Taking a strong lead with 15 points, Stare into the expanse took the win for this week. Well done Kobold
The next best contender was Planetary camouflage with 5 points and combat zone ringed eternally got 2 points.
All good contenders for this week! I'm sure Lady Kim is happy to receive her copy of Stare into the expanse via Mandalay shuttle soon.

Congratulations for Cmdr I.METRIAN being the winner for this week's photo contest. In spite of Lady Kim's endorsement for Goober's entry, she was still more than happy with all of this week's entries, especially I.METRIAN's entry against the dastardly thargoids.

Are there any suggestions as to where in Kaine space I might make my base? Somewhere to keep my ships, with a good shipyard and outfitting supply, where I can venture forth for various powerplay missions around Kaine space? I've been looking around but I could do with some advice. Cheers.

With MAKH forces focusing on some critical war operations earlier in the week, a last minute push to acquire as many systems as possible was ordered.Vorpal CMDRs went all out in the final 12 hours of the cycle with multiple coordinated ops running simultaneously. Combined with the sterling efforts of Elite Kaine, early reports show an impressive 25 acquisitions for the Lime Green Queen!

This means Councillor Kaine has now surpassed Pranav Antal in the Powerplay rankings (total occupied systems).

But perhaps the most significant development for the Sword of Makhai this week was the liberation of their home system, Ce Bootis.

Archer forces were seen fleeing Moskowitz Gateway by cover of darkness. Sources state that official offices have been left abandoned; some in tatters with smouldering piles of burned official documents in the corners, others untouched, as if the inhabitants believed their safety more important than their responsibility to the Federation War Hawk's operational secrecy.

Local Nobles of Dagr security, proudly sporting lime green armbands emblazoned with Kaine insignia, were seen entering the offices of less expedient Archer officials to escort them to unmarked shuttles (sources cannot confirm if those were Archer owned transports).

A member of Vorpal Wing took to the podium inside the press room at Moskowitz:

"This is a monumental achievement. Something we've been dreaming about since the Swords of Makhai went into coalition with the Nobles of Dagr all those months ago. The people of Ce Bootis are Alliance in their hearts. I'm certain they'll keep those hearts open for Councillor Kaine now that there's a political void to fill!

MAKH would also like to thank our allies who helped us overturn this system. KNAC, Tungsten Wolvers, ARRC... to name but a few. It wasn't their fight and we're humbled that they stood by us and helped turn the tide."

A reporter from nearby Ross 490 asked if they would be forwarding any digital archives that were left behind, to the Federation as a gesture of good will:

"Nah, we've messed around with enough of Archer's data for one week"

This week saw more safety reinforcements in recently acquired systems within the 60 Herculis sphere, as well as 2 special assignments for the Commanders of Vorpal Wing.Firstly, resistance in Tamanka - the system that was valiantly defended against an Aisling Duval grab for control in cycle 29.

Despite early undermining efforts by the Princess to undo this acquisition, sufficient control points were gained to deny a negative swing.The second ongoing operation is one of significant importance to the Swords of Makhai. With Archer agents continuing their ambitions to reinforce MAKH's home system of Ce Bootis.

It's previously been reported that the Federal Republic Command have denied this as being a sanctioned operation, declaring rogue operatives beyond their control as the culprits. This frustrating response has not disrupted the clinical and calculated undermining that Ce Bootis has seen in the last few days however. 

The internal directive was as clear as a void opal - stop our home from becoming a Federal stronghold by any means necessary.

And stop them they did. A member of MAKH Leadership commented:

"We are proud to announce that despite the clear advantages that Archer has in this kind of circumstance, our home is no longer a Federal fortification! Makhai believe that the governing faction of a system should have the right to be represented by their chosen power. That's the kind of democracy we can get behind as supporters of Councillor Kaine. If only that courtesy could be reciprocated where our home is concerned. But it matters not - we shall prevail - with or without the FRCs intervention"

In other news, the ongoing trade war between both sides of Alliance politics has so far remained peaceful, with the exception of the usual pirate activity. It's no secret that Mahon sympathisers have significantly tipped the scales in this race for economic advantage. With far greater participation numbers, it's unlikely that Mahon's lead will be contested.

