Visiting the Institute of Galactic Exploration and Research.
08 Feb 2016NickTheGrey
I've heard a lot about the I.G.E.R. in various stations I've visited recently. After a few cargo runs and not-much-else where I've been trading in LFT 37 and adjacent systems I decided to wander "up" and check out their operation. They operate out of Kippax Ring in the HIP 72043 system which was a fair old distance for me to go in the Cobra MkIII that I'd upgraded to but I didn't mind that. It would give me the opportunity to explore the systems along the way and get some extra funds for the ship. The trip itself was quiet and I didn't see any other ships until I arrived at HIP 72043 and I was interdicted twice by heavy Federal Assault Ships. Not the kind of welcome I was expecting from a peaceful organisation - they must have something of a pirate problem.The I.G.E.R. were certainly happy for the exploration data I provided them. With the extra funds burning a hole in my flight suit I headed down to the shipyard to see what was on offer. I was a little surprised to see such poor variety in the ships they had available. I would have thought a scientific / research / exploration centre would have at least had an Explorer vessel of sorts, much less the facility to kit them out.
I did however manage to locate a station in the HIP 69999 system that sold Diamondback Explorer vessels. Now I've never flown a Diamondback before and to be honest, first impressions were not good. I grabbed a bunch of the promo vids and started to gen up the class. First impressions were definitely way off the mark this time!
All of the equipment that could be removed from the hull of my Cobra was stripped out and put to one side. I signed over ownership of the Cobra to the dock master and went to collect the command codes for my own Diamondback Explorer. Behold, the Wolf's Eye!
The money left over was easily enough to beef up the Frame Shift Drive, scanners, thrusters and power systems. There was even enough to upgrade the Pulse Lasers. I haven't filled the Large hardpoint yet - that'll come later, I think.
The best way I know to curry favour with organisations is to get out and complete some missions that they've posted. I've run several cargo and courier runs to neighbouring systems and am now Friendly with the I.G.E.R. and now am seriously considering making Kippax Ring my new home.
That said, I've recently become aware of a community goal happening in LFT 37 so I'm actually headed back down. I'm scanning systems along the way and earning a few extra kills for my troubles as well - which is always welcome. I have to admit to being amazed at how well the Diamondback can handle itself in a fight. It galls me to have to run from dedicated warships (I'm looking at you, Federal Dropship / Assault ship) but while I'm still under-gunned and armoured with tissue-paper, discretion must remain the better part of valour.