Mercs
11 Oct 2024IAMDOC
Love them or hate them, mercenaries are a powerful force.The first one I spoke to, the one with the tally marks on their ship, set the tone for every interaction I’d have with them. Kinder than you’d expect, once you convince them that you aren’t current competition and mean them no harm, at least. Get one to open up a bit and they can be a wealth of knowledge.
Here’s a few things I learned: my current ship is a flying coffin, and I need an SRV to do missions like the one I failed.
There’s really no way to fix my ship. I was proud of my Vulture’s firepower and maneuverability, but the hardpoint placement and number along with the poor jump range and lack of speed are only getting in my way. Best option is to sell it and start fresh with a better build. I’m thinking about a Federal Assault ship, but I’m still asking around for advice.
That mission I failed was my own fault. I knew that already, but now I know why it failed. The data point could only be scanned from an SRV or my ship, not on foot. I was given a great tip though: I’m going to rack up fines even using the SRV, so it’s better to get my ship close to the data point and scan it that way for faster evac.
I thought the tips I received would be enough to let me take on harder missions, but there’s some things I’m just not ready for. I attempted to help a Federation aligned faction in a conflict on the outer rim of a system embroiled in civil war. All I managed was taking down an Eagle and chasing off a Krait before I took enough damage to disable my ship. I escaped in a life pod and the faction I sided with won the conflict, bringing me back to their station with them as thanks for trying. I definitely need a better combat ship.
Until I figure out what ship I need and how to outfit it, I’ve taken up trading. Cobbled together a Type-7 and began trekking hundreds of light years chasing the best routes. It’s gone pretty well and I’m stacking credits for whenever I do get my next ship.
I’ve been raising my rank whenever I can along the way, both with the Empire and Federation. For better or worse I need my face and name known to the factions and powers. Better ships and opportunities lay beyond those ranks.
So for now, it’s back to trading and pestering mercs for tips and advice.
Doc out.