The explosion is a mere memory now. I don't even know how to describe the sensation; It was exhilarating even though it was happening to my ship, as the escape pod jettisoned automatically at the last second.
Its been three months since I lost consciousness in that cursed thing; From the autotracking software it seems the pod has been drifting for around three months, through several systems and uncharted space, before I was finally rescued by a mining ship in Pennsylvania's Ralston Ice Field.
I was unsure at first as to what would happen, but it seems the escape pod was sold off to a Junker Patrol with my unconscious body still inside. They pried me out thinking I was just a corpse with no life-signs. The shock of my banging on the Morgue container demanding fresh air must have shocked the staff to no end, leaving them all sorts of imagined Zombie situations.
They allowed me to take a look at the escape pod, or what was left of it. I found the few computer parts I needed and allowed them to scabble over the strange technology. Without these parts I took back they'll probably find a trivial use for the equipment.
All of my communication channels have been lost. According to the AI that I fused with before the explosion, the ship passed through the jumphole successfully, but a strange distortion caused by the prototype scanning device caused some sort of dimensional warp; Everything I once knew has been lost, and everything here is the same as it once was, with the exception of several factions never having existed and more factions I've never heard of existing here. All the funds I brought with me from the -|R|- corporation have been rendered so small that I no longer have the credits for even a decent scout fighter.
The Cerberi AI, now fused with my conscious being, chose to re-name and re-design itself while I was unconscious. He now calls himself Xares, of all things, but he has given me sound advice on what to do next. With the remaining funds I had, I've purchased a basic Startracker fighter and begun to re-map key locations to prepare and organise what to do.
I feel a loss, as though my personality has changed. Memories that once drew clear have been lost to the grey fog in which Xares now resides. Not that I miss them much; In fact, I have a feeling Xares could recall everything at a word, but I don't want to bother.
This is my fresh start, a new chance at life, to follow a different path to the ones I took in my old life that is too good to pass up. And so, I must now decide where to begin. For starters, no-one here knows me or my name, so I'll go by the very metal that brought me here, which one day I may find again.
I am, now and always, Evan K'vori.
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Evan sat inside the Startracker, its autpilot systems guiding him through Sigma space.
Since his departure from Pennsylvania he had encountered little trouble, and the Light Fighter Cruise engines had assisted with any hostile encounters.
He spoke verbally as Xares appeared on the monitor in front of him, projected by the wifi chip implanted in his Neural-Net mainframe.
"Why did you decide to remodel yourself? TO be quite honest I liked you better as Cerberi." It did not seem adequate to the situation after the fusion process. We now inhabit the same physical form, it would be inappropriate to remain as Cerberi.
Evan breathed a sign. "Very well then. So what do you suggest we do for the moment? I assume your personality programming remains the same, if not similar, to Cerberi." I recommend we draw some attention somehow. Perhaps, once we have sufficient funds, cause some... Havok, somewhere.
"So you do indeed still retain the personality then. Alright. Well what sort of havok? It wouldn't be in our best interests to break any House laws after all." On the contrary, it would certainly draw one kind of attention. However if you seek to avoid getting on the bad side of House space, might I suggest an excursion to the outer space systems? We are near enough to the Omicrons.
"We still need a new ship and suitable equipment for that... But I have just the thing in mind to draw enough attention. Though I don't see what will happen afterwards."
The Startracker turned away from the tradelane and began heading for the Frankfurt jumphole, its course set for the Yukon system.
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The Phantom pilots I captured on my exploration proved useless; They cut their own tongues rather than talk to me, so I left them tied up in the cargo hold as I continued to explore.
The new Virage I purchased in Yukon has proven its worth; Immediately after buying it, I set the old Startracker on a slow autopilot course to Manhattan the safe way. After that, I began my explorations, starting with Cassini. I'm sure I gave the Rogues there a suprise as I suddenly cruised past them; They took a moment to watch before realising that I was trespassing.
My exploration of Outcast space was successful, as my mention of the Phantom pilots suggests. Afterwards I went down to Omicron Gamma through the Sigmas, picking up a Corsair pilot in O'91. He at least chose to talk, giving me the location of the unstable jumphole in O'96. After I checked his information, I jetissoned him near Tripoli Shipyard where several Corsair Dreads were doing drills or something.
