Nodoka Hanamura/Honya/Pale Bride Logs

[Nodoka Hanamura]

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ENTRY FOUND - NODOKA HANAMURA

// As part of the Characters becoming more active, I'll be posting their logs here as well.

---

[Nodoka Hanamura]

NEURAL NET LOG VIEWER
Copyright Ageira Technologies 404 AS. All Rights Reserved.
NN LOG FOR: HANAMURA, NODOKA [0d1413d3-c14c-4075-a211-ccad80e150d2]
Log Number 001
Date/Time: July 24th, 823 AS | 00:42 Universal Time
Location: Ralston Ice Field, Pensylvania System, Liberty Space
Subject: Ice Pick

A video feed plays. The Purple haired Kusarian woman is seen on the screen, operating Turret controls with sloth and lack of care.

I hope this thing is on.. They didn't give me a manual for this Neural Net Chip thing they put in me, you know? I mean - I'm lucky I can adapt to these kind of things, but for someone less intelligent, I think they'd be busy trying to get the male enhancement advertisements to get out of their face. And I though we were done with that crap on Earth..

It's been.. what.. 2 years? Since the New Tokyo Research Society woke me up? Can you believe that they got the provisional government of Kusari to go ahead with, while they were tearing apart their sleeper ship for scraps, let them take my cryo pod out to restore it somewhere else on New Tokyo? And honestly - Why did they go ahead with keeping me cooped up in that thing? If anything - I would have loved to been around when Jun'ko Zane and Edison Trent were around. I would have had so many questions for them.. Like.. How did they survive putting up with a Liberty Battleship - The Battleship Unity, of all things, while being surrounded by Nomad-corrupted LIberty forces, for as long as they did? That and.. did they ever bury Walker, the Captain of that Cruiser that destroyed the Unity and rammed those ships blockading Zone 21?

She sighs, A small pout on her face.

I guess I'll never know. However, where they were stuck dealing with K'hara and Rheinlanders - I'm stuck here in the Ralston Field, MIning Helium for Orbital Spa and Cruise. Don't ask me what they wanted the freaking Helium for, probably to host some god damn party.
She shrugs.

"OSC Sasa to Freelancer Mu 12-7. how copy? We're inbound for a final load to Erie."
"Freelancer Mu 12-7 to OSC Sasa. Solid Copy. I've got 2500 Units of Helium ready to be tractored in. I hope you'll have my paycheck ready to be deposited.

An AI appears on the Hologram pad. She looks similar to Nodoka, yet slightly younger than Nodoka, with longer Blue hair, and a more revealing bodysuit.
"Hanamura-sensei, two Rogues - Azimuths 220 and 240, 50 meters above the plane, going 250 Lightyears per second."
Nodoka Shakes her head, and replies to the AI.
"Don't worry about it, Honya. These Rogues were here before when the Sasa was with me. They aren't going to pick a fight with a Cruise Liner. Not with those numbers, and especially without Torpedoes.

The Large Kusari-built Cruise Liner approaches her position, its' silhouette visible amongst the many rocks in the Ralston field.

And there is my ticket out of this frozen hellhole.

"OSC Sasa, This is Freelancer Mu 12-7. This is the last of my Helium haul above me in the canisters I jettisoned. Go ahead and retrieve them and transfer the credits to my account."
"Copy that, Ms. Hanamura. It's a shame you aren't going to be mining any more for us. There's much more money to be made."
"I understand, but Mining isn't my cup of tea. I'm more of a social girl."
"Roger that. Hope to work with you in the Future, Mu 12-7."
Honya Chimes in.
"10,000,000 Sirian Credits have been added to your Neural net account, Hanamura-sensei."
"The same to you, OSC Sasa. Freelancer 12-7 out."
The Ship starts to move, the engines audible from the cockpit, as seconds after firing up, the Cruise Engines Initialize.
Well, I'm 10 million Richer, just for 5 days of Mining. God, why wasn't it this easy to make money on earth? Anywho, I've had my eyes on that VHF for sale on Erie, and I am going for it. That and yesterday, I got a call from some lawyer who wanted to meet with me on Bethlehem. Good timing, as tommorow I'm leaving to go explore the other systems.. After that.. well, maybe I might freelance for some Escorting Jobs, do some light trading..

As Depressing as the current affairs of Humanity in Sirius are.. I honestly feel content with how things are going so far.
Honya!
Yes, Hanamura-Sensei?
Play one of the old songs on that Data disk, that ... what was it.. something Lucky. Search for that and play the results. I feel Lucky today.
[As you wish.
Some electronica music plays as light engulfs the cockpit, as Honya's autopilot subroutines navigate Nodoka's ship out of the Nebula, on a course for the Erie Docking Ring.
Well, I guess I'll call this a entry and report back before I head to Bethlehem with the new VHF in tow...
Ja ne.
The video cuts immediately to black as the Log ends.

