VICTIM:

HI. I'm the most recent pointless attack you had fun with.

So how did you kill me so fast? I wasn't afk autopioloting, I was still in steath from the jump gate, I hadn't even really loaded into that system.
There wasn't enough time for you to lock me, let alone scan my cargo, or tell your guns to fire, but somehow you did all three, while I was in stealth and actively warping between gates.
If I had to wager a guess, I'd say you have had a bunch of friends set up along common trade routes that progessively scanned me down and told you where I was going, but that still that doesn't account for the fact that I died in a single volley from a ship that couldn't see me or lock me.
I realize that this is how most EVE players become sexually aroused after becoming so emotionally dead after playing this game for so long, but your profile claims that you consider yourself an educator, so obviously you were able to do something I clearly didn't think was possible. I'd like to know how so I can avoid it in the future.

~Cordially
XYZ

P.S. - Eat a dick.

MY RESPONSE

Dear XYZ,

Thank you for contacting me with your questions, I will do my best to provide the answers to all your dilemmas.

First and foremost, I do not consider my attack pointless. Unlike some citizens of New Eden which choose to kill for fun and pleasure, I am a professional pirate - hence I make my living off finding adequate targets and eliminating them for profit. The unfortunate demise of your vessel was indeed profitable for me, hence it is only logical to conclude that the attack was anything but pointless.

Regarding my modus operandi - Your analysis is good indeed. I am a part of a wider organization which scans ships along common trade routes for interesting targets. Once identified, targets are instalocked and engaged upon decloaking (no scanning with Tornado). Having a PLEX in cargo hold ALWAYS qualifies you as a target.

As for the act of destruction of your vessel - judging from your description, my best estimate is that you have issues with your hardware, since you were clearly visible and targetable (otherwise the act of destruction could not have taken place). Hence, the solution to the apparent mystery is simply lag on your client. However, let me assure you that not even NASA's supercomputers could have helped you, since you made the common mistake among hi-sec bears these days which is hauling of valuable cargo in an abysmally poorly fitted vessel. The problem is, you see - Tech 1 haulers can hardly tank alpha strike of a Tornado class Battlecruiser piloted by a semi-decently skilled pilot. Since you have been in Blue republic for a decent amount of time, I shall refrain from explaining what alpha strike in New Eden is.
To put things in perspective - Tornado alphas for up to 12k damage whilst EHP of an Itty V in un-tanked setup (such as the one you have had) is in the area of 2k. The math is clear on that one. Itty V might tank bad/new tornado pilots, but it has to be fitted for defensive purposes. Yours was not. Concerning locking times, sensor boosting does help a lot.

On a sidenote, I do find it necessary to inform you that I'm not sexually aroused by ganking. If I had to make a comparison to a 'real life' activity, I'd say it is more akin to fishing. Whilst some people might get sexually aroused by fishing, I must assure you that I most certainly do not. I find it relaxing and soothing.

In your post scriptum, you've said something very troublesome. Namely, you've suggested engaging in cannibalistic practices of human genitalia consumption. Whilst that might be a common practice in your culture, I must inform you that, where I come from, that would be considered most repulsive and inappropriate behavior, possibly resulting in either criminal persecution and/or placement in mental healthcare institutions. However, being a tolerant person, I won't judge your strange ideas harshly. After all we all are products of our surroundings.

Let us now take a look at your vessel and see what could have been done better.
Here we have an Iteron mark V, the top tier Tech 1 Gallente hauler with 2/5/5 slot layout. This layout allows its pilots to achieve to separate goals:
a) very decent amount of cargo space (approx. 30k m3)
b) decent tank (approx. 12k according to EFT)
The fit for the above aims could be:
Lows - 4xExCargo, 1xDCUII;
Meds - EM&Therm shield resis amps (passive, not active hardeners since you don't have time to activate), 3xMSEII;
Highs - Empty/personal preference;
Rigs - 3xMCO

I must emphasize that not even this fit would survive an alpha strike from a good tornado pilot, but at least it could stand a chance and perhaps survive with a bit of luck. Your fit... well it was horrendous...

Finally, some general advices - never haul more than 200 million worth of cargo in a T1 hauler. Profit point for a Tornado pilot is in the 500 milion range, but two Catalysts might destroy you without much issues and their profit would still be significant. Furthermore, not all pirates are rational, some will gank anything above 250-300mil. Since you have skills for an Itty V, you should definetely consider training for and purchasing an Occator - it can tank better and is fairly safe for cargos of up to 800mil. If you can't be bothered, use red frog or similar hauling service. It's affordable and peace of mind doesn't really have a price.

Best regards, your friendly educator.

Rhamousia