My run through the Coalition system was suprisingly more difficult; Two fighters chose to engage me, but whilst we jousted several reinforcements showed up and I was forced to flee.
Fortunately, Xares' idea for the phantoms was highly entertaining to watch on the camera installed on the startracker; Their faces were panicked after I transferred them to the other ship and set its course for the Omega-41 Neutron Star. They managed to break their binds somehow as they finally entered the system and realised how serious I was about their deaths. I chose not to watch the rest, but Xares recorded the ship disintegrating on the camera systems of the nearby Freeport.
At any rate, my explorations have been good and fun, but I still haven't decided on what to do. Perhaps I'll pay a visit to the more deeper Omicron systems, I do need to update my map database after all. So much data lost in that explosion...
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I have completed updating my neural-net map of Sirius space. Everything seems so similar to what I once knew that its strange to fly around anywhere.
I recently aquired the mining and surveying technology for the Virage; It cost a pretty penny but it was worth it, I even managed to locate an abandonned storage facility in Colorado. Seems the Xeno terrorists use it from time to time but hopefully I can sneak in and establish a base to work from.
No-one here knows of the metal known as K'vori that I have begun searching for, but the deposits in the outer regions should still exist. I managed to aquire an old Armored Transport as well to begin obtaining funds for the mining projects, assuming I can find a safe deposit to work from. Xares still has the capability to remote-control anything with the right components and so he will be taking command of the credits for now.
My encounters with people have been most interesting so far; Being marked as a Civilian has its benefits, and I've for the most part been ignored, however the various criminal factions around Liberty seem to have taken a dislike to me. I may have to try something drastic, although Xares suggests getting on their good side.
Although I'm not inclined to agree, he could be right; It would certainly help to be on the good side of the Xeno's should they ever pass by the base. He has promised to attempt communications with some of the underground on a Junker base to prepare in case I decide to act.
I'm not sure the hostility displayed by Xares is a good thing, but as a remnant of Cerberi's persona I'll leave him as he is.
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I recently conducted an investigation into the outer Omicron systems for any signs of the metal. So far my luck with the planetary scanner is running true, but my luck with finding such a valuable resource remains nonexistent. I may have to check previously recorded sources in the Tau sector, although with Gallia running patrols there I cannot guarantee my own safety.
I did however happen upon an LSF raid deep in the Omicron territories; It seems the system of Omicron Mu has an order presence there and I entered the system to begin long-range scans only to jump into the outskirts of their battle.
Long-range scanning complete, I managed to avoid engaging, but lingered in the system to watch the outcome. In the end, the LSF fighters retreated, although their callous arrogance towards the Order ships was shocking to say the least. I may end up choosing to agree with Xares' idea.
I did happen to note that the scanning software came complete with a threat detector and suggestion program, although it was unclear as to what it was suggesting when at one point it said to offer assistance (although not to whom I should aid) and a minute later it decided that I should retreat.
In the end I returned to Libery space, carefully avoiding any patrols in the Alaska system. I should really have checked to make sure it wasn't restricted territory. My next goal, after a good long break in a Manhattan pub, is to fly up towards Outcast territory and scan the planets within Tau space, although rumors suggest Gallia has infested a great deal of that region. It may be difficult to avoid their patrols, but Xares suggested simply exterminating any that cross my path.
Primary goal tomorrow will be the full surface and core scanning of Palawan (Tau-44), Semarang(Tau-39), and Carinea (Omicron Alpha).
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My scans of Palawan were cut short by a GRN fighter patrol engaging my ship. I didn't have much of a chance with the numbers so I chose to retreat, but what I did manage to scan was worthwhile.
Palawans' crust hides an internal layer of K'vori as I had hoped, but my hopes of returning to mine some are slim. I'll make an attempt when I can, however, but I cannot be certain as to how successful I'll be in that task. What with the recent activity within the Tau systems, I suspect I'll be more at risk than anything else. My scanners even picked up a Nomad of all things, which was definitely an oddity.
I'm currently docked in Kusari taking a breather and preparing to work out what sort of materials and equipment I'[ll need to extract some K'vori for personal use. I may have to extract enough to give my ship a coating as well, but the main thing is that I get some at all. I'll be working on that within the next week, and with luck I'll be able to put it to use.
