July 02 3302
02 Jul 2016ToyGunPreacher
Com....er's log ..ly 02 3302 0256HI am now approximately 2 w..ks into ... journey of exploration to ...aggitarius A*.
<Automatic signal enhancement engaged. BUFFER ERROR: nebular ionization effect has corrupted previous message traffic. Galactic transmitter compensation status: complete. Signal status: 85% optimum (clear)>
We are proceeding at maximum possible speed into the galactic core. Fuel is ample, and the ship remains in relatively good condition. Our hull integrity is at 93% and the power plant at 96% due to some miscalculations while in a high speed fuel scoop. All other systems are at peak operational efficiency due to our two AFMUs. We are currently landed for the crew's sleep cycle approximately 9,900ly from Sagittarius A*. The crew were granted extended rest for the majority of the past 24 hours, so we only achieved 1,000ly today, but made an impressive 3,000ly of progress yesterday.
For the majority of the journey, we have been running with minimal systems operating in order to conserve fuel. The shields, power distributor, cargo doors, and planetary vehicle hanger remain unpowered unless we are conducting landing operations, with the exception of the cargo doors, which remain permanently offline, as all cargo transfer on this mission is taking place through the SRV hanger.
While many commanders usually take few defensive or offensive precautions and choose to increase jump range by leaving shield and weapon modules at home, reports of violent terrorist activity in the galactic core caused me sufficient concern to proceed with a full complement of pulse lasers and two multicannons. I am much more at ease with an ability to defend the ship, even if it does limit our non-boosted jump range to circa 23ly. Better to be prepared. For that reason, as we approach the core, all combat necessary modules are kept permanently at ready status.
We are running at security condition yellow. The bridge and engine core are restricted to essential personnel only and are accessible by key card, personal access code, and retinal scan. The cargo hold has been converted into a temporary shelter as we have, to date, rescued some 15 occupied escape pods. The occupants are somewhat cagey and unwilling to explain what has brought them thousands of light years from occupied space. They have free access to the cargo hold and some of the surrounding areas where we have set up makeshift galley and restroom facilities. We are maintaining strict security checkpoints at all access points, and security seals are in place. My intention is to return them to Jameson Memorial once our mission is complete. We are not equipped to investigate the nature of their activities, but I suspect them to be smugglers, as the wreckage from their various craft usually included narcotics and personal weapons, which we destroyed.
We will be remaining at our current location for the next several days for rest leave as well as some extended systems diagnostics. Once complete, we will be pushing hard for Sag A*; I intend to cover the last 10,000ly in one final effort before setting our sights for home.
I have requested a further upgrade to the Mjolnir which I am informed may become available in the next few months; a fighter launch bay. Upon our return to populated space, the Mjolnir will be dry docked in anticipation of her refit into a patrol cruiser/carrier craft. The crew have informed me that, in their opinion, this vessel is better suited to cargo transport, system defence and combat duties than to exploration. I concur. While the crew prepares for refit, I will be upgrading and then departing in my Fer-de-Lance combat vessel, the Leonidas, where I will compensate for any credit shortfalls through bounty hunting and combat duties in defence of law and order in the galaxy. I have no intention of participating in the increasingly violent conflict between the Federation and Empire, as I have business interests in both. My decision to keep myself and my crew unaffiliated seems wiser all the time, as interstellar war seems increasingly likely.