---

[Nodoka Hanamura]

NEURAL NET LOG VIEWER
Copyright Ageira Technologies 404 AS. All Rights Reserved.
NN LOG FOR: HANAMURA, NODOKA [0d1413d3-c14c-4075-a211-ccad80e150d2]
Log Number 002
Date/Time: July 25th, 823 AS | 09:01 Universal Time
Location: Planet Erie, Pensylvania System, Liberty Space
Subject: Sun Surfer

A video feed plays. It's inside the cabin of a Spatial, mainly in the living quarters. The Room is decked out in Teal and Purple Accent, with what seems to be a metallic black enveloping the rest of the room. beneath the Camera, at least what is visible - is a small kitchen. In center view is Nodoka, lurched over the small booth and table, She seems to be finishing the touches on the ship's interior.
Okay.. That should be it. Beds are set, however, I don't know three other people to share a ship with, and even then, this is a Exploratory Ship, why pray tell is it designed to be a family ship?
She proceeds to speak in a mocking voice, parodying a Father and son.
Hey son, wanna take the Spatial out for a spin with your old man?
Boy do I! What are we gonna do?
I thought we could start by going camping in Nomad space, and then go blow up Trenton outpost with a FREAKING NUCLEAR TORPEDO.
Way to think of everything, IDC, you freaking maniacs.
Nodoka walks out of frame, towards the cockpit. The Feed cuts for second. It then restarts in the cockpit, Nodoka moving to sit down in the pilot's seat.
Okay.. AI Card Slot.. AI Card Slot.. where is the Main AI Card slot...
She looks about the cockpit, looking for a place to Install Honya and Pale Bride.
Ah.. Master and Slave AI slots. Never understood why Electronics have to use such terms, but hey - If someone wants to sound smart and Kinky at the same time, so be it.
Alright.. In you two go.. and.. AI Boot.
One of the screens lights up, reading:
||AGEIRA TECHNOLOGIES AI BOOTLOADER
||DESIGNED WITH TYPE-14 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCES. DO NOT USE WITH ANY OTHER AI TYPES!
||LOADING PREVIOUS SETUP FROM TRANSFER DEVICE TDS-GENFRGHT03491485
||LOADED. COMMENCING WITH INITIALIZATION OF DUAL-GRUB V9418.194.22
[ OK ] Initialized AI 'HONYA' Successfully.
[ OK ] Initialized AI 'PALE BRIDE' Successfully.
[ OK ] Reached target Paths.
[ OK ] Reached target Basic System.
[ OK ] Found device ST9500325AS.
[ OK ] Started dracut initqueue hook.
Starting dracut pre-mount hook...
[ OK ] Reached target Remote File Systems (Pre).
[ OK ] Reached target Remote File Systems.
[ OK ] Started dracut pre-mount hook.
Starting File System Check on /dev/disk/by-guid/85e4ae33-c60e-4372-a6ba-9aeb23bf6d86...
[ OK ] Started File System Check on /dev/disk/by-guid/85e4ae33-c60e-4372-a6ba-9aeb23bf6d86.
Mounting /sysroot...
[ OK ] Mounted /sysroot.
[ OK ] Reached target Initrd Root File System.
Starting Reload Configuration from the Real Root...
[ OK ] Started Reload Configuration from the Real Root.
[ OK ] Reached target Initrd File Systems.
[ OK ] Reached target Initrd Default Target.

Welcome to Zoner Linux for AI Infrastructure 95.23 (Jacobi) (Kishiro-256 Architecture)!
This software is free of charge, courtesy of the Zoner Open Software and Firmware Association, Freeport 6 Chapter.

[ OK ] Stopped Switch Root.
[ OK ] Stopped target Switch Root.
[ OK ] Stopped target Initrd File Systems.
Stopping File System Check on /dev/disk/by-guid/85e4ae33-c60e-4372-a6ba-9aeb23bf6d86...
[ OK ] Stopped File System Check on /dev/disk/by-guid/85e4ae33-c60e-4372-a6ba-9aeb23bf6d86.
[ OK ] Stopped target Initrd Root File System.
Starting Collect Read-Ahead Data...
[ OK ] Created slice User and Session Slice.
[ OK ] Created slice system-getty.slice.
[ OK ] Reached target Remote File Systems (Pre).
[ OK ] Reached target Remote File Systems.
[ OK ] Reached target System Time Synchronized.
[ OK ] Reached target Slices.
[ OK ] Listening on Delayed Shutdown Socket.
[ OK ] Listening on /dev/initctl Compatibility Named Pipe.
Starting Rule generator for /dev/root symlink...
[ OK ] Stopped Trigger Flushing of Journal to Persistent Storage.
Stopping Journal Service...
[ OK ] Stopped Journal Service.
Starting Journal Service...
[ OK ] Reached target Paths.
[ OK ] Committed Neural Simulation for - Pale Bride
[ OK ] Committed Neural Simulation for - Honya
[ OK ] Check Compatibility with shipboard firmware
[ OK ] Initializing all Subroutines.



The two AIs whirr into life. On the left of Nodoka is Honya. Her dark blue hair covering her eyes. Honya is Nodoka's Confidant and Main Navigation and Tactical Advice AI. Pale Bride, on the right, is wearing a black blazer, has long jet black hair, and rimmed glasses. She acts as a Assistant to Honya and doubles as the Missile and Torpedo Fire Control System AI. Both of them being Smart AIs, they can do more than they are tasked to do, but do not feel under, or overwhelmed by their position.

