Since the beginning of Beeitnam, the Imperium’s response remained absolute and unchanging. We will not surrender. Good luck with fighting us with overwhelming odds, and TEST is NEXT. This represented an enormous change in long standing Imperium policy, which aimed at punishing former Band Of Brothers supporters, groups, and players which had reformed into new organizations. The aim of their new infinite vengeance was now TEST.
The Cost of Beeitnam
Beeitnam was one of the longest, most costly conflicts in the history of Eve Online. The significant changes to mining and industry in the last few years amplify that cost. Groups need large, affordable quantities of resources to achieve their industrial defense goals. Any group does, but large groups need larger quantities. Due to the changes, producing those resources in the necessary quantities is significantly more difficult.
Most of the major powers involved in Beeitnam are either in the middle of costly rebuilding, restructuring, or collapsing. The Legacy Coalition, for years one of the pillars of the galactic balance of power, is gone. TEST live in exile in Outer Passage. BRAVE hold only eight systems in Pure Blind following the war, and many of their pilots have left, or even joined Imperium member The Initiative.
Looking Forward
So now, as The Imperium is well on its way of rebuilding and taking the fight to their enemies, when is TEST next? How long does TEST, in new space on the other side of the galaxy, have to prepare? Back in a November article, The Interim War Period and You, I proposed that it usually takes around 3 years for the largest blocs to rebuild from a major war and launch a new one. Recent events this week have shown that some of the core powers from Beeitnam may be ready… well, now.
PanFam and Fraternity emerged from the war stronger than most. Last week, they began flexing their new found muscle in the Imperium’s direction. A series of battles in Curse, Cloud Ring, Outer Ring saw losses exceeding 100 billion in ships and equipment. These actions almost resemble proxy wars fought by the USA and USSR in Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan.
A Short Victorious War
I think perhaps what both sides are looking for is a Short Victorious War. A moral booster. Something to get combat pilots back in fleet. In January of 1991 the United States led a multinational invasion of Iraq. Its objective: liberate the nation of Kuwait and prevent further Iraqi hostilities. The war concluded before the end of February. Less than 100 hours elapsed after the start of the land invasion of Iraq. All US objectives were achieved with minimal losses over a relatively short period of time.
The Imperium may be gearing up to land on TEST with both feet, and then fight another defensive campaign against PanFam and Fraternity. Or PanFam may be toying with the idea of picking up where they left off, without having to worry about supporting TEST. Either campaign would be risky, and further upset the delicate balance of power in New Eden right now.
