That was a long flight. I needed to find a place to refuel very soon or my ship will be floating in space. On top of that, this ship needed major repairs.
Hiring that hacker was expensive. I had to pay him to fake a death certificate in the system, but it was well worth it. Unfortunately, I was subsequently flying aimlessly through jump holes, avoid all contact with jumpgates and trade lanes so I don't show up on any official databases. I'm not even sure where I'm going, but I had to be super cautious and I had tried to avoid everyone - I can't afford to be scanned. I passed by a few freelancers but luckily, they didn't care who I was, or who I am. Everyone just minded their own business.
That stupid advisor. I approached him to ask how I can die without dying. Even paid him a pretty sum of credits. I almost died and it was a giant hassle, but it beats continuing through that life.
In any event, I somehow stumbled upon this base in this nebula. My scanners read this as "Monaco Base". Well it didn't fire upon me when I approached it so I guess this is as good a base as any for repairs.
The mechanics said they'll get right on it, but it will take a couple of days as my ship is in pretty bad shape. Oh well, I guess I'm stuck here for a while. Entering the bar, I noticed that this base is occupied by shady patrons - in fact, they gave me a strange look when I entered. In the lounge, there was this bulletin board. One advertisement did catch my eye: it spoke of influence, power, and credits. Interestingly, they operate casinos and brothels as well, so I suppose one can add gambling and sex to the mix. Maybe I should look into this during my stay here.
Also... I'm going to need a new name.
P.S. Apparently I'm in Gallia which uses a different calendar system, and it's year "744 A.G.S".
Date: 31-05-828 A.S. (or 744 A.G.S.)
Title: The shadows
I’ve been here for two days now, and the mechanics have clearly been working hard as my ship is almost fully repaired. They told me it will be ready this afternoon. The locals here clearly don’t like outsiders, it’s almost impossible to pry any information out of anyone. However, I did figure out that the owners of Monaco Base operate somewhat within the law, although they have extensive operations in the underworld as well. I comm’d the contact person on that advertisement, and this person returned my comm shortly after. I was directed to fly to this remote island on Planet Marseille. With my newly repaired ship, I did as I was told.
I reached the coordinates given, which was a plain launchpad, but was greeted by no one. Night had fallen on this side of the planet by now, and it was DARK. Very little artificial lighting was present on the island, and I wondered for a minute if this was the real end of my life.
I was relieved when a person stepped from the shadows. He said that my ship was scanned “just in case” and asked for my purpose here. I told him that I was seeking a new life, and gave a brief account of my journey to this planet.
This person, who never provided his name, indicated that if I am seeking a new life, then I have ended up in the right place. "However, we seldom recruit outsiders - you will be monitored very closely." he said. "If you try anything... poof you'll disappear". He also demanded that all evidence of my previous life, including my ship and physical possessions, were not to follow into my new life. It meant assuming a new identity and fighting for a new purpose – the influence, power and credits will easily follow. He wouldn't even provide the name of the organization - it was that secretive. "Trust has to be earned" he said.
I agreed to join this person and start my life afresh. He welcomed me to the “family”, and I followed him into the shadows. I left all my possessions behind on the launchpad, except for a photograph in my back pocket; my only reminder of my previous life – oh how I wished to see them once more.
I've been with this super secret organization for two days, and they weren't kidding around. They really don't trust me - I haven't been able to do anything on my own, and there's always someone with me on missions. I even have a "chaperone" with me on mundane trips hauling material around. It's boring work, and I can't say I have seen the fame or riches yet. Hopefully it will come soon.
This morning I had this brilliant idea, and so I set up a meeting with the boss. I told him that in my other life, I came across a ship which looked magnificent, and can carry passengers in style - passengers who had discerning tastes. These passengers usually have the credits (or francs) and are the ones we would love to have in our facilities. We can transform this ship into a casino, and have goods on board from all over the universe, including certain not-so-legal ones that these people seem to crave (I never understood why rich people love to dabble in illegal goods, as long as they don't get caught). People would pay big bucks to travel on such a luxurious vessel.
The problem is - this ship is not sold anywhere in Gallia. In fact, there is only one specific Sirian manufacturer. I told the boss that I am happy to use my former credentials, meet up with a grey market dealer, and obtain the ship for the organization. He said he will think about it, and mentioned something about incompatible technology and maintenance of the vessel. With that, the meeting ended and I'm back to the usual routine. This life clearly isn't very glamourous - but it pays the bills and is much more comfortable than my old life.
I got called to see the boss today. Damn it felt like going to the principal's office. Luckily, I am still alive to write this.
He told me that my plan is approved - The organization could use the francs from the operation of this ship, and it should be very profitable.. I am to obtain this ship and fly it back to Monaco Base for retrofitting. Apparently the funds have been wired to a bank account on the planet near this grey-market dealer, so I only have to go there with this semi-fake (I think, I didn't ask questions) identification to withdraw the funds. A couple of crew members will be going with me to operate the ship back as well. Also, once the ship has made it to the Taus, I'll receive a small escort to ensure its safe journey. Lastly, he told me to not worry about the technology or compatibility; he has friends who will help us with that bit.
Damn, boss is good, he really has thought of everything. He even warned me "I don't think I need to remind you what will happen if you run away with the francs or the ship..."
My buddies and I took a transport to our destination, and booked a hotel by the dealership. It was really strange, I looked like a local but they did not, but the planet had such a high population, no one really cared about the gaijin except for a few dirty looks. Time to rest up for the night and the plan is to head back tomorrow.
It has been a busy couple of days. My crew and I successfully flew the future casino yacht to Monaco Base where it was retrofitted to suit our needs. It was not a smooth journey however. One of my brother met up with the ship to escort it for the latter part of the journey. However, right when we met up, the thrusters and engines malfunctioned and required a hard restart, which took a couple of minutes. During those crucial minutes, a pirate showed up and long story short, it turned into a bit of a chase.
Now that the casino is ready, we will do a few test runs before opening it up to the public. Landing privileges will also need to be taken care of - luckily, the boss said he's already on it. The good thing was, after this mission, I felt more like I was part of the family, instead of an outsider. Everyone seems to trust me more, which is great - I have been working hard to find some purpose and meaning in this new life of mine.