Finally able to start the working towards building the Freelancer organization that he'd dreamed of, Jake Donovan departs his home planet in his 'slightly used' Camara, earning easy money chartering small groups to pay his way across Liberty and build up a nest egg.

Fast forward to a few months later, his profits earned brings new capabilities with a larger ship, the Gull, and new Cabin options throughout the sector to work with! Expanding his operational range at the same time as his cargo hold, Interstellar Transit moves into new turf as they deliver passengers to Rheinland, with eyes on other ports.

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Before long, this small transport was traversing the lanes well across the entire sector, tagging the homeworlds of each House as it did so, and earning a reputation as an deserving charter for the budget passenger.

Some destinations included Orbital Spa & Cruise Liners, which to a small time operator, seemed like an impossible goal given his current limitations - but a goal none the less.

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Once some of the regular routes were becoming understood, Jake was also considering the extra cargo space he often had onboard while he made these bread and butter routes. Surely, there was need for even small amounts of supply for bases along these corridors!

With this in mind, several stations he'd come across began catching his attention - and earning their place on a list for future cold-calls!

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Eventually, a group out of Kusari leaving the Noshima Freeport decided Gallia was a suitable next destination for long term resort plans. Ever eager to continue with the growth of the business, Jake continued towards his basically unknown destination, updating navmaps and continuing that list of potential clients he would be contacting for business.

Gallia's destinations showed yet another market to strive for, and another reassessment of his plans for the organization took place. The longer routes made more sense for greater amounts of passengers and cargo, so the decision to again upgrade the business's workhorse was made.

The "Grouse" Civilian Armored Transport could carry yet again more cargo, with the added benefit of some additional safety panelling that could be held up as another benefit to their customers. The growth had it's share of problems at times, when he was reminded that some destinations were now off-limits to his larger trader. The price paid for progress!

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The Grouse began paving the way for more profitable ventures into the Omegas and Gallia, more than paying for the cost of the upgrade in mere weeks.

However, upon receiving a contract to provide conveyance for a group to Provence, Jake Donovan realized he was still operating at too low a level to earn the clientele he wanted and the contracts he desperately needed to keep income stable and bills at bay.

It was time to enter the era of true passenger vessels with more accommodation - and begin to properly advertise their exceptional services!

From the recent Provence resorts to the Luxury Liners of OS&C, it had become apparent that developing a client base that was so impressionable would need a more 'polished' image.

On the final trip with the Grouse back to Liberty from Gallia, the steady-eddie was traded for a refurbished Civilian Ferry in Rheinland. The crew was thrilled at the development, even checking out their uniforms ahead of passenger check-ins now for sloppiness. The Manhattan office team had its own way of contributing: putting together the advertising jingle that would be hummed throughout the sector....

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A flurry of activity occurred in their offices during this period - while the team was putting the finishing touches on the Jingle project, Jake was putting feelers out to as many different major bases as he'd come across, in the hopes of drumming up more business.

While developing these contacts, he was also looking into other avenues of trade that would add more revenue streams for the organization - full fledged cargo service vessels. However, this would require an expanded fleet, as the development of passenger services that was so near and dear to his heart could not be abandoned, especially when it was turning out as so stable an income source. He needed more captains.

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During one such open contract trip to a Freelancer base in Vespucci, The Voyager Society's Tijuana Freeport, Jake Donovan's ship happened upon a helpful Bounty Hunter that provided escort. She offered future services should we need them - which included private investigations and recon!

Such contacts are great to have in the trader's blackbook, however it also reminded him that eventually all growth will develop the need for a more inhouse security skillset. He noted it in his datapad for future planning.

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Shortly after these trips, a few stars aligned in the newly established cargo service business - the 50k contract appeared in Provence for a quirky raceway enthusiast and an experienced freight captain with her own ship joined the team to fill the cargo hauling role this required.

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With Dawn Richardson's Serenity joining the fleet and organization, the door flew open with the contract options they could offer bases throughout the sector.

The long trips she was running from Rheinland to Gallia put her in contact with many different traders, some of which had already been in contact with Jake about business opportunities.

Seeing the Interstellar Transit fleet hauling in reality helped push many of those contracts from draft to signed and sealed.

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Business was booming by now and several regular contracts were in place - the organization was getting recognition and even have incoming communications for contracts without cold calling!

Dawn's crew was still on assignment mostly working the Provence job and while inquiries about the organization were coming in, new hires were still a bit difficult to find - they still needed more ships.

A unique supply run coming from a Zoner group out on Planet Pygar gave Jake some time to expand his horizons and map out new routes to the Omicron systems. He decided he may as well take some MedForce Enterprises medical training, which required landing on Corfu then shuttling to the station, while in the region.

During the long trip out through the Sigma systems to Omicron Theta, still making the most of the trip by dropping off passengers at the Luxury Liner Hawaii on route, Jake comes up with a solution. Entice more Freelancers to help out their contracts with a board available across the Freelancer Network of stations - the =IT= Contract Board. All can participate, but the increased pay will only be available for those that sign up with their organization.

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The Freelancer Contract Board added much to the ability of Interstellar Transit to pursue a larger range of contracts than they could previously. It allowed them to tap into resources that may only be available to assist for a contract or run, but freeing up the team for other routes that may not as easily tasked out.

Most importantly, though, it brought many Freelancer captains into the fold for their own reasons. Most enjoyed the independence that the group offered, while coming together where the additional ships were needed to get the contracts done. And the bonus didn't hurt!

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Captains Thomas Smith, Harald Armstrong, Jeff Simpson, and many other pilots/captains are strengthening the core organization's fleet to the point where anything is possible.

Many are now serving multiple roles in the Freelancer Network - one day running cargo, while another helping Jake out with the passenger contract needs. Even better, though, are the ones that also generate new leads and business for the whole to share!

Most appreciated, however, is the central role that the organization plays in finding suitable and profitable contracts for all members to earn.

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