Shodan

Elite Combat rank. For many it is considered the holy grail of all Elite Dangerous ranks. For all of us, it is certainly one of, if not the most difficult to attain. Pilots have spent many hours fighting through pirates, CZs and Thargoids to achieve this accolade. For a pilot to reach combat Elite only deserves proper recognition.

When it was noticed that our own CMDR RadioAncient, veteran of the (system redacted) pirate hunters and a battle hardened Thargoid hunter had made his combat Elite, an idea popped into the head of CMDR kenzenichi. Let’s do a grading. A grading is a martial arts ritual that pits a newly minted black belt against their school to demonstrate their skill and their humility. CMDR Aequfire, CMDR Kenzenichi, CMDR PhoenixDream, and CMDR Tcanani all formed a wing and set themselves to test the mettle of Blue Squadron’s newest Combat Elite pilot. His FDL ready, he stared down his opponents undaunted, ready for their first move. One by one, each CMDR took their turn trying to out fly him but in the end, he left CMDR Aequfire and CMDR Kenzenichi’s Vultures scarred with blown out canopies, CMDR Tcanani’s FDL retreating with no shields and even CMDR PhoenixDreams Corvette shieldless and taking hull damage. When all was said and done, CMDR RadioAncients FDL was at 17% hull but floated above the field of battle triumphant, his opponents battered. A new tradition was born and any Fatherhood pilot that made Combat Elite could face the grading if they chose to.

When one achieves the rank of 1st degree black belt, they are considered a ‘Shodan’ or someone who has reached the ‘First Step’ so this seemed an appropriate callsign for one first taking part in this new tradition. CMDR RadioAncient proved himself on the battlefield and had shown great character by agreeing to be the first to take part in the grading and so therefore, please join us in congratulating Cmdr “Shodan” RadioAncient. It is truly deserved.