Test Drive
28 Aug 2024Bobbie "Gunny" Draper
Logbook Entry - Commander Roberta "Bobbie" Draper
Date: 3310-08-28
Location: GM Cephei System
Ship: ASP Expedition
Mission Status: Test Drive in Progress
Today was a day of progress—real, tangible progress. After Felicity Farseer worked her magic, the ASP Expedition's Frame Shift Drive is now upgraded to Grade 4. The improved jump range is noticeable, shaving off light years with each leap. There’s still room to push it further, but for now, it was time to take the new drive on a proper test run.
I decided to aim for the Sadr Region—a decent stretch from the Bubble, but close enough that I could turn back if needed. The Expedition performed beautifully, with the upgraded FSD making the journey faster than anticipated. I found an asteroid base tucked away in the region, but it wasn’t much to write home about. The system was in civil unrest, and the base itself was quiet, almost eerie. With no real reason to linger, I plotted a course for GM Cephei, some 2,600 light years away from the Bubble.
The trip wasn’t without its challenges. GM Cephei is on the edge of lawless space, and the further I got from the Bubble, the more I felt it. Pirates were lurking along the way, eager to pounce on a lone ship like mine. With no hardpoints outfitted, combat wasn’t an option. Instead, I relied on my piloting skills, evading every encounter with careful maneuvers and quick jumps. It was tense, but the Expedition handled it well. The ship might not be armed, but she’s fast and agile—more than capable of slipping through a pirate’s grasp.
When I finally reached GM Cephei, I found Elephants Trunk Mine—a rough-and-ready asteroid base. It’s got the basics: repair docks and refueling, but no outfitting services. If I need to make any major changes to the ship, I’ll have to find somewhere else. But for now, this place has what I need to keep going. The station’s a bit on the rugged side, with locals who keep to themselves, which suits me just fine. Out here, it’s all about self-reliance.
I’ve been out of the Bubble for a while now, and I can’t say I miss it. There’s a sense of freedom out here, a feeling that I’m truly away from it all. I’m not in any hurry to return. There’s still so much galaxy left to explore, and I’m just getting started.
The ASP Expedition is holding up well, but I know there’s still work to be done. I’m still thinking about that Guardian FSD booster—it’s a piece of tech that could make all the difference in the long run. But for now, I’m content with where I am. Elephants Trunk Mine is a good spot to regroup, plan my next move, and decide where to head next.
The journey so far has been exactly what I needed, and I’ve got a feeling that the best is still ahead.
End log.