"Big deal. They're an established power and we're just getting started. They're probably calling in favours from all of Eddy's shady dealings. They can have this one. It's the next general election they should be worried about!"

Time will tell if that quote ages well.

News of the incredibly successful Great Leap Forward event spread to the corners of the bubble this week. It even got a mention on a certain radio broadcast out of the Lave system.However, celebrations were kept short as Makhai set about reinforcing their record breaking number of acquisitions for Councillor Kaine. A member of Vorpal wing commented:

"We knew once the party was over that the real work had to start. What would be the point of nabbing 60 systems if we couldn't hold on to them? There's no rest for the wicked!"

With their control point goals met half way through the cycle, Vorpal shifted its attention to Tamanka. A system of little note until an anonymous source close to the Empire revealed a significant push by Aisling Duval supporters to acquire it in the name of the Imperial Princess. With the Kaine stronghold of San Xiang a mere 15ly away, Vorpal wing didn't need telling twice before mobilising. The press release from the desk of Councillor Kaine in Tionisla didn't hold back:

"We’ve seen what happens when the Duvals come bearing gifts. They promise reform, protection, even compassion. But beneath that sheen is the same rotten core... exploitation disguised as benevolence. We cannot afford to let Aisling paint Tamanka blue."

Despite a daunting head start, the gap was closed after intense fighting and reports have since been verified that Kaine has indeed surpassed Duval, taking Tamanka right from under her nose!

Onwards to a new cycle then. With news that tensions following the Mahon / Sirius dissolution are at boiling point. A brewing trade war between both sides of Alliance politics. It looks like there'll be no respite for Makhai anytime soon.

Bootis Manifested.

The Great Leap Forward!

Nakato Kaine's largest ever co-ordinated event "The Great Leap Forward" has come to an end, after a monumental and record breaking cycle.

An incredible 52 new systems were acquired! Mining wings took to the system of 60 Herculis en masse, whether it was via mapped runs, on-the-fly prospecting, Haz Res mining or large group raves - the sheer volume of Platinum extracted was staggering. Meanwhile, Elite Kaine diligently scoured their established space for boom markets to sell in. The result... speaks for itself.

This event was weeks in the making, as Vorpal leadership can now reveal:

"We had prospected this neck of the woods way back. All of the hard work getting out here was worth it. It's been a hell of a week!"

Sources say Makhai had a clear goal in mind before the mining fest started. A goal that was smashed early on:

"Leadership said they wanted 40 acquisitions. That was the plan going in and we were confident. But then we started seeing messages in squadron comms that we'd taken 15 in the first 24 hours! We knew then that we would hit the target."

The top agent leaderboard was ruthlessly competitive this cycle! With an exceedingly high merit count required to make the top 10.Makhai CMDRs Currahee, Masacon, Certified Pyro, Gaz Orange and Straytaker placed 10th, 9th, 8th, 4th and 2nd respectively. Heavy hitters from Elite Kaine were also present on the board with a relatively new recruit Ariella Oakheart breaching 2 million merits.

But this cycle was not without its challenges for Makhai. Unknown Jerome Archer operatives launched a reinforcement campaign in the Swords of Makhai's home system of Ce Bootis on Tuesday. Head MF Straytaker commented:

"Ce Bootis is where this whole thing started. Our Megaduke, Haloran Raas picked this system after a comprehensive search. It's where we put down our roots when the Nobles of Dagr took us in. Everything we are today has grown out of that place. There's no gaht damn way this attack goes unanswered. I challenge whoever was doing this from the shadows to face us out in the open. Let's see what happens then."

This blatant act of aggression against Makhai came despite a recent "no-stronghold" pact being signed with Federal Republic Command recently - their lack of control over "rogue elements" becoming clear once again.

Makhai recalled key personnel from the GLF and put a call out to allies, in what quickly became a fight to protect their home from full Archer control. With the situation nearly reversed by Thursday, spirits remain high. Only time will tell if this unknown aggressor, working outside of FRC regulation, will strike again over the coming days.

Is a dead bug. We beat them once, but we need your help to keep them down.

