Log #010: "New Frontiers, Old Lessons"
14 Nov 2024Bobby Brightside
(The audio log opens with the faint crackle of static, followed by Bobby’s voice—steady but touched with a bit of excitement beneath his grizzled tone.)Bobby (grizzled, thoughtful):
Commander Bobby Brightside here. Today was a mix of the usual grind and a whole new frontier. Started the day like the last few—running data between Jameson’s crash site and Ray Gateway. It’s efficient, I’ll give it that, but there’s something about returning to that wreck that doesn’t sit easy. A reminder of what this life can cost. But credits are credits, and each run keeps stacking ‘em up.
[Beat]
Then, got tipped off about something different: exobiology. Wasn’t exactly on my radar, but word was that some Commanders have been pulling in millions scanning lifeforms out there. Heard a rumor that one planet in HIP 12099 could net me close to 45 million in one go. Figured it was worth a look.
Picked up an Artemis suit at Ray Gateway and set out again, headed back to HIP 12099, to the moon 3 e. The place was alive with the sort of things I’d never thought to look for before. Dropped the ship, suited up, and started scanning samples.
First up was Emerald-Bacterium Aurasus, strange little organisms. Then I found Amethyst Clypeus Lacrimam—a type I’d never heard of, shimmering like some kind of alien jewel. After that, it was Teal Cactodia Cortexum and Lime Tussock Triticum. Colors I’d never expect to see on a rock floating through the void. Felt… surreal, I guess.
By the time I’d finished collecting samples, my onboard computer was estimating around 20 million credits in data value alone. Haven’t seen returns like that since I first pledged to the Empire’s bounty payouts.
(He pauses, the faint sound of a ship’s system whirring in the background.)
Funny how, after all these years, the galaxy can still surprise you. From running data between wrecks to scanning strange life on distant moons… it’s a strange line of work. But, strange or not, it keeps the credits rolling and the options open. And out here, that’s what it’s all about.
Commander Bobby Brightside, signing off.
(The audio fades out, leaving the faint hum of the ship’s life support systems as the log ends.)