Space Trials Log #1
15 Mar 2020Rexicles
*tap* *tap* This thing on? Ok. Let's try this again with the fracking thing turned on this time. Where did I start? Oh, right.So originally in 3301/2 I was mostly stuck on-planet, but when I could I'd grift enough to buy a DBX, kit it out as best I could determine suitable for exploration... and as soon as I could divest myself from planet-side anchors, headed out into the void.
Almost crashed and burned into a white dwarf immediately, returned to Lave for repairs on 20% hull; figured out how to avoid getting fried and set out again. Made it slightly further this time before getting too friendly with a black hole. Just about made it back for repairs and realised I had to stop trying to have conversations with new and interesting stellar entities.
Back then system scans involved finding planets first and getting close enough to each to scan them. Which was lengthy - but provided much more reason for photo opportunities with planets. And - for some - also expedited the descent into space madness. Something I never suffered from.
Spent a long time in and around Colonia & The Festival Grounds, sightseeing lots of multiple ELW systems near the core, mapping new parts of the Far 3 kpc Arm, and driving long distances in the SRV. With only a damaged copy of Queens Greatest Hits on the databank audio systems, this can also draw one towards the inevitable songs of the space psyrens (if you turn all the systems off you can just hear their voices over the noise of the life support module, when far enough away from the ship).
I'd be reading Galnet regularly about community goals, engineering, AAAAAliiieeeens and all sorts of lore whilst out in the black (and purple, and pink)...But last year I came back to the bubble as temptation became too much.
Like a kid in a sweet shop, I've been getting my fill of all the new toys - engineering, guardians, pew pew, guardians, rock munching and day-glo liveries. And guardians. For a while I even bought a Type 9, fitted it out with passenger cabins, collector limpets and heat sinks; plunging repeatedly into burning stations to recover people, SAR objects and rescue pods to safety. A sight to behold inside the burning, twisted metal of huge space ports; amidst the panicked voice of a normally calm ATC and explosions rocking the station.
Recently I was invited to join a squadron and the universe became even bigger. A diverse group of commanders fun to learn and work with.
However, it's been a long time since I was out there, and now we have Codex.
So. After spending some well earned credits on a huge ship and outfitting a test build, it's time to prepare for another expedition. Last time I went out in Starbug (an ageing and beloved DBX that pre-dated engineering) - a remnant of a derelict mining ship. It was ... cosy, but functional. Many close calls and wonderous sights shared between Starbug and I. And Derek the SRV of course. But we don't talk about him anymore.
This time comfort is key, and I aim to be able to provide repair & refuel options for other explorers (and squadron mates). Also needs to have a better sound system and hot tub. And a place for the SRVs to play during long jumps. Is the Imperial Cutter too much? I'll have to get out there and ask the King of the Potato People when I see him again.
Space trials to commence immediately approximately one thousand light years from squadron HQ. RTB for review of trials before and change to outfitting. Log ends.