Two words describe this cycle, confusion and panic. Between speculation and debate about the upcoming changes to massive undermining attempts and record numbers of acquisitions, this cycle certainly had it all.
Starting with our beloved Granny. We managed to escape unscathed this cycle despite FUC and FDev’s best efforts in LHS 274 we finished up 550k to 450k, a resounding success given the changes that have been made. Significant undermining was also felt in our isolated fort of HIP 12716, though our agents managed to power through it and push it to stronghold status. We didn’t let this undermining slow us down too much though, with the re-enabling of rare commodities, we managed to pull off two contested expansions with LHS 492 (a three way with Grom and Archer) as well as a duel with Princess Aisling in CPD-70 2439. Three other systems were acquired along the way, including HIP 87066 the next step in our platinum road initiative. Two new Fortified systems were also established this cycle adding to what was a successful week given the tough circumstances we were put under.
Our fight was far from the only one this cycle though. Despite taking 3 new systems this week Delaine copped a slap in the face from unknown actors in HIP 97950, with almost 850 thousand unanswered undermining. Luckily for them, no systems were lost as a result of this, though I imagine the Pirate King will be looking over his shoulder a lot more often now. From here, however, the attacks only got bigger, Grom experienced the largest single attack in powerplay since the battle of Sol. A combined 3.3 million control score was undermined in the adjacent systems of Nuenets and Fong Wang. Despite this brazen attack, Grom still managed to gain 4, Even with the numbers stacked against him Grom wasn’t the biggest loser this cycle… Sadly that honor goes to fellow Senator Patreus, who lost the entire Tuareg sphere in yet another snipe from Delaines Green Team, leaving him with a net balance of -12 this cycle.
Across the rest of the empire things were extremely calm and collected, the titans of Aisling and Arissa, who were far away in their ivory towers, remained undisturbed by the racket being made by the smaller powers. Managing to acquire 30 systems and 8 systems respectively… Whilst Aisling's numbers are extremely impressive, I can see questions being raised over the effectiveness of FDev’s attempt to “balance” powerplay. Especially considering the update was only live for one day…
The federation also had quite a strong cycle once they stopped wasting their time trying to undermine LHS 274. Both faced little undermining this cycle. With President Winters acquiring 8 and the Shadowman Archer extending his influence over another 4.
Kaine saw a few small undermining attempts, however this did not stop them on their way to a strong cycle gaining a total of 8 systems Ed on the other hand will not be happy seeing his margin at the front get cut week after week, not managing to keep up with the rapidly approaching people’s princess with only +11(I can’t believe I am saying “only”).
The tech nerds, LYR and Antal both had very successful cycles too, with +16 by the Capitalist Nerd and +8 by the Communist Nerd. Only time will tell who wins this battle of tech nerd ideology.
In terms of Squadron News, Torval Space agency had another strong cycle, securing places 1-5 again. Much like last week Cblue22 was crowned victorious and I brought up 2nd place for what seems like the billionth time (I’m still yet to win one…). For most of this Cycle [TSPA] was top of the powerplay leaderboard until a late surge by swords relegated us to a close second.
Starting with our beloved Granny. We managed to escape unscathed this cycle despite FUC and FDev’s best efforts in LHS 274 we finished up 550k to 450k, a resounding success given the changes that have been made. Significant undermining was also felt in our isolated fort of HIP 12716, though our agents managed to power through it and push it to stronghold status. We didn’t let this undermining slow us down too much though, with the re-enabling of rare commodities, we managed to pull off two contested expansions with LHS 492 (a three way with Grom and Archer) as well as a duel with Princess Aisling in CPD-70 2439. Three other systems were acquired along the way, including HIP 87066 the next step in our platinum road initiative. Two new Fortified systems were also established this cycle adding to what was a successful week given the tough circumstances we were put under.
Our fight was far from the only one this cycle though. Despite taking 3 new systems this week Delaine copped a slap in the face from unknown actors in HIP 97950, with almost 850 thousand unanswered undermining. Luckily for them, no systems were lost as a result of this, though I imagine the Pirate King will be looking over his shoulder a lot more often now. From here, however, the attacks only got bigger, Grom experienced the largest single attack in powerplay since the battle of Sol. A combined 3.3 million control score was undermined in the adjacent systems of Nuenets and Fong Wang. Despite this brazen attack, Grom still managed to gain 4, Even with the numbers stacked against him Grom wasn’t the biggest loser this cycle… Sadly that honor goes to fellow Senator Patreus, who lost the entire Tuareg sphere in yet another snipe from Delaines Green Team, leaving him with a net balance of -12 this cycle.
Across the rest of the empire things were extremely calm and collected, the titans of Aisling and Arissa, who were far away in their ivory towers, remained undisturbed by the racket being made by the smaller powers. Managing to acquire 30 systems and 8 systems respectively… Whilst Aisling's numbers are extremely impressive, I can see questions being raised over the effectiveness of FDev’s attempt to “balance” powerplay. Especially considering the update was only live for one day…
The federation also had quite a strong cycle once they stopped wasting their time trying to undermine LHS 274. Both faced little undermining this cycle. With President Winters acquiring 8 and the Shadowman Archer extending his influence over another 4.
Kaine saw a few small undermining attempts, however this did not stop them on their way to a strong cycle gaining a total of 8 systems Ed on the other hand will not be happy seeing his margin at the front get cut week after week, not managing to keep up with the rapidly approaching people’s princess with only +11
The tech nerds, LYR and Antal both had very successful cycles too, with +16 by the Capitalist Nerd and +8 by the Communist Nerd. Only time will tell who wins this battle of tech nerd ideology.
In terms of Squadron News, Torval Space agency had another strong cycle, securing places 1-5 again. Much like last week Cblue22 was crowned victorious and I brought up 2nd place for what seems like the billionth time (I’m still yet to win one…). For most of this Cycle [TSPA] was top of the powerplay leaderboard until a late surge by swords relegated us to a close second.
I still have dreams of Granny with a peg leg, pirate cap and a parrot 
on her shoulder. 
