A Much Needed Break
22 Oct 2021Aylin Ouyang
[Author's note: This is based on roleplay done with the fine people of Prismatic Imperium, as Aylin visits Cubeo III for some R&R. As usual there will be some deviation from in-game mechanics.]
I really needed that.
I'm here in a fancy hotel, in Trapeze Island on Cubeo III, having slept for at least ten hours, maybe eleven. I feel a lot better now, the migraine that I had when I arrived at Cubeo III is now completely gone.
The planet still amazes me so much. I picked Trapeze Island because I heard it was a place of leisure and relaxation. I don't think they oversold that at all! All the sights, sounds and smells, I don't even know where to begin.
I saw a sea for the first time, along with a beach. Felt how a sea breeze is like (it's great and calming). Dipped my hands into a sea. Saw and heard water waves lap over a beach. Touched the finest and most silky smooth sand ever; it had to be artificial.
Also had a cocktail, the name of which I can't remember now. Summer something? Drinking it felt like a luxury, compared to the synthetics served on Gehry Port. Well, the trades section anyway. And the bar cocktail came from, it was such a delightful little stand, right by the beach. Again, such a far cry from home.
I could go on and on; these memories are something I'll cherish, that feeling of wonder when everything is new.
And on that topic of new, I met a few new people today. The one leaving the biggest impression on me was Lady Rupey Bear. Yes, with the title Lady and all; must be an Imperial thing with all these fancy titles. Despite that, the title isn't just window dressing, as am I finding out right now while I am making this entry.
Lady Bear greeted me at the starport's entrance, calling me out and introducing herself. She looked so refined and elegant, I thought she was some nobility. Turns out she wasn't, but her accomplishments sounded amazing, I wasn't sure what to make of it. Among the many things that she has done or is doing, the one that's making me really embarrassed right now is that she's a well-know musician with her own radio show, which I claimed to not remember of hearing it. I'm not sure how to face her again in the future. Probably not mention anything about her music or show if I ever see her again.
We exchanged some life stories as we walked along the beach; Lady Bear seemed to be interested in my relatively boring background, perhaps even shocked. I guess when you've lead her life, being stuck in a station sounds like a horror show. She also lead me to the bar I mentioned above, and even paid for my drink (and this hotel room too). She seems like such a nice person, and insisted on paying for all that. Wouldn't take no for an answer.
I do wonder, what life would have been like for me if I ended up in a family like hers, with her father being an Imperial lobbyist and mother the head of a big Imperial charity. Would I have accomplished as much? It really does feel like success helps further successes.
Oh, I also met two strange people after I got off my ship, practically ambushed me while I was disembarking. A woman and a man named Riley and Mickey. They said their cousin was missing, and guessed that I was a Pilots Federation Commander, which meant I could freely travel and help find him. Without payment terms mentioned, I wasn't sure I should help. Can't be doing jobs for free, can I?
Checking GalNet though... Dyson City station is stable now, and repairs have started. I feel a sense of relief right now, so glad that the population there are no longer in immediate danger. I suppose I could do some material supply runs there, then head to the station the odd pair mentioned: Blackmount Orbital in HIP 17692.
The more I think about it, the more curious I get. Hmm, what should I do?