Another Dreaded Trip Back To The Core Systems
17 Sep 2018Scubadog
Here I go again. I can't believe I'm doing this, and so soon after having just gotten home to Colonia Dream. It was only a few months ago that I had spent some time back in the Core Systems to engineer my Anaconda and pickup a Chieftain and engineer that. Now, I was glad to see that some engineers had finally hung out their shingles in the Colonia region, but you can only get level 1 upgrades from them. And, rest assured, I've taken full advantage of that. Well, at least of three of them, since I'd done enough engineering in the Core that opened up access to them. The fourth one still eludes me, which I'm about to fix now that I'm headed, albeit reluctantly, to the Core.
I'm flying my Python, The Ceti Zorro, this time around. I love this ship...except right now. When I have it outfitted the way I normally do, she is comfortable, quite fit for the job, and has a great "feel" about her. But, I got spoiled on my return trip from the Core last time, flying an Anaconda with a 50ly jump range. With only level 1 engineering and stripping everything down or out completely, she's maxing out at 38ly. that's a hefty increase in number of jumps for this trip! I have no optional modules except an AFMS and Fuel Scoop. I even low-balled a number of required modules in order to reduce the mass. Let me tell you, having 4C power plant--even engineered--is no picnic. Zero boost capability. None, zip, nada. And I know many commanders who run primarily explorer ships extol the virtues of trekking without a shield generator, but that's not me. Knowing I can spin up my shields before touching down on a celestial body or a station, and have that buffer against any accidental thruster mishap, is worth the extra weight.
I found out, though, something very disturbing about the Python when you strip her this much. There is a low rumble, hum, growl, something, that she generates that just messes with my chi. I can't sleep right. I've tried listening music, tried letting news waves drone on. Nothing cuts through this sound. At least, it seems like a sound. And whatever this is, it is so subtle--yet pronounced--that even sitting on the pad of a station is no relief. I end up with no other choice than to set down on a planet or moon. Finally, complete quiet.
So, here I sit, resting and getting my wits about me. I'm nearly to the Rohini system, which will put me roughly 7.5Kly out from the Core systems. I've been skipping my usual routine of heavily exploring interesting systems. Instead, I swoop in, quickly engage the ADS while I'm fuel-scooping, and then warping out to the next system. I'm at least accumulating some cartographic data along the way.
The one surprise benefit of making another trip to the Core is that I get the chance to visit the new home of The Silverbacks in Arexes. Just as I did for Inara and for Jameson, I'll buy a ship to "plant my flag" there. I have an Eagle at Citi Gateway in Inara, and I've got a Hauler at Jameson Memorial in Shinrarta Dezhra. Maybe I'll put a Cobra in Arexes. I've got time to ponder that. And other things. Now that the annoying hum is gone for now. In a few hours I'll be lifting to, hopefully, complete my last leg to the Core Systems, but for now....enjoy the silence.