A lot has gone down in Providence since Pandemic Legion invaded on January 5, but perhaps the biggest story is what hasn’t gone down. Before Friday, January 26, PL had been active in Providence for 21 days and yet had secured sovereignty in only one single system. It’s a common enough story throughout world history: the plucky underdogs, fighting for their homes, manage to hold off a ravaging attacking force that should have rolled right over them. Thanks to the efforts of Provi-Bloc pilots, and of FCs like Jin’taan from Curatores Veritatis Alliance [CVA], that story is playing out again in Eve.
The most significant action in Providence since INN last reported on the situation has been this battle from Sunday night, January 28, in which a combined Provi-Bloc fleet of mostly Feroxes defeated a PL/Northern Coalition fleet of Scorpions and Ravens in Y-MPWL, destroying 19b ISK while losing only 15b. However, this battle is noteworthy not only for the victory but also the manner in which it was attained. In Provi’s previous large battle, the 74b ISK fight in 4B-NQN on January 14, the Provi-Bloc fleet was heavily reinforced by neutral pilots from TEST and Goonswarm. However, on Sunday night, no such reinforcement was present. Provi-Bloc defeated PL and NC in a head-to-head fight, alone. That’s probably not the way PL saw their occupation going.
An Interview With CVA FC Jin’taan
I caught up with Jin’taan after the fight to ask his thoughts about PL’s invasion and the Provi-Bloc defense.
INN: What’s your feeling about how the defense is going so far?
Jin’taan: Fairly well; with TEST on our side and our cap fleet slowly getting off the ground, I think PL is going to be stumped in killing our big structures, whilst we figure out proper counter strategies to PL’s sov tactics, which are so far proving relatively effective. Still, PL has already proven they’re not willing to rat in Provi to keep the ADMs up, making counterattacks incredibly easy for us if we feel the need to. Definitely not plain sailing, but fights like [Sunday] night where Provi alone can stand up to two of the biggest and best alliances in EVE…I mean, gives yah some hope.
INN: What was one time during the past month when you’ve been really proud of your pilots and your allies?
Jin’taan: During the two weeks I spent away dealing with real life (primarily exams), Provi really kicked it into gear. Provi’s in such a better spot and it’s almost entirely due to the efforts of individuals like Sharp, Rounon, & Eos who’ve put the hours in to grind out timers and make sure our [territory] stays safe.
INN: Regarding the battle last night, can you explain a little background about the fight, and describe the battle itself?
The Implications
Within Providence, though, the mood is buoyant. Participation in fleets is high, and ratting and mining continue as normal, albeit with a closer eye than usual on local chat and on the directional scanner. The Provi-Bloc pilots I’ve spoken to are determined to keep fighting for their homes until PL withdraws. In the meantime, Provi-Bloc has given the galaxy a proper underdog to root for.
