Log #003: The Calm Before the Storm
04 Nov 2024Bobby Brightside
(The audio crackles on, the familiar hum of ship systems providing a steady backdrop as Bobby’s voice breaks the silence.)Bobby (grizzled, yet contemplative):
Commander Bobby Brightside, logging in after a long day out here in the black. Started things off docked at Dublin Citadel in the Gateway system. Spent the morning looking over the “Road to Riches” list Hilda passed me yesterday—figured it was my best shot at raking in some solid credits before moving onto bigger, bolder plans. Transporting my new Vulture to the Citadel was priority one, but those modules aren’t cheap. Needed a fresh influx of credits, and quick.
Ran five systems in the morning, and it wasn’t half bad. Found myself four water worlds and even one Earth-like out there. Nothing like seeing that blue glow on the scanner to remind you there’s beauty out here too. Pulled in 5.8 million for my troubles—enough to cover the next phase of my plan.
Once I’d arranged the transport for the Vulture, I got a tip from a local. Word was, there was a war brewing just two jumps out in Princeps. My ship was still en route, so I figured… why not take a look?
[Transition Sound: Jump Sequence]
Ended up in Cauchy Station soon enough, a dusty old port with plenty of action. At Frontline Solutions, this fella Sherwood Underwood briefed me on the situation: a fight between the Buurian Protectorate and the Coquenchel Silver State Initiative. Alliance backing on one side, independent on the other. Given my new allegiances, I knew where I stood without much thought. Picked up a Karma AR-50 rifle—just the kind of tool I’d need for work on the ground.
Headed out to a high-intensity combat zone on the 4th planet, some hydroponics station called Cabrera. Irwin, the pilot who dropped me in, was a tough old hand. We swapped war stories, talking about the days when we both fought for different superpowers. Felt good to reminisce… right before we hit the ground and all hell broke loose.
[Transition Sound: Combat Environment]
Battle was chaos, pure and simple. High-intensity didn’t even scratch the surface. Close to a thousand troops on either side, with bullets and plasma flying every which way. Got hit bad more than once—those young medics patched me up each time with a look that said they didn’t expect I’d be back out there again. They were wrong.
The last moments of the fight… there was just me and this lone soldier, a kid with barely any fear in his eyes. We locked onto each other, both firing. I got him, but not before he launched an RPG right at me. Next thing I knew, I was out cold.
When I came to, I was already onboard a ship, heading back to Cauchy to collect my earnings. 4.3 million in war bonds—worth every bruise and scrape. Underwood looked impressed when I cashed in, and I got a notification. Seems I’m now considered “Mostly Defenseless” in the mercenary world. Not exactly a badge of honor, but it’s a start.
After the credits were sorted, I received word: my Vulture had arrived at Dublin Citadel. Took my first flight in her, back to the Stronghold Carrier, and damn, it felt good. That ship is a beauty—responsive, powerful. But the stock thrusters felt sluggish, clunky. When the crew fitted the 5A thrusters… well, that flight back to Dublin Citadel was like slicing through the black.
Tonight, I’ll be bunking down and thinking of a name for her. Threw a few ideas around, but nothing feels quite right yet. Tomorrow, I’ll head back to Princeps, see if I can get into some ship-to-ship combat and put her to the real test.
Commander Bobby Brightside, signing off.
(The audio log clicks off, the faint sound of ship diagnostics whirring as the recording fades out.)