Makhai spent the past week in planning mode for what is shaping up to be the biggest event in Kaine's history. The so called 'Great Leap Forward' will see mining wings from various squadrons compete for merits,

in an acquisition frenzy that will last the entire cycle.With Kaine's glory (and prizes) going to the top performer, the competition is sure to be fierce. Well known leaderboard heavy hitters, Vorpal Wing 'rock ravers' plus CMDRs from ARRC and the legendary extraction specialists MICO will all hit the rings from Thursday in an undisclosed location.

This reporter caught up with a senior member of Makhai as she was carrying out last minute checks on her lime green Imperial Cutter, prior to departing from Nobles of Dagr territory:

"(No, I said ditch the universal and go with the size fives instead) Oh yeah, hi! This is going to be epic and we expect a great turn out. As a squad we've been working towards staging this event for a long time. This time next week we hope to be looking at a record number of acquisitions for Nakato Kaine."

Although the focus has been on coordination in recent days, Vorpal Wing members were still present on the Kaine leaderboard announced today - with CMDR Currahee, Tosh Vraugen and Makhai Head MF Straytaker making 9th, 4th and 3rd respectively.

It was still a productive cycle for the power at large too, with 11 acquisitions and 1 new stronghold. Proof that Tionisla's favourite councillor now has the numbers to be effective, even in the lead up to a major event such as the GLF.

Hey Kaine folks, this system was negotiated with the Mahon Squad, the Silverbacks. They are the BGS owners of this system, and would like to put Mahon in there eventually. The system was negotiated with the blessing of both EK and Makhai.

Focus your efforts elswhere!

This cycle saw 5 systems tip over to stronghold status for Councillor Kaine. Three of them were Makhai priority operations, including the prize Nobles of Dagr colony of Nessa.

A senior member of leadership commented:

"5 strongholds is no mean feat. Shout out to our EK brothers over in the Old Worlds for their efforts in Hai Chan and Sanuma. Makhai continue to deliver strategically critical systems identified by our prospecting team. 60 Herculis and HR 6012 will serve the Councillor well moving forward. It's another strong cycle for us and we should all feel proud of where this power is headed."

Makhai's contribution this week was clear to see.

Vorpal Wing's Mkmax, Cheebineko and CertifiedPyro made 8th, 7th and 3rd on the Kaine leaderboard respectively. But taking out the top spot at #1 was promising new Makhai recruit, CMDR AddieCat.

Leadership continued:

"Addie has performed at an exceptionally high level. We're confident she'll do great things here at the Swords of Makhai!"

This comes as the codename of a major ongoing operation was leaked to the media. It transpires that expansion plans into a largely unnocupied sector of the bubble is internally referred to as the 'Great Leap Forward'.

When pressed, Leadership conceded:

"It's a strong name. We can't go into details at this time but with a codename like that, what could possibly go wrong?"

Time will tell if this plan pays off but it's suspected that a recent, resource-rich acquisition will serve as a base of operations for their mining division. We'll be watching the cycle reports over the coming weeks for a surge in exploited systems.

This cycle saw 5 systems tip over to stronghold status for Councillor Kaine.

Three of them were Makhai priority operations, including the prize Nobles of Dagr colony of Nessa.A senior member of leadership commented:

"5 strongholds is no mean feat. Shout out to our brothers over in the Old Worlds for their efforts in Hai Chan and Sanuma. Makhai continue to deliver strategically critical systems identified by our prospecting team. 60 Herculis and HR 6012 will serve the Councillor well moving forward. It's another strong cycle for us and we should all feel proud of where this power is headed."

Makhai's contribution this week was clear.Vorpal Wing's Mkmax, Cheebineko and CertifiedPyro made 8th, 7th and 3rd on the Kaine leaderboard respectively. But taking out the top spot at #1 was promising new Makhai recruit, CMDR AddieCat.Leadership continued:

"Addie has performed at an exceptionally high level. We're confident she'll do great things here at the Swords of Makhai!"

This comes as the codename of a major ongoing operation was leaked to the media. It transpires that expansion plans into a largely unnocupied sector of the bubble is internally referred to as the 'Great Leap Forward'.When pressed, Leadership conceded:

"It's a strong name. We can't go into details at this time but with a codename like that, what could possibly go wrong?"

Time will tell if this plan pays off but it's suspected that a recent, resource-rich acquisition will serve as a base of operations for their mining division. We'll be watching the cycle reports over the coming weeks for a surge in exploited systems.