"It feels nice to be in a new ship."
"Yeah. And with better hardware too. Laser, Positron and Pulse weapons, A sidewinder Missile pod, Sunslayer Torpedo.. We so need a Nuclear Mine Dropper onboard."
"Let's not get overkill, girls. Sure, I want to pack a punch, but one of those Nukes could hit me if I'm not careful."
Nodoka starts up the rest of the systems onboard the ship.
Oh (redacted), forgot the Log. Anywho..
After being cooped up in Pennsylvania for the past month after I left Kusari, I think it's time to finally go out there and make a name for myself. This Sunrider fits the bill well. Sure, It's not going to be good for Mining or large-scale trading, but I have enough left over from the OSC job to last me a good while. That and.. I think it'd be best to try and get in touch with one of the major companies in Sirius and see about working for them as a Freelancer. Maybe to a Escort Job or two, get to see the systems. That Caroline person, She said she was with Williams-Mordhauser when she gave me that 5 million credit deposit. Maybe I should go track her down and see if her boss might have some jobs available for a Freelancer.

Okay.. seems everything's a go for launch.
"Erie Airspace Control, This is Freelancer Mu 12-7, request permission to take off, flight plan is orbital."
"Freelancer Mu 12-7, Erie Control - Granted. proceed towards the Docking Ring Corridor, maintain 200 m/s once outside of City Airspace."
The ship is heard lifting off from Erie, heading upwards towards the Docking Ring, and into space.

There's this guy who I said I'd meet on Bethlehem Station. Wanted to talk to me for some reason, I don't even know the guy. But, I guess you gotta start somewhere in this world.
I'll report again once I've met this guy on Bethlehem.
The feed cuts out, the log ending.

---

[Nodoka Hanamura]

NEURAL NET LOG VIEWER
Copyright Ageira Technologies 404 AS. All Rights Reserved.
NN LOG FOR: HANAMURA, NODOKA [0d1413d3-c14c-4075-a211-ccad80e150d2]
Log Number 003-A
Date/Time: July 27th, 823 AS | 02:01 Universal Time
Location: Bethlehem Station, Pensylvania System, Liberty Space
Subject: Out of the Frying Pan : Part 1/8

The video feed plays, this time of the cockpit. Nodoka is seen in the distance, back in the living quarters.
Ugh.. never am I snorting crack again... that (redacted) with my head too much for my blood.
Welcome back, Hanamura-sensei.
Thanks, Honya.
Someone had fun last night. Did you enjoy [REDACTED BY THE CONTENT OWNER.]?
Yes, and I'd rather we not bring that up, lest certain groups get a hold of it, Pale Bride.
Awwe. You're no fun. How did your talk with that Donovan guy go?
Well. He said for me to make a formal query to WMD and he'd make sure to vouch for me.
Beeping noises are heard among the cockpit as the ship's engines start up.
Hanamura-sensei, we've got a problem.
What?
The Liberty Navy and LSF are engaged in wide scale combat throughout Liberty Space, mainly in New York, but there's battles going on throughout. It seems something is going terribly wrong with Liberty's Paramilitary structure.
Do you know WHY the Liberty Navy and LSF are shooting at each other?
Unfortunately, no. It is advised to leave for Omega Space and find our way to a Corsair Base and give them a token of peace. It'll make it easier for us to work with WMD later on when we get in contact with them.
Seconded. Honya, what's our best course of action?
A star chart appears in front of Nodoka, replacing her flight HUD.
Fighting in New York is isolated mainly around Zone 21 and Manhattan. Avoiding those sectors of New York, as well as any nearby compromised Trade lanes, should allow us a swift escape from New York Space.
Wait, why can't we go north to Kusari?
Because - A - We're not on good terms with Kusari after Nodoka defaced the Kishiro Headquarters with, and I quote - Kusari State loves to [redacted for vulgarity] Gallia's... uh...
Honya is seen blushing.
Chicken. Let's just say Chicken, and leave it at that.
Uh yes.. Chicken, along the foyer of their Headquarters.
Who knew that was one of the fastest ways to piss off the KSP?
Not helping. Anywho, and B - Going to Kusari would mean going through Colorado, which means going into proximity of the threat area near Zone 21 and Planet Manhattan.
And why not Bretonia? We're supposed to be getting refugees out of there, aren't we? Isn't that what we agreed we'd do until we found a position with The Council or the BPA?
Gallic Royal Navy ships are Blocking off Magellan's Jump Gates into Bretonia, and god only knows how many GRN ships are in Cortez, and I have no known coordinates for Anomalies, so unless you want to get shot up by the GRN, I suggest you stop asking questions and start listening.
We move South into Texas, and follow the Tradelane to Planet Houston, and then take a right at the Junction, heading for Hudson, then through New Berlin south to Dresden and into the Omegas.
Sounds like a plan.
The Star Chart shuts off, and Nodoka moves the Sunrider out to the dock.
Bethlehem station, This is Freelancer Mu 12-7 with you, ready to undock.
This is Bethlehem Station, roger that. Be advised, Liberty Military Seperatist Ships in the main systems are actively engaged in hostile activity. It's advised that you avoid open space.
Roger that Bethlehem. I'm actually leaving Liberty because of that.
The Dock gate behind her closes, and the main door to the docking bay opens, revealing The Vastness of Sirius before her. She moves the ship out of dock.
Alright Bethlehem, This'll be the last time you'll see me for a while. Make sure the keep the lights on for me.
Roger that, Mu 12-7. Good Travels.

