Canonn Challenge Entry 9: Heart of the Storm - Waypoint 7
23 Feb 2021Scopelx
Luteolum Lagrange Storm Cloud and K12 Anomaly System: Dryoea Flyi II-S e4-6870
While perusing our expedition's resource center I noticed something interesting that kept me from cutting straight east toward Waypoint 7. There was a luteolum lagrange storm cloud in the southern area of Odin's Hold. I knew of only a tiny handful of these phenomenon that had been reported by commanders in the entire galaxy. The detailed report noted that it was located in planetary nebula and had anomalies present. Getting to see something like would be more than worth a handful of extra jumps.
This was a unique experience for me. I had never encountered a storm lagrange cloud before, having only interacted with the comparatively tranquil colored varieties often seen around nebula. None of those would prepare me for what I witnessed. To say this cloud was ominous is a severe understatement. From the outside it appeared pitch dark, lit only by the occasional streak of lightning. A K-12 anomaly had been reported inside, but it was impossible to tell where. I decided the prudent course of action would be to search for it using an SLF as a probe rather than risk my vessel. The light fighter became difficult to control as soon as I entered the cloud. Diverting power to the engines helped somewhat, but this meant the fighter's shields could not withstand the storm's lightning. Stray bolts had cost me three of my fighters by the time I finally located the anomaly. It was hovering in a less active area of the cloud, but my fighter was still being tossed around. Eventually I held her steady enough to complete a composition scan and confirm its location, bloodied but unbowed.
The brief time I spent in the cloud was harrowing. These conditions were alien to me, and the intensity of the storm left me rattled. I've flown into the jet cone of a neutron star to jump hundreds of light-years, crossed the length of the galaxy, landed on high-gravity worlds. When I was inexperienced these things made me nervous. But this storm was different.
The looming threat of a stray lightning strike, unresponsive controls, and lack of any real visibility coalesced into a situation I had little control over. This storm was frightening. I found myself recalling the stories of our distant ancestors, exploring the oceans of Earth in naught but wooden boats and seeing waves that dwarfed their vessels. I think I can empathize with them now. But as their ancient adage went, calm seas never made a skilled sailor. I'll be better prepared for the next storm I come across. I did discover that the SLF's passive scanner was ill-suited to identifying the storm cloud. I had to ease my Beluga up to its edge before my codex confirmation would come through.
Viride Lagrange Storm Cloud and T01 Anomaly
Waypoint 7: Agnairy JH-U e3-2113
After a brief stop at the DSSA Burrian Anchorage for repairs and to restock my supply of SLFs, I followed my route to Waypoint 7. Jumping into the storm cloud in this system was much less foreboding than the previous one. Unlike the nearly opaque luteolum I had visited, this viride lagrange storm was a pleasant even green which made navigating the the more electrically active areas much easier. I felt comfortable enough to maneuver my Beluga through the storm, and the greater mass compared to the SLF helped me keep a steady course. In short order I found my quarry, a docile T01 anomaly, which then proceeded to temporarily follow my ship around. My next several hours were spent survey local systems and I was eventually able to log an untagged T01 in Agnairy HN-D c15-3281.
I'm thankful the star density this close to the core provided me with ample hunting grounds. Soon we will be moving even deeper into the Center. This will only be my second visit this deep into the galactic interior. I am excited about the potential discoveries that wait for us, now that I am better armed with knowledge of what's out there.