Log #006: Old Paths, New Ambitions
09 Nov 2024Bobby Brightside
(The recording starts with a low hum, the sound of distant ship chatter filling the background as Bobby begins to speak, his voice carrying a weight of both reflection and resolve.)Bobby (grizzled, contemplative):
Commander Bobby Brightside here. Today was… a bit of a shift, you could say.
Been thinking about my old Navy buddy’s advice, and decided he had a point. The Alliance may talk big about unity and freedom, but those credits were thin, and I was scraping by on missions that felt as hollow as a derelict freighter. So, I unpledged from Mahon and set my sights back on familiar territory: the Empire.
Now, I’ve got my reservations about working for the Imperials again. Didn’t leave on the best of terms, but word is the Emperor’s offering a 100% increased bounty payout in her territory. If I’m gonna be doing the work, might as well be compensated fairly. Maybe this time, they’ll value the experience I bring.
[Transition Sound: Jump Sequence]
Took The Red Razor to Gateway, then hopped into The Wanderer, my DBX, and charted a course for the Empire’s stronghold in Kamadhenu. Shajn Market was the landing point, and there, I was greeted by Overseer Peters—an old-school type, all about protocol. I pledged my loyalty to Emperor Arissa Lavigny-Duval, officially stepping back into the fold.
Arranged transport for my ships to be brought here. Had about 40 minutes to kill while waiting, so I headed over to the bar, to see if any familiar faces might be around. Ended up catching wind of someone named Farseer, an engineer with a reputation for tinkering with Frame Shift Drives and connections to other engineers who could soup up my ships and suits.
An old Navy buddy tipped me off about Meta Alloys being the key to getting her attention. Said I could pick some up at Darnielle’s Progress out in Maia. Also mentioned that reaching the explorer rank of ‘Scout’ might open doors with another engineer, Liz Ryder. Had to laugh—I’m already a Pathfinder, well past Scout, and I made sure he knew it.
[Transition Sound: DBX Thrusters Firing Up]
Jumped into The Wanderer and set off for Maia. Decided to swing by the stronghold carrier on my way out, and see if I could get my hands on a Grade 5A Frame Shift Drive. Turns out it’d set me back a solid 6 million credits… money I don’t have right now. Another item on the list, I suppose.
Maia was a long haul, 10 jumps—the furthest I’ve been outside the bubble. Felt a bit like charting unknown waters. Got a couple of invites on the way from two new engineers called Tod McQuinn and Elvira Martuuk, both offering to help improve my ship’s performance. No doubt they’ll want something in return, though.
When I finally got close to Darnielle’s Progress, I made a rookie error—came in way too fast, and dropped out of orbit early. Not my finest moment. But, eventually got in, and Overseer Gonzales of the Anti-Xeno Initiative was happy enough to sell me the Meta Alloy. No fuss, no questions.
[Transition Sound: Jump Sequence]
The next stop was Deciat, home to Farseer Inc. Ten more jumps, each one reminding me just how far I’ve come since leaving the Navy and just how far I’ve got to go. When I reached Farseer, met Felicity in person. She had that look of someone who’s spent half a lifetime in the workshop, elbows deep in ship modules. She was willing to help with my FSD, but of course, there’d be a price.
Handed over the Meta Alloy to get access to her workshop, and she started explaining the materials I’d need to carry out the upgrades. She suggested I focus on gathering high-grade materials and trade down—apparently makes things easier. Sound advice, but a lot to think about.
After getting my list of required materials, I checked the jump distance back to Kamadhenu. Only three jumps. Not bad.
(He pauses, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.)
Feels like a new chapter, even if I’m retracing some old steps. I’ve got upgrades on the horizon and bounties waiting in Imperial space.
Commander Bobby Brightside, signing off.
(The recording clicks off, leaving the quiet hum of the ship’s systems as the final sound.)