27th December 3301: Now, where was I?
27 Dec 2015Zulu Romeo
An ancient Earth philosopher once said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." I can't remember who said that, I think it was Lenin McCarthy or someone like that. But anyway.Whatever happened in the last few months?
Last time I recall, I was busy helping the Empire out in the fringes of space, occasionally busting pirate forces along the frontier, and practising smuggling, while growing richer from my mining-enabled Python while realising I could make even more money retrofitting the Python into an out-and-out fighting vessel that eats lesser pilots for breakfast. In the Shantaneri sector I was granted loan of a pink Vulture to fight for the Empire, and while it did suffer a beating against overwhelming odds... or two... or three... I like to think it has improved me as a fighter. I still have fond memories of that ship, but times had to move on.
My most recent project is another Cobra vessel, the new MkIV painted jet black and named Papa Lazarou after a gentleman demon of local old Earth folklore, hoping to train him up into a fit and fighting mercenary vessel. In any case, I'm sure Emperor Lavigny-Duval appreciates the help.
Of late I've been helping out the little guys, and have been threatening to settle down instead of going out and venturing into the unknown. Right now a local hospital near my home system has been taking up most of my time these days, leaving me less time to go out and fight, explore, and even trade and mine. It's a steady job, but it keeps me going.
The Close Quarters Combat initiative launched some time ago has been intriguing me somewhat. There are teams of players well-coordinated and expertly working together against lone wolves like myself, but I still like to keep myself going there too. I'm still a mere Amateur, and in a world seemingly shunned by many of my peers, I could see myself as a prize fighter these days.
Exploration? There's still the occasional bout of scanning and travelling to be had, and the recent goal at Sothis stretched my exploration muscles somewhat, and now that the new SRVs have been literally rolled out, a prolonged exploration out in the great black is increasingly viable, even in my humble Reptile. My peers are planning a major route out to the far side of the Galaxy next month, travelling along a now historic route, and everybody is getting prepared for it. Trouble is, though, I don't know if I'll have the time or the means to keep with them. Perhaps I should find my own path again, and see if anybody follows.
Until then, I have much still to do. The local Imperial governors recently bestowed the title Earl upon me for diligent deliveries and smuggling and go-betweening. My next task, which should push PL to his limits, is to take out some 34 pirates. I still have my Federal commission, just barely, as a Lieutenant, but they haven't forgotten me (although President Hudson has forgiven me for various things).
Time to hit the space lanes again.