Roads to Discovery & A Ship Takes Shape
23 Nov 2024Starry Haze
Location: Whitson HubStar System: Meliae
Following my first foray into exploration aboard my Hauler, I set out to understand more of what the galaxy had to offer. The systems within the Bubble held secrets I couldn’t ignore, and soon I stumbled across whispers of a scientific pursuit called Exobiology. It was a career unlike anything I had encountered—on-foot exploration, cataloging alien plant life, and selling the genetic data to Vista Genomics for impressive credits.
Intrigued, I invested in an Artemis Suit and its Genetic Sampler, the tools necessary to take my first steps into this fascinating field. Planets I had only scanned from orbit now became destinations for ground exploration. Walking across alien landscapes, scanning flora that swayed in unfamiliar winds, I felt a profound connection to the universe. Every sample collected was a step toward a greater understanding of life beyond humanity. And the rewards? They were vast. The credits I earned from Vista Genomics surpassed my wildest expectations, and for the first time, I felt financially secure.
Flush with success, I returned to Whitson Hub in the Meliae System to celebrate with the New Pilots Initiative. The hub was alive with camaraderie, laughter, and the tales of fellow commanders. It was here I met a seasoned explorer, Commander BrainProtest who invited me aboard his vessel—a marvel of engineering and purpose. He walked me through its features, sharing stories of his recent adventures in the ongoing war against the Thargoids.
Before we parted, the Commander handed me a Coriols File containing the ship's blueprint, saying, “You’ll make a fine explorer someday. Start with this.” His words stuck with me as I prepared to take my next steps.
When the party’s effects finally wore off, I knew it was time to take the next step in my journey: building my own exploration ship. I set my sights on the Krait Phantom, a ship revered for its long jump range, exceptional versatility, and elegant design. The excitement was palpable as I watched the ship take form in the hangar. It wasn’t just a vessel; it was a promise of boundless opportunities.
As the mechanics and I worked to prepare the ship, they spoke of “the engineers”—renowned specialists who could push the limits of a ship’s capabilities. Knowing my history—or lack thereof—they kept the details simple, but their enthusiasm was infectious. They insisted I begin my journey with Felicity Farseer, an expert in Frame Shift Drives.
The task of meeting her—and earning her trust—sounded daunting, but I knew it was a necessary step. With each piece of advice, my path forward became clearer. But first, I needed to finish this ship. This Krait Phantom wasn’t just my next vessel; it was my ticket to discovering what lay beyond the stars.
“Now if only I knew what to call her”