---

[Nodoka Hanamura]

NEURAL NET LOG VIEWER
Copyright Ageira Technologies 404 AS. All Rights Reserved.
NN LOG FOR: HANAMURA, NODOKA [0d1413d3-c14c-4075-a211-ccad80e150d2]
Log Number 003-B
Date/Time: July 27th, 823 AS | 02:10 Universal Time
Location: New York Jump Gate, Pensylvania System, Liberty Space
Subject: Out of the Frying Pan : Part 2/8
The Video feed has cut to the Jump Gate. Nodoka Stares at the Jump Gate. She is sweating and seems to be reluctant to jump.
What's wrong? Are you still nervous around the Jump Gates because Our External Grav Inhibitor isn't working right?
Honya looks to Nodoka, seeing her fear overwhelm her. Traffic around the gate is calm, with the occasional Zoner passing by - yet there are no signs of any Liberty Military or Police Patrols.
What do you think? Every time I go into one of those things, my boobs feel like they're going into my back and my eyes feel like they're going to shoot behind my skull. And don't get me started on Jump Holes!
Oh, and the Trade Lanes don't?
No, because at least with trade lanes, the increase in speed is gradual, when I'm going into a Jump Gate or Hole, I feel like I'm being shot out of a CANNON.
Well, if you're not going to do it, then I will do it for you.
The ship moves without Nodoka's Input. Honya has control of the ship. Nodoka madly attempts to take control of the ship flipping switches and pressing buttons, as well as grasping at the throttle and yoke, but with no luck, Honya is actively rerouting her inputs to the ship's Astrionics dev/null filesystem, rendering all inputs useless.
What the [redacted] are you doing? Stop! Stop damn it!
No, Hanamura-sensei. We need to leave.
Nodoka moves back into her seat, arms crossed, visibly upset.
..I [redacted] hate you sometimes.
You love me and you know it.
The Maws of the Jump gate pry open, ready to take Nodoka's Ship into the Jump Hole generated by the gate. The Energy from the gate sends the hairs on her neck straight. The Hole opens before her, preparing to consume her ship whole into the rip in space-time. The three stare into the maw, only for Nodoka to clasp her hands in front of her eyes, frustrated.
Oh God, why couldn't I have just been left on Earth?
Because your parents didn't love you enough.
Nodoka's ship, just as Pale Bride finishes her sentence, is sucked into the Jump Hole generated by the Jump Gate. Nodoka is flung back into her seat, a prolonged pained grunt eminating from her as her chest contracts into her body, and her eyes open wide. The room is enveloped in the lights of trillions of passing stars, as the sunrider passes through space-time to arrive in New York.
The artificial jump hole opens, with Nodoka flying straight out of it. directly behind the Pennsylvania Jump Gate in the Badlands. Behind them is the abandoned Ithaca Research Station. Nodoka sits frozen in her seat, a look of stress and pain still on her face..
Fire Control Initialization - Cockpit - Pilot's seat..
A small hole above Nodoka, built into the housing of the cockpit, used for putting out fires, fires off a liter of Water. Nodoka is left soaking wet, as a result of Honya's attempt to wake her from her stupor. Nodoka's facial expression goes from pained to displeased.
I hate those blasted things. Let's get to Texas.
Nodoka takes control of the ship, and docks with the trade lane. The engines on the trade lane kick up, generating a ring of light around them, signifying it is ready to start the seqeunce. Moments later, the Sunrider is engulfed in the trade lane's energy field, and is propelled at speed out of the badlands.
The Video Feed begins to show a camera underneath the ship, at least, in a Picture-In-Picture format, at the bottom left, with the cockpit still in the center. The Ship is passing through a trade lane to West Point, debris of the Badlands and Tradelane Relays passing by.
I think it'd be best for me to show my Posterity, well, If I ever have kids, what I saw, instead of seeing their mom react to getting shot without seeing who's doing the shooting.
You just want a momento to look back on.
Yep. What's it look like at West Point?
Nothing. According to nearby unencrypted comms, West Point is having a field day holding back LSF personnel fighting against Liberty Navy personnel on the station. We should be able to go ahead and pass through without being noticed.
Wonderful. Liberty's Navy is essentially more concerned with it's delinquent contemporaries within it's ranks than to properly govern their own space, meaning the freaking Unlawfuls can go to town on anyone not on a planet or station, Where the hell is the LPI?!
Probably overwhelmed with mayday calls and the sort from ships in Liberty. It's pure anarchy.
Which means we need to get the hell out of here before it gets worse. Sure, it may look like a government squabble now, but when the citizenry get up in arms over the fighting, and demand heads on pikes, It'll be full on civil war.
You know, it begs the question, what side is the actual STATE on? Who's the President working with?
Does it really matter?
You have a point.
The ship departs the tradelane, West Point shows sign of interior damage. parts of the station appear to be on fire, albeit sparse in coverage. Suprisingly, West Point responds to Nodoka's presence.
This is West Point Military Academy to Incoming Freelancer ship, Please Identify yourself.
This is Nodoka Hanamura, Ident Freelancer Mu 12-7. I have intent on leaving Liberty Space due to rising tensions between the Liberty Navy and LSF. Requesting clearance to proceed onward to Norfolk Shipyard.
Freelancer Mu 12-7, affirmative. We advise extreme caution - All LPI Patrols are currently assisting Liberty Navy Ships, engaged with Criminal uprisings, or are out of system. We'd send a fighter to escort you out of Liberty, but we're currently dealing with a disturbance onboard as you can see.
