The Great Orion Odyssey - Day 2 (11/11/3301)
12 Nov 2015Jim Beaumont
I awoke from a good slumber, refreshed and ready for the push to Epsilon Orionis, the furtherst star on the list for the Odessey. Following yesterdays lack of new discoveries, I was hoping for better today. Today was very much better. In fact first jump of the day gave me a whole new system. And on and on from there on. One system had 70+ bodies in it, my name going on all of them.Progress was made toward reaching my target, heading above and across the gap I found yesterday, each step a new discovery. Every now and then checking on the Galactic map to see progress against the Ep Orionis location.
Eventually I found myself hovering roughly above it, approximately 250Ly away. I checked the route planner, still no way of getting to it. My destination is just not possible. I'm now regretting not checking things properly before I left Kaushpoos, the extra fuel tank costing me jump range, and possibly my outer goal. Dam you jump range. But oh, what is this?
I looking at different systems on the map, I don't recognise that one? Quick check of the filters, and yes, scoopables only. But it doesn't fit any of those. All filters off, the map is blank bar this one. OOOhhhhh a Neutron star! Never seen one of those before. Well that compensates some what. And out here, I'm still finding new systems. Now that is enticing. Set route, 12 jumps on Fastest route, off we go.
Half way there I suddenly come across systems that have been found before again. Looking dubious that I'll be the first to this one now. When I get there, yes it's been found before. That's a shame, but still the drop into the unknown was a little nervy.
I ensured that I filled the tanks sufficiently to jump out again one the previous star, fingers crossed and made the jump. Dropped into the Neutron star system and was faced with a blackness I'd not witnessed before. Killed the speed, turned tail and quickly got some distance before turning and facing again.
The blackness was spoiled by one tiny dot of light, the Neutron Star. Not the most brilliant of things to look at, but amazing in itself.
So now for the run home, via Betelgeuse, the final star of the Odessey and of Orion. I have decided to go back in a more circuitous route, taking in another Neutron star on the way. Maybe I'll come across something else too, who knows what is out there.
Its been a long day, with not much distance travelled, but plenty discovered. I've parked up for the night. Onwards and homewards tomorrow.
Cmdr Beaumont