Log #007: Back in Imperial Chains
09 Nov 2024Bobby Brightside
(The audio begins with the soft whir of ship systems, punctuated by a few quiet beeps in the background. Bobby’s voice comes through, worn but steady.)Bobby (grizzled, contemplative):
Commander Bobby Brightside here. Today… well, let’s just say I got my first real taste of what the Empire’s got in store this time around.
Started the day meeting Advocate Rich Perry of Lavigny’s Legion. Handed in some cartographic data I’d gathered, and Perry looked genuinely impressed. Told me that the more work I put in for the Legion, the more those rewards will add up. Showed me a list of missions, each offering a mix of credits, reputation, or materials. Had my pick of them, and most were centered in the Bunson System, so I set off in The Red Razor.
[Transition Sound: Jump Sequence]
As soon as I drop into Bunson, I’m pulled out of supercruise—interdicted by a pirate going by Joseph Cutler. Funny thing, Cutler was the first target on that mission list. Can’t say he gave me much of a challenge; he was in a Fer-De-Lance, flashy and fast but no match for The Red Razor.
After dealing with Cutler, I flew over to the moon of planet 5. Picked up multiple crash site signals, so I decided to investigate.
The first crash site was a downed Eagle—no resistance. Grabbed some medical samples and moved on.
At the second site, I found a Sidewinder. This one was well-defended, but the defenders didn’t stand a chance. Felt good to be back in action like that.
The third site, though—that was close. Another downed Eagle, and this time the resistance almost got the better of me. Still, managed to pull through and clear out the site.
Flew back to Kamadhenu with everything in order. Perry seemed genuinely pleased, and I could see that glint of respect in his eye when he told me my reputation had moved up to Friendly with Lavigny’s Legion. Felt like progress.
While I was docked, I swapped over to The Wanderer and outfitted it with a new SRV for a change of pace. Next job was in Kongan—my first planetary scan assignment.
Started with a quick scan of the nav beacon to update the computer on my targets. First scan job went off without a hitch. Second one was trickier; picked up a bounty while I was out there. Third target was in a neighboring system—smooth scan, no issues. Fourth scan, another bounty.
By the time I landed back at Shajin Market, Perry greeted me like an old friend. Told me he’d like to introduce me to Governor Milo Peck. Now, Peck’s one of those high-up Imperial types I’m used to dealing with… and truth be told, I can’t stand them. All polish, no grit. But Peck informed me I’m now officially Allied with Lavigny’s Legion. Guess that counts for something.
Later, I headed over to Carthage, docked at Radwar Enterprises 1941, and made a visit to the Interstellar Factor. Paid off the bounties I’d racked up—it was time to clear the slate before taking on anything bigger.
Back at Shajin Market, Perry had another job lined up: delivering Strategic Reports to Aisa Sims in LPM 229. Apparently, this’ll gain me some “merit” with the Emperor and undermine the work of President Winters in the sector. Seemed like a good enough reason.
They also asked me to head over to another system, scan ships reinforcing the Empire’s position. Felt like I was back in my old Navy days, carrying out reconnaissance missions for the Empire, just as if no time had passed.
[Beat]
Funny, isn’t it? I left the Navy because I was tired of feeling like another cog in the Imperial machine. And here I am, right back at it, just on my terms this time.
(He pauses, a hint of resignation creeping into his voice.)
Commander Bobby Brightside, signing off.
(The audio fades to silence, the faint hum of ship diagnostics ending the log.)