.

Things are moving slowly but surely on the Colony front, part of this can be attributed to our famed Caldari Bureaucracy and their desire to see every permit and report in triple and doublechecked by another authority. The positive side of this is, once all is approved, things should run smooth!

The Arcology welcomes over 11.000 new immigrants!

This week has been proven very interesting on the variety of immigrants and their pets. With thanks to capsuleer assistance, we acquired quite some Luminaire Skippers, a frog native to Gallente Prime. While these frogs are listed under the pet category, their main purpose is laboratory work, assuring newly developed medicines will be safe for usage. Combined with the recruiting of a large amount of new science graduates, our labs are developing at a rapid rate to become forerunners in medical R&D.
This will increase our ability to rapidly develop new medicines for treating rare & exotic diseases and afflictions. This is a necessity, as the refugees & immigrants come from all over the cluster, increasing the risk some of them carry an exotic disease that requires immediate treatment.

Also, the salvage operation on Caldari Prime, conducted under a joint Gallente/Caldari task force has eased the tensions here at the Aurora Arcology. Last week, unrest between the Gallente and Caldari people was brewing due to the arrival of a freed Prisoner of War.
Now this concern is obscured by the good news of Caldari Prime, local news will continue to follow what happens at the Homeworld in order to mend the Caldari/gallente relations aboard the Aurora Arcology.

Now onward to this weeks arrival list! The variety of immigrants is great, including many highly qualified personnel from across the cluster. Also, the Aurora Arcology management has expanded greatly this week, in order to organize the various divisions & departments better.
Also to note, our cultural exchange with the Disciples of Ston already saw results with the addition of 30 new Mannar Designers.

Regular Civilians

-414 Homeless
-1163 Janitors
-16 Prisoners (Part of the Prison Lend-Lease Program)
-295 Science Graduates
-20 Ship's Crew
-18 Stranded Pilots
-2789 Tourists
-30 Mannar Textile Representatives
-1908 Freed Slaves

Pets

-1 Fedo (Datafile:A strange animal)
-113 Hounds
-40 Hybrid Hounds
-32 Luminare Skippers

Law Enforcement

-50 Caldari Light Marines
-15 Corporate Assassins
-326 Freedom Fighters
-2997 Marines
-430 Militants
-33 Slavers (Part of the Redemption Program)
-1 Temko Mercenary
-10 Hooded Men

Employees for the Nightclub L'Etoile Rouge

-110 Female Exotic Dancers
-1160 Male Exotic Dancers

Councilmembers

-1 Kardimo Palettan
-1 Minmatar Emissary
-2 Oura Madusaari
-2 Damsels
-10 Angel Cartel VIPs (Part of the Redemption Program)
-3 Quantum Entanglement

A few weeks ago, a Deep Cover Corporate Assassin reinforced our Intelligence division, by support of the Ember family. His recruitment proved to be a great success, he reorganized our division, making it more efficient. He also created a covert op training program, which quickly created results in the form of 15 Assassins and 10 Hooded Men for covert operations.
This will enhance our capacity in retrieving people from dangerous locations and combat any possible enemies.
This action also has the bonus that we're becoming more accepted among the Caldari Corporations, as we take actions to guard against infiltration from competitors.

Shiigeru wreckage site will be salvaged & cleared in a joint Gallente/Caldari operation.

Introduction

During the Battle for Caldari Prime, the Leviathan-class Titan CN Shiigeru crashed on the planet, ending the Caldari military presence in orbit of their homeworld.
Due to the massive size of the ship, the crash had wide cataclysmic effects on the planet and its wildlife, triggering earthquakes and massive forest fires. The atmospheric entry also caused the ship to fracture, raining debris over large parts of the planet.

The devastating crash of the Shiigeru

After the fight, early cleanup & salvage operations could only clean up the scattered smaller debris. The larger wreckage was still too hot and unstable to be properly handled. It required months of mapping and planning to start a proper salvage & cleanup operation. During this time, the colossal wreck affected the world badly, from spilled radioactive elements to detonating unstable ammunition, not to mention the high amounts of toxic fumes coming off from the wreckage.
A report on the initial impact: Full extent of Shiigeru impact

A combined Gallente/Caldari operation.

Now that all the mapping & planning has been done in order to clear out and salvage the wreckage safely and efficiently, it was time to start the practical side of it, the actual salvaging.
This introduced a new issue, a political one. The Shiigeru namely crashed in an area that falls under Material Acquisition administration, which means it's under Gallente rule, as MA is a daughter corporation of Quafe. To add to this, the Kaalakiota mountain range, where the Titan crashed, holds a major spiritual importance to the Caldari.
All this could cause unrest with the Caldari if not properly and respectfully handled. In order to avoid such issues, MA invited Ishukone Corporation to assist with the salvage & cleanup operation. This move provided to be a positive action, as many cheered at the prospect of Gallente and Caldari corporations working together in order to assure the Shiigeru wreckage will be salvaged & cleared with respect to the Caldari people.
Part of the retrieved salvage will be used to rebuild the Qaiian Tower, the regional headquarters of the Nugoeihuvi Corporation. This will act as a memorial, to remind everyone that even from the ashes of defeat, the Caldari people will rebuild their future, never be put down by anything. Also, this act will improve Gallente/Caldari relations and perhaps open the door for more future joint operations.

Info on this joint salvage & cleanup operation can be found here: Caldari Prime Salvage Plans

Concord organizes fleet training at Yulai

Last Sunday, Concord officials organized a training battle for all capsuleers who wanted to have a taste of fighting other capsuleers. To provide the security required to organize combatfleets with capsuleers, this event was held at Yulai, where offenders can be punished fast & harsh.

The training battle was organized in 4 fleets, one per main faction. Each faction fleet was lead by a Concord official.
There were several members of the Communication Control and Protection (CCP) division present as well as those of the Internal Security Department (ISD) in order to guide this event.
CCP Logibro lead the Gallente fleet along with ISD WolvesMind , ISD Rontea was head of the Amarr fleet along with CCP Fozzie, while CCP Dolan was in charge of the Minmatar force. The Fleet official for the Caldari fleet was CCP Eterne

The training battle itself was a mixed fleetfight, each fleet versus the other 3 in order to simulate a chaotic engagement and how to react on such situation. The various Concord officials called for targets, but also informed the participants that if they lost a ship, they were granted a replacement by Concord officials at the main Yulai station.
The main core of the fleet was composed of Tech 1 frigates with a few tech 1 destroyes in the mix, the Concord fleetleaders however deployed in strategic cruisers, acting as the fleet flagships.

The battle details can be found here: Yulai Fleet Training Killboard (check 1 February)

The fight itself was very educational and enjoyable by all participants. The outcome of the fleet engagement was victory for the Gallente , who made skillfull use of drone-deployments. As this was a training fleet battle, no crewmembers have been harmed in the process and all have been picked up after the fight.
Many participants expressed their thanks to Concord for organizing this training match and hope it'll be a recurring event as it helped them to deal better with what awaits in lower security systems.

I want to thank Capsuleer Lenell, who was present at this event, in helping me to compose this newsreport. Also thanks for Aurora Fatalis for providing the information on who lead wich fleet.
Any additional assistance is gladly accepted to eliminate errors and expand the report with additional detail!