A recent fly-through of Liberty space was quite a nuisance, however; I'm certain the Xenos can be bargained with over use of the depot in Colorado, but so far they have ignored all attempts to communicate. Perhaps I need to work on getting a better reputation with them somehow, although I'm not liking the options too much. Xares however has proposed a very unique plan that could win me the favor I need for using the depot as a base. I'll heed it, but reluctantly. Getting the K'vori is a higher priority, but without a facility to work with and store it there isn't any point to acquiring it.
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The Virage disengaged from the tradelane after backtracking as Evan switched on the recording software as Xares had requested.
"I don't see the point in observing these pirates, but your call." He said to the empty cockpit. You'll see soon enough. There's a Bounty hunter here as well, callsign "Thief".
Sure enough, in the space around the tradelane, a lone BH fighter seemed to be picking a fight with two freelance ships and a Rogue gunboat. After some dialogue over open comms, the Gunboat and one freelancer began engaging the Hunter, who immediately began to evade constantly.
"This is what you wanted to watch, Xares?" In a way. Heads up, that other freelancer's getting suspicious.
After another minute of cautiously watching from a distance, the remaining fighter sent a transmission signal. "What are you doing here, Evan?"
"For now, Observing." Xares replied through Evan's voice. Allow me to handle this for now. Something strange is going on here after all.
Although the hunter continued to evade, he appeared to make little to no attempts at opening fire himself as the battle continued. Eventually a Navy Dreadnought appeared to offer assistance, by which point the Gunboat had already gotten bored and begun to retreat. The remaining freelancers quickly dispersed to avoid an interrorgation as Evan few the Virage back through the tradelane towards Planet Houston. A moment later the Hunter and Dreadnought arrived as a Salvager Frigate exited the planet atmosphere with a request for aid to protect a nearby station being attacked by more Rogues.
Evan re-engaged the recording program at Xares' request and began circling the Sunflower Inn station as the Dreadnought, an LPI fighter, and the Hunter from earlier battled two Rogue destroyers.
"I'm really not sure we should hang around here, Xares." I disagree. Watch, I predict a 68% chance that the dreadnought's going to be destroyed.
"Are you serious? The only way that could happen is if the crew aboard her don't react as they've been trained, where are you getting these numb-"
The space in front of the cockpit screen suddenly lit up as the dreadnought tilted sideways, taking a mortar hit directly to the hull.
"Alright, fine. We'll watch. I'm getting a little interested myself now."
A few minutes passed as the two Rogues gradually wore out the Dreadnought before their victory became obvious, and the Hunter began to retreat. Both the Dreadnought and the Police fighter were taken out, their escape pods auto-launching in the direction of Houston.
"That's gonna leave a dent on Navy reputation." Evan said. "So now what's your big idea, Xares? If we're done here I'd like to head back to Tau space." Not so fast. Follow that hunter, I'm curious as to what he's planning. He might be calling for backup again.
Not long after, Evan was watching the Rogue destroyers once again as they battled three Hunter ships, callsign "Thief" having returned with help once again. It didn't take long before the Destroyers took out one of the Hunters, while another retreated. Thief pulled back and held position for a while, observing as the Rogue destroyers resumed their bombardment on the station.
"So are we done here now?" Almost. I'm sure you can predict what is about to happen.
"Yeah, the destroyers are going to consider us a nuisance for hanging around and shoo-" A sudden flash as the Rogues fired mortars at the Hunter before it disintegrated, the auto-eject mechanism firing the lifepod towards safety. "Alright, so they're gonna target him first." And that is why we are moving constantly while recording.
"You were still recording that? Seriously?" With a sigh, Evan turned the Virage around and pulled away from the sight as the Destroyers continued their assault. "I don't even know what you gained from observing that, its like observing those LSF fighters back in the Omicrons all over again, only without the scanning computer suggesting I assist." Tactical information. Nothing we need to worry about for now. We should return to the Tau systems and test this mining equipment out. The need for the metal is growing.
"Yes, quite..." Evan said with a frown.
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Evan sat inside the bar, ignoring the chatter of of-duty Naval officers and staring at his drink. Although no-one around him noticed due to the lack of movement besides breathing, he was in silent conversation with Xares while watching, with Xares' digital eyes, the repair state on his Virage as engineers worked on it. The left engine, wings, and the underside of the cockpit still retained damage from the fight earlier on. As to the many pirates and Liberty forces he'd left fighting at the Texas gate, he could only guess the outcome based on Xares' estimate numbers.
