Log #004 - "Geyser Joyrides and an Earth-like Surprise"
09 Nov 2024Alpha Panda
[Audio Log Start]Alpha Panda: Alright, Log number four, and let me tell you, today was… eventful. Panda here, still alive, still moving, and, somehow, still in one piece. [chuckles]
So, decided to stick around this system for a bit longer—I mean, I couldn’t leave just yet. Wandered over to the next planet, one of those icy numbers, designated 4d. Landable, with a bit of charm, if you’re into frozen wastelands. And, what do you know? Found myself a Water Ice Fumarole. Spent a bit of time blasting crystal shards off of it. You know, it’s oddly satisfying watching those shards pop off like popcorn. Galactic explorer therapy, right there.
And then, the big find—a water geyser! [chuckles] Oh yeah, I took the SRV out for a spin. Haven’t driven that little beast in ages, but, you know, it’s like riding a bike. Took me a minute to find my groove, but once I did, oh, it was glorious. Got a bit overexcited, though, and… well, might have driven the SRV straight through the geyser. Up we went, soaring through the sky like a fireworks display. SRV took a little hit—only 5% damage, thankfully—but my pride? Yeah, took a bit more than that.
Anyway, after the geyser joyride, I found a small mountain to climb. Figured, why not? Soon as I hit the top, I remembered how much fun the SRV is. Feels like being a kid again, except now I’m a kid with a multi-ton buggy on a distant moon.
Speaking of moons, found a binary pair orbiting close to one of the gas giant’s rings. Gorgeous, let me tell you. And then, for a bit of variety, I visited a moon of a moon—yeah, you heard that right. Spotted some interesting geological features there, too. This system’s got all kinds of hidden gems.
After that little excursion, I decided to hop a few systems, doing the ol’ scan-and-jump routine. Came across this rocky body with a thin atmosphere—perfect spot to stretch my legs. I tell you, standing on a planet with a blue sky above? Priceless. Just me, my ship, and endless horizons.
Of course, just as I was getting all sentimental, I look down and see the fuel reserves flashing at 5%. [chuckles] Yup, close call! And, as if that wasn’t enough, the FSD decided to throw a tantrum again. [sighs] Jumped into the galaxy map, found an M-class star in the next system over, and prayed it’d be close enough to refuel. Fingers crossed, breath held… and, thank the stars, made it just in time.
Then, just when I thought I’d seen it all, I dropped into a new system and, by pure dumb luck, found an Earth-like world. I mean, really—this beauty’s got a single moon, just like old Earth, except it’s millions of light-years away. Incredible sight. Can’t explain it, but something about it felt… familiar, comforting even. Scanned everything in that system. I want my name plastered across the entire thing for any future explorers to see.
Finally, ended up where I was aiming for: the Qautheia BA-A e0 system, also known as The Roncevaux Crossing. Now, about a decade ago, this was the final hop for unengineered ships making the long leap into the Abyss, bound for Beagle Point. My ship’s a bit more modded than that, but after today’s madness, it’s feeling a bit like a beaten-up jalopy. But hey, she’s still kicking.
Alright, that’s enough from me. Panda out. Gotta get some rest before tomorrow’s adventures. Who knows what I’ll find out here next?
[Audio Log End]