As they swept through the nebula on a wandering course that would bring them to the location of the rumored pirate base, Captain Jason Harlock sent an Astropathic message ahead to the Katana with some last minute instructions.  "Remain in silent running and keep alert for pirates, Katana.  And when you spot the enemy, observe and report, do not engage unless you must.  If you are spotted, pull the attacker back toward the Everest."  He grinned and added a caveat to his orders.  "If the enemy gets in range of your guns, of course, you may feel free to shoot them."