Log 004: To the future
12 Mar 2023James M. Bailey
Holdstock HubRoss 750 System
Independent Space
I smile at the girl behind the counter and gesture towards Tom. He is the one doing the shopping today - a brand new Type 6. The girl looks at him now and nods.
"That's a good choice for aspiring trader. This beauty can haul quite a cargo, being sturdy enough to withstand quite some..."
"Yes, we know" - Tom interrupts her and then smiles apologetically. I know he is eager to set off into the void. Ever since we started to mine he seems to be mesmerised by the beauty of the asteroid rings, and now after I told him we're about to do some deep core mining, he just cannot wait.
"When will the ship be ready with these specifications?" - Tom asks, sending information from his datapad directly to the saleswoman's screen. She looks down and smiles knowingly.
"Mining, eh? We have all the parts and can set the droids to work as soon as credit transfer is complete. Your new ship will be ready in less than 3 hours, Mr Bailey".
"Excellent. Please go ahead. I am authorising the transfer now" - with that Tom turns to me and grins wide - "Can't wait to begin, brother!".
"Oh, you will like it, Tom. I am sure of that" - we leave Astra and go to grab a drink and discuss immediate plans.
This whole mining business is going better than expected and we are thinking about registering a company, finding proper HQ and starting recruiting co-workers. There are many things to consider - safety of operations, best techniques and practices, local politics, pirates, other factions... I raise my glass.
"To the future, brother. May it be a great beginning of an unforgettable journey".
"Yes, bro. To us and our project".
The glasses cling and we both solemnly nod.