Affirmative, West Point. Can you at least give us a SITREP on the threats in the region?
We saw A flight of Rogues heading towards Norfolk, but couldn't dispatch fighters to intercept. If you come across them, do us a favor and take them out for us.
Roger that, West Point. God Speed, And God Save Liberty.
Thank you for the kind words, Freelancer! To you as well!
Nodoka's ship flies into the Trade lane, and initiates the sequence. Seconds later, Nodoka's ship is gradually accellerating west, towards Norfolk. Not even 10 seconds pass, and alarms blare, detecting a Interruption in the trade lane. A group of 4 Lane Hackers are seen directly in front of Nodoka as the Trade lane cuts out. They aren't opening fire, but are closing in on her in a tight formation.
Contacts ahead! 4-ship of Lane Hackers, Azimuth Null, on the plane!
I'm ready to open fire. Tell me when.
The Lane Hacker leading the formation flies closer to Nodoka's ship. His video feed is played for Nodoka. he is a Libertonian man, bearing Blond hair and a chiseled face.
Freelancer Nodoka Hanamura, Stand down! We do not mean any harm.
How do you know my name?
The Lane Hackers have a lot of access to the neural net. We knew you were coming. We're here to give you a warning. The LSF are engaged with the Liberty Navy at Norfolk. Me, my crew, and a few other civvie sympathizers are actively redirecting ships to other paths out of Liberty.
Nodoka looks to Norfolk Shipyard in the distance, seeing ships duking it out, some civilian ships even getting caught in the crossfire, including an Ageira Transport which is accidentally hit with a missle, splitting the Train Transport in two, leaving the pilot alive for the moment, but stranded in the battle. The fire only seems to intensify as things go on, as Nodoka watches.
"Why are Unlawfuls helping out civilians and freelancers?" Nodoka thinks to herself.
Why are you doing this?
We're not doing this as an act of the Lane Hackers per se, but doing it out of good will. We've said before the enemies of Liberty are our friends, but in this situation, me and my team can't stand idly by and let civilians and those who have no business in Liberty's Military and Corporate Affairs get caught in the crossfire. Where are you headed?
"The guy seems to be honest. I'll give him that." Nodoka whispers to herself.
Rheinland Space.
Very well. I'll have my Number 4 escort you to one of the closest safe trade lanes to the Jump Gate through open space. That's as far as we can allow, as LPI are spread paper thin, cracking down on Unlawfuls, and we're risking our [redacted] out here enough as it is. Martinez, Escort this lady out of New York for us, and make sure neither you or her get blown to pieces in the process. We'll be waiting for you back here.
Yes, sir. Ma'am, form up with me. It's best we stick together. We'll cut across Open space towards the Norfolk-Texas Gate Trade Lane. You should be good to go from there.
The Lane Hacker turns towards the Texas Trade Lane, Nodoka proceeds to follow the ship, and forms up, to make for the Trade lane, passing by Norfolk. as they fly through open space, they can see the battle taking place at Norfolk, Torpedoes, Missiles and Guns galore, coming from vast amounts of LSF and Liberty Navy Ships. Nodoka can make out a Nova Torpedo flying towards a LSF capital ship. It impacts, splitting the ship in two, rendering it destroyed, and almost all it's personnel dead. Just in front of it, a LSF Defender has it's engines and left wing destroyed, sending it flying into a Liberty Navy Gunboat who had the shields knocked down. The two ships collide, the Defender exploding, putting out damage equivalent to a Nuclear Mine. The Gunboat is hit, with a massive hole in it's side, personnel and scrap of the ship flying out of it.
Damn..
Jesus.. It's like they say.. War is hell.
And Civil War is hell in your backyard.
True. Where you from?
Kusari.
Then why aren't you heading back to Kusari, then?
Nodoka tries to keep it brief, without giving away too much detail about her self-exile from Kusari.
I.. I don't consider that place my home anymore.
Ah. Well, we're half way to the Safe part of the Trade Lane. The other Unlawfuls should see you with me and Ignore you.
That's reassuring. Thanks, uh..
Martinez. And don't mention it.
The two ships finally arrive at the tradelane.
This is your stop. take care, alright?
I will. Thanks. If you Lane Hackers ever need a favor, let me know.
Gladly, now get out of here before [redacted] gets worse than it already is.
Roger that. Good Luck, Lane Hacker.
To you as well, Freelancer.
Nodoka Begins the trade lane sequence, and seconds later, is sent towards the Jump Gate to Texas.
That.. was suprisingly kind.
Yeah. The Jump Gate's ahead.
Nodoka, you ready?
You know, to be frank, after seeing the hell that is modern warfare up close today, I think Jump Gates are the worst of my problems, really. Onward to Texas.
Good, Hanamura-sensei. I'll begin the jump sequence and see if the EGI will work this time.. Hmm. Seems that power needed to go to it for full operation is going to the.. Coolant. Adjusting Energy Allocation... Done. We shouldn't have to worry about the Jump gate pummeling you into your seat.
Why the hell wasn't this fixed on the Freighter? Or the Civilian Shuttle I used?
You Imported Settings and preferences from the Shuttle when you transferred to the Freighter, and then transferred that same data to the Sunrider.
...
Next stop, Texas.
Here's hoping that fixed the EGI.
Nodoka's ship flies into the maw of the Jump Gate, and seconds later, is thrown through the jump hole made by the gate.
The feed cuts out, but doesn't end.

