Prendre des détours
21 Jun 2023Ryuko Ntsikana
Prendre des détours
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A cursory search of the surrounding area showed four other fleet carriers near my position. While this was not surprising, I checked their ownership information against that of the systems nearest to them. Knowing that many explorers made their living through that means, I wanted to ensure deconfliction of efforts. My role out here was not as a competitor but as a surveyor of necessary resources.
Sure, I would investigate some of the regional planets' exobiological contacts, but they were lower on my scales of priority. It was these beautiful gas giants—one system over—that were my primary focus. The first one was metal-rich, and though it had no material worth to me, its reflection of the Nebula captivated my attention for a few minutes. The ringed gas giants further outside of its orbit had the ice rings I had been searching for.
The benefit of the Dolphin was its size. Zippy and quick, it could maneuver into the tightest of spaces and move with the grace of a ballerina. On the planet orbiting the gas giant were several active volcanism sites. The listed minerals were on the synthesis requirements listing for boosting hyperdrive performance. The active Nitrogen ice geysers on its surface could be harnessed and stored for use, along with any minerals they brought up to the surface above, providing a win-win.
I could install tanks inside the cargo bay, simple enough. The question that appeared was what to do about the ice rings above? I would need two ships to prosecute both locations... or. I looked around the cockpit, a smile appearing on my face as a new thought popped into my mind.
This Dolphin was indeed perfect for higher gravity planets and maneuvering in confined places, but it was not a mining ship. The Orca was its larger version and was suited for long-range exploration. There was one ship in my hangar that was small enough to get in amongst the tight asteroids, to exploit their mineral deposits. That was the Python. Its size and power were sufficient to deal with a repetitively modest gravity with a full cargo load. The only drawback was its short jump range. Keeping it within a system or two distance from the carrier would mitigate the risks of that shortcoming.
With the first ring and planet already selected, I set a course back to the carrier. I would keep the Dolphin for the higher gravity, hotter worlds, or for when I wanted to make quick work of a place before moving on, and the Python for dealing with all else below that. I sent a message back to the carrier to have my Python out and ready. A few module swaps would take no time to accomplish, and I could be back out and going to work inside the same subjective day.
Schadenfreude
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I couldn't help but giggle at the irony of it all, as I worked alongside the hangar bots, swapping modules on my Python-class ship. The voice from the ATC welcomed a commander who was docking to get a cheap refuel and repair before embarking on their extended exploration mission. They noticed that my carrier was conveniently located along their departure route and kindly decided to land and share the latest rumors from "the bubble."
Commanders who don't stir up trouble haven't been born yet. There are always those back in human-inhabited space who are part of the "hate the cyborg" fan club. But their kind never bothered me; they were just a cost of doing business.
The gossip they overheard at a bar in one of the rim systems had a few unsavory characters plotting to race out here and scan everything they could, thinking they would steal the first discovery credit from me. I couldn't help but laugh, and the commander of the exploration Anaconda joined in too. They had no idea who I was or what I was about. The first discoveries meant nothing to me. I wasn't out here for fame or fortune. Their presence, whenever they decided to show up, would only provide me with some amusement.
Once the module swaps were complete, I initiated a series of diagnostic tests, allowing myself a moment to reflect on their past attempts to hinder me in "the bubble." They aligned themselves with a minor faction in a system, thinking it would harm my business. It took them a while to realize that my business was built on reputation, not influence. Regardless of who holds the most power, my reputation remained solid.
Reputation is built on personal relationships with the factions and can only be influenced by the commander. It has nothing to do with external influence, which can be affected by outside actions. My business model has always revolved around what's best for my crew—now a clan—and cannot be swayed by the actions of others.
The only thing that surprised me was how long it took them to grasp the obvious. Sure, there were some subdued curses and revised plans, but in the end, there was nothing they could do, even as a united force, to change the way the biowaste flowed through the carrier's waste management system.
After sharing a few drinks together, they headed off into the black and I headed out to put the revised Python through its first field test. They provided Rex with an updated star chart, listing out interesting things to do and see if we ever decided to head to the core. I make no promises on that, but will not say no either.