"And you really expect me to reason with you on that? You deliberately tell me to help a retreating Liberty pilot after all the Observing we've done?" IT wasn't my fault your timing got our ship disabled. We had a 70% probability of victory, whereas the cadet had a 30% chance of successful escape by the time I suggested you extend aid. Either way, the ship is still functional and none of the data was lost or corrupted. We lost nothing from jumping in, whereas joining the main battle would have resulted in a 20% probability of survival.
"Well whatever. You could still have helped a bit." I did help. We gained strategic information from observing and we tested your combat abilities in a live-fire situation. The results were satisfactory, and I know where the improvements need to be made. The K'vori we managed to harvest is intact as well.
"That's true enough... Our excusrion back to Palawan did prove useful. We'll need another transfusion of it done after the ship has been repaired." At least you remembered to offer the engineers your blueprint for the external hull plating and electronics. Once they finish we can begin to infuse it within the ship itself.
"A rather small stage compared to the fleet we used to have at our command... But oh well. How is the profiteering operation?"
In his minds eye, a small screen appeared, displaying a small armored transport. Captain Faran has agreed to keep working for us. He can't promise anything with the pirates hanging around but he has so far done well with his operations. I've made suggestions, over the text-comms as usual, that he take up a position with an official company to extend our profit margins.
"Good. We're going to need to upgrade. As much as I enjoy the Virage, its an insignificant ship if we ever have to face a squadron like we observed today. Once repairs are complete we'll head back into the Omicrons."
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We are currently en-route to Omicron Theta since all of the activity observation in Liberty. Seems that a high concentration of pirates enjoys to raid the region often from what I have seen.
The plan to establish a foothold in the Silverton field from which to operate my K'vori harvesting has fallen through; The Xenos are becoming a nuisance now, and I'm more likely to engage any I see rather than negotiate.
Everything is always so much calmer in the outer reaches of Sirius. Hopefully my trip to Theta will ease my mind somewhat; Its going to be a difficult route though, passing through Order territory again. I'm not entirely sure how they feel about my presence after my observations inside the border to their main system and the LSF raid, so I'll have to keep a low profile if I can.
We have successfully administered a rejuvenating dose of K'vori into our veins. The liquid flows faster again now, where once blood flowed. I still have to take care to cover my arms and hands well when we dock anywhere, for normal people to see black veins would be disturbing enough without whatever their imaginations can conjure up.. I suppose I don't give the air of an Outcast after all, never having used Cardamine; I would just be some stranger that no-one wants to go near. Not exactly good for business of any kind.
I've decided to keep freelancing for now and see what work I can pick up in the Omicron systems at any rate, while Cap'n Faran works on the profit run with Xares keeping a digital eye on him. Even he feels much better with the K'vori dose in place.
We'll have to harvest more to dose the ship at some point as well. That would give us a slightly better edge at least. In the meantime, I'll probably take a break in the Omicrons, passing through the Omegas and Bretonia space to return to Tau if need be.
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I have re-entered Tau-44 and managed to mine some more K'vori from the planetoid. GRN patrols seem to swarm around the area; That battleship is watching my entry point far too closely for my liking, immediately ordering nearby fighters to target me on sight. It's starting to become a nuisance, but thankfully the patrols avoid Palawan at this time. I managed to infuse the metal into my Virage's hull plating while in orbit, and have kept some in the cargo hold for personal use later; I'll probably upgrade the computing systems after I find a safe place.
I had set my course for the Freeport in Tau-37, but an Outcast capital ship was blocking the jumphole. I've diverted to Java station for now. I'm not certain as to what I'm going to do next though; I've gradually been working towards further upgrades for this Virage, but I feel like buying another ship soon. Unfortunately Xares has insisted that I leave the funds untouched for now, as he's sent Captain Faren to purchase a better transport ship; Apparently his Pelican had a bit of a melt-down and his left engine has failed, so he cannot initiate Cruising speed. It's a serious blow to whatever trading work he was performing.
Xares informs me that Liberty is still receiving regular pirate-incursions as well. I'm almost sorry for the Libertonians, taking the brunt of Rogues, Outcasts and Hackers so often. If I don't return to O'Theta I may head back to Liberty space and start doing some work there.
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