---

[Nodoka Hanamura]

NEURAL NET LOG VIEWER
Copyright Ageira Technologies 404 AS. All Rights Reserved.
NN LOG FOR: HANAMURA, NODOKA [0d1413d3-c14c-4075-a211-ccad80e150d2]
Log Number 003-C
Date/Time: July 27th, 823 AS | 02:45 Universal Time
Location: New York Jump Gate, Texas System, Liberty Space
Subject: Out of the Frying Pan : Part 3/8
Nodoka's Sunrider warps out of the jump Gate, facing the trade lane to Planet Houston and the N-M-B-H (New York - Minnesota - Bering - Hudson) Jump Gate Junction. Nodoka shows signs of disappointment with her current location - expecting something less - insipid.
I don't like this place. Too.. bland.
Hanamura-sensei, we're not here to pick out the god damn linens, we're here to get the hell out of Liberty.
Nodoka nods her head, and replies.
Right. Let's take the trade lane to the Junction and figure out where to go from there.
The ship moves to dock with the trade lane, The Sunrider's engines roar up as it moves closer, nearing the trade lane, already burning it's jump drive engines. All is well, until the alarms go off again, signifying a break in the trade lane connection. A Flight of three Xenos are seen as the culprits behind the disruption, and seeing their prey, turn to engage Nodoka's sunrider.
This is Xenos Black 4-1 to all Black Units - engage Freelancer Mu 12-7. Time to roughen up this Kusarian [redacted].
Group of three Xenos, Azimuth 009, Two Meters below the plane! I advise taking them on. They aren't too much of a threat.
Pale Bride, Weapons Online - Targets primed.
And I'm ready for a fight.
Nodoka's Sunrider charges towards the Xenos' Falcons, letting loose her entire array of guns against the leader, Pulse cannons knocking out his shields, while the lasers and Positron beams send his ship on fire. As she does this, Pale Bride fires off a Sidewinder Missile at a Xeno breaking off of the Chicken fight between Nodoka and his leader. The charge detonates, knocking out his shields. Nodoka starts taking slight shield damage, whereas the Xeno Leader's falcon is breaking apart with every shot of Nodoka's guns. Countermeasures and his shield both are destroyed, followed by the left and right wings breaking off. It seems the Xeno pilot entered a fight he'd come to regret, given he wasn't prepared to take on a VHF, especially Nodoka's, decked out in High-end tech. Unfortunately, it seems blind ignorance of his odds sent him into his impending doom, as major systems fail on his ship as Nodoka's guns begin to penetrate his fuselage and set the ship ablaze, The ship, falling apart, flies over Nodoka's head, only to detonate seconds after it passes her ship. The Xeno Pilot is nowhere to seen. He apparently died with his ship. The rest of the ships scatter, seeing that they are outperformed by the VHF.
Yeah, you better run, you Xenophobes! You're no better than Kusari Nationalists! Now scram, before I turn you into Space dust like your friend here!
She looks to Honya and Pale Bride, smiling.
Nice work, girls. Seems they didn't think to scan my ship rather than scan the pilot before picking a fight with me.
The Trade lane is back online. Let's get out of here before any more of their friends show up.
Nodoka flies the Sunrider back into the tradelane, only to see two Liberty Navy Ships heading out for Hudson in the distance.
Hmm. Something about those ships seems off.
Well, don't go trailing them. God only knows what their true intentions are.
if that's the case, why don't we hit Bering?
The Bering to Hamburg Jump Gate was destroyed in 819 AS as a result of the War between Liberty and Rheinland. The only way to get to Hamburg through Bering is through jumpholes, and It's best to stay on Legal routes for the time being, lest Rheinland authorities get concerned about our reasons for being in their space. We're only passing through - not doing a smuggling run.
Right, Hudson it is, then.
Nodoka moves the ship towards the trade lane, heading towards the edge of Liberty Space. The ships ahead of her enter the maw of the jump gate, and are sucked inside by the force of the wormhole-like jump hole created by the gate. Nodoka, just as she leaves the trade lane, flies towards the closing maw of the jump gate, the jumphole already shut. She sends the dock request, and seconds later, the jaws of the jumpgate open once more, revealing the gaping hole in spacetime that awaits her.
You know - how is it that we can manipulate space-time for travel, but we haven't found a way to get rid of the Slomon K'hara?
Because the Dom'Kavash loved their bastard child more than their uninvited guests.
Which begs the question, where did the Dom'kavash go?
No one knows. All that we know is that they left behind the technology needed for Jump Gates, Trade Lanes.. most of the technology we use today. So if anything, we should be thankful for them.
The ship moves deeper into the mouth of the jumpgate, only to be sucked into the wormhole generated by it. There's a slight jerk as the EGI reacts to the change in forces applied to the ship, but following that, gravity is equalized in the cabin.
Y'know, now that I can actually enjoy the sights this stuff gives me, It makes me wonder.. could we use a One way Jump gate to get back to Sol?
Honya shrugs.
Possibly. But it'd require massive amounts of energy, even for jumpgates to sustain such a long range tear in space time. that and would it even be stable? The Dom'Kavash were known to possibly have hyper-gates which would suit the purpose, but we've yet to come across one, and even then, chances are near 100% that any Hypergate we come across would most definitely be in Slomon K'hara space, posing a risk to explorers and researchers both unless escorted by a massive invading fleet into the system, something humanity really, at least at this time - cannot invest in, and even then, there would be many casualties as a result, which would beg the question as to if it would be worth it?
Pale Bride is looking at Honya, and then turns to Nodoka.
Honya does have a point. Would it even be worth it if we had to risk a sizable amount of Sirian Military forces?
The ship exits the wormhole, the Sunrider now in Hudson. Ahead, planet Atka, It's Planetform Supply Depot are seen in the distance, as well as the LNS Alma. Without saying anything, Nodoka moves the ship towards the trade lane, and proceeds to dock with it. The ship slowly accelerates, being flung towards Planet Atka.
So far so good. No Hostile factors in range of scanners.
Don't jinx us.
Can it, Pale Bride. Even if she does, we're ready for anything.
The Sunrider is let out near Planet Atka. Nodoka proceeds on her way towards the Hamburg Jumpgate, using it's respective tradelane.
Honya - What's the situation in Hamburg?
Unknown, but I doubt anything is going on other than the usual, traders and transports running cargo and the occasional Rheinland Military Patrol or two.
The Ships from earlier are seen above them in the opposing tradelane, heading back for LIberty.
Contact, Dead ahead - Rheinland Navy Battleship - Ident - RNC Peisker, Bismarck-Class, Azimuth 348, On the Plane.
Honya wasn't lying. Dead ahead, flanking the left of the Jump Gate was a Bismarck-class Flagship, The RNC Peisker. The massive battleship had just turned away Liberty Navy Ships, possibly defecting due to the recent breakdown in relations between the LN and LSF.
This is the Rheinland Military RNC Peisker to Freelancer ship. Please state Name, Designation and Origin.
This is Nodoka Hanamura, Freelancer Mu 12-7, Originating from Kusari. I was in Liberty doing Trade work, but fled following the recent events with the LSF and Liberty Navy.
Was? The Liberty Navy and LSF are in some kind of Kerfuffle? Command didn't inform us of this.
Yeah, There was a battle happening at Norfolk Shipyard in New York while I was trying to escape.
Those Liberty ships that tried to enter our space a moment ago told us the same thing. We didn't believe them. Are you telling the Truth?
Sir, with all due respect, I wouldn't lie to the crew of a ship that is prone to blow me to kingdom come.
Very well. What is your intents in Rheinland Space, Frau Hanamura?
My Intents in Rheinland Space is to pass through Rheinland Space for the Omegas.
Alright. Standby - we're going to scan your ship for contraband.
Nothing but silence is heard as the Rheinland ship scans Nodoka's ship for any illegal materiel. Nothing comes up on their scanners that raises concern.
You're clean, Uploading one-time access code to your ship, go ahead through the gate. Enjoy your stay in Rheinland, Frau Hanamura.
As they say in Rheinland, Danke Schon, RNC Peisker. God speed.
Honya begins the Jump Gate Sequence with the access code given to Nodoka by the Rheinland Battleship. The mouth of the gate opens wide, the wormhole ready to take her ship into Rheinland Space.
The feed cuts out again, but doesn't terminate the log.

