So, I brought up my guild information on my screen, and found to my surprise that there was a large concentration of guild members in Cooper sector.

"Something must be afoot," I thought to myself. "I had better go see what's going on."

Navigation path laid in, I arrived in Cooper and hailed on the fuild frequency asking the nav coordinates of the group and what was going on.

"Come to the Tada-O Fate" they replied.

Nav course plotted, warp engaged.

As I exited out of warp, I saw something to the likes of which I have never seen before. At least ninety ships of every race and profession and guild orientation where parked surrounding the malfunctioning gate.

In the center of the gate was a lone ship of the A99 guild.

I had been hearing of rumors of some large debate concerning the practices of this guild. On the J'Org frequency, I asked if this large presence of ships was a result of that debate.

"It's a public raid, nothing more" was the response I got. "A politically correct reply" I added, and decided to not say anything further on the matter.

Shortly thereafter, I got hails asking me to join one of the groups surrounding the gate.

I joined a group of five other great people of other guilds.

Then I began to get nervous, as we waited the long hours for something everyone kept calling "Harvey" to appear.

I was afraid for my ship and my guild mates, afraid that we would all become incapacitated.

I was afraid I would be ridiculed for my ignorance, as I have never participated in anything like this before.

I was afraid I wouldn't be able to handle it, as combat has always been something I have avoided. I can't afford the repair costs to my systems, and my ship and my skills are not intended for serious combat.

But instead, I was welcomed with open arms. The chat was lively and constructive. I was gradually more and more impressed that with the diversity present at the location, everyone was working together in cooperation and not breaking down into insults, despite the fact that many of them had been there for so many hours, they were exhausted.

After many hours had passed, the number of ships dropped to about 48, mostly due to the fatigue and endurance required to remain vigilant and alert over such a long period of time.

Then all hell broke loose, shortly after we had all regrouped to determine which ship pilots were still awake.

What erupted from the gate overwhelmed my ship's computer computational abilities to keep track of all the incoming information.

I was awe struck by the site.

A dozen or more extremely large fish looking creatures appeared out of an energy cloud in the center of the gate.

My controls were beyond sluggish as my ships computer tried as hard as it could to keep track of all the incoming data and the status of my group members.

All I could do was rely on my automated systems to target the nearest creature and fire away, and pray that I would survive.

Within five minutes, the first wave of these creatures had been destroyed by our combined fire power. Much amazed, I had taken no damage.

With each successive wave, the danger increased, but I quickly learned how to calm myself, rely on my automated systems to target and fire without my attention, so that I could focus my attention on the health of my group mates. As each wave got more dangerous, more of my group mates needed a jump start as they became incapacitated. Desperately trying to avoid being menaced, and trying not to curse at the slow response of my ship's systems, I kept my finger hovering over the jumpstart button waiting for it to turn green so I could get my comrades back into the fight as quickly as possible.

I started receiving messages from an evil entity claiming something to the affect that we were all doomed. I don't remember exactly what was said by this evil entity, as I didn't have the time to pay it much attention, but the sound of the voice I am sure will be remembered in my nightmares.

After many waves had passed, we defeated all of the creatures, with relatively few losses.

I escaped without a scratch, something I never imagined I could accomplish.

After taking a deep breath, the large group warped to a nearby safe location to sort out what had all happened, and what to do with the loot.

Again, I was amazed at the productive cooperation and good intentions of all involved. It seemed that all guild and race tensions simply didn't exist this night.

I was applauded by my group for doing a great job. It was hard to keep from blushing, I knew I did my best, but I also knew I was inexperienced in this type of thing, so I was expecting anything but praise.

Shortly thereafter, we all parted for various stations to dock for the night, smiles on everyone's faces for participating in a wonderful show of cooperation, as well as deeper pockets from their share of the loot.

This night changed my feelings about the culture of our galaxy. I never imagined we could all come together like this, and it warmed my heart and added something solid to my hope that we, of all races and guilds, could come together and show the Ancients that we are worthy.

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