---

[Nodoka Hanamura]

NEURAL NET LOG VIEWER
Copyright Ageira Technologies 404 AS. All Rights Reserved.
NN LOG FOR: HANAMURA, NODOKA [0d1413d3-c14c-4075-a211-ccad80e150d2]
Log Number 003-D
Date/Time: July 27th, 823 AS | 03:17 Universal Time
Location: Hudson Jumpgate, Hamburg System, Rheinland Space
Subject: Out of the Frying Pan : Part 4/8
The Sunrider leaves the jump gate, facing the tradelane towards the RNC Westfalen. Nodoka and her AIs stare out into visible space, looking at what Hamburg has to offer.
Well, here we are. Rheinland. Let's take it all in girls.
Feels.. mundane.
Kinda does, doesn't it, Pale Bride?
Nodoka yawns.
Best we get a move on, lest unlawfuls crack wise.
Nodoka's ship moves towards the Trade lane to the Westfalen. All is normal through the tradelane, no interruptions, nor hostilities along the tradelane.
Alright.. Up ahead is Planet Hamburg. You want to stop there to resupply?
H-fuel quantities are nominal - We should be fine as is, Hanamura-sensei.
Very well. How long until we get in comms radius of Malta?
We'll need to be in Omega-41 to be at the edge of communicable space from our ship, but it'd be safer to transmit from a Freeport in either the Omegas or Omnicrons.
Alarms go off in her cockpit, signifying a interruption in the trade lane. Three Red Hessians greet her, seeking something from her.
Guten abend, Freelancer. We'd like those AI you have onboard.
Nodoka analyzes her situation - Three Hessian Valkyries vs One Sunrider. The Rheinland ships are bound to be armed with Tachyon-hardened shields, given the Rheinland Military has a fondness towards Tachyon guns, making her Laser/Proton/Pulse loadout especiallly powerful against their shields, making for a quick penetration and kill on their ships. Nodoka signals to Pale Bride, and then responds to the inquiry by the Hessians.
Why are you so interested in my AI?
They are giving off their Serial numbers, they're prototypes, and would be of quite a bit of worth on the black market. Say goodbye to your friends, or we'll take them by force.
When I'm done with you, podding will be the worst of your worries - I'm going to blast open your Escape pods and let you [redacted] choke on Vacuum. Pale Bride! Lock up the leader! Let's show these hooligans what happens when you mess with me!
Angriff! Angreifen und töten, dass lästige Besserwisser!
Attack! Attack and kill that annoying wiseacre!
Realizing she'd pissed them off, Nodoka pushes the ship to it's limits, and flies towards her opponents, taking slight shield hits from the pass. Nodoka cuts the engines, and turns the ship around, still flying in the direction of the Westfalen, and fires back at the Hessian leader, accellerating closer and firing back.
Amazing, not even one second in Rheinland, and we piss off someone. Sugoi desu yo.Honya says, speaking sarcastically.
Shut up and do what you're best at!
The Hessian ships are close to breaching Nodoka's Shields, Just as Nodoka has started dealing hull damage to the leader. Pale Bride takes it upon herself to fire off the Sidewinder at the Valkyrie - the pilot not expecting it, as well as being too close to Nodoka to be able to counter, the Missile hits the cockpit, sending the entire front of the ship ablaze, the ship slowing down, only for a massive explosion to follow, killing the pilot and leaving nothing but small remains of what once was a Valkyrie fighter. The other two ships, spurred on by their comrade's death, push their engines to maximum thrust, and close in on Nodoka.
Now would be a VERY good time to leave!
Nodoka enables the cruise engines, and attempts to escape, but, by sacrificing startup time for a secure getaway, releases a series of Nuclear mines, which the pilots fall for, leaving their ships totalled. Nodoka Restores the Normal Power Loads, and proceeds off into the distance.
Damn, talk about a big kick in the crotch.
I'll say.
Anywho, I'm going to consider our options and get back to you by the time we leave Hamburg.
Honya nods towards Nodoka, acknowledging her decision to think on it. The Sunrider approaches Westfalen - A Rheinland Military patrol passes by, off to the left, near the system's sun. Without another word, Nodoka's ship flies towards the trade lane, onward towards Planet Hamburg.
Contact, ship approaching from Azimuth 060 towards Null, On the plane at 400SU/s (Sirian Units/second), Ident... Zoner.
Zoner? Why are Zoners in House Space?
Unknown, recommend Interrogation. Hanamura-sensei?
Sure, It wouldn't hurt to talk.
Nodoka's ship passes through the final tradelane relay and sees the Zoner ship nearing her, as she approaches the trade lane. It's a Stock Roc Bomber, suprising for a Zoner, who are known for Fighters loaded out for Exploration and combating the harshest threats Nomad and Edge Space can throw at them, but a Bomber, usually known for a more offensive role, was a surprise.
Running NN-GUID check on Zoners Gold 13-7... Name: Marisa Kita. Race: Kusarian, Nationality: Zoner, Age... 24. Gender, Female. Possible alignment.. Friendly.
Nodoka moves her ship in the flight path of the Zoners Roc.
Zoners Gold 13-7, could you please cut your engines? I'd like to talk to you.
Uhhh... Okay.Marisa's slightly chalant and reserved voice cuts through the channel with finesse and ease. Marisa's ship halts before Nodoka. There's a eerie silence before Nodoka chimes in with a strangely cheerful
How's it going?
Marisa sighs, thankful that the Freelancer wasn't working for some Hessians or some other unlawful group.
I'm doing well.
Where are you heading?
Heading to Liberty, Actually. Coming all the way from Delta.
Nodoka, concerned about the pilot in front of her, replies rather sternly.
I'd advise against that. Just left Liberty - The LSF and Liberty Navy are going at it with each other in New York.
Marisa Scoffs, having dealt with a similar hell recently.
Heh. Are you not familiar with Delta? We just got out of our own little local war.
No, not really.
Well, I'm from Freeport 11. The Order and the Core also have bases in Omicron Delta, and god, do they hate each other.
Recently the Core bombarded the Freeport and killed hundreds of my fellow Zoners over, guess what.
Nodoka humors Marisa, and responds.
Let me guess, They thought there was a Nomad on Freeport 11?
Far less insignificant.
Caught in the Crossfire?
Marisa answers her own question.
It was all over a crate of smokes that was commandeered in retribution for them consistently breaking the rules of the Freeport.
Nodoka's face rapidly turns to that of unamusement, her opinion of the Core going from Totalitarian Monsters to Incompetent, whining sociopaths in a second's notice.
Symbolic retribution, might I add.
Honya Interjects.
Hanamura-sensei, if we are to hit the Omegas, we need to depart.
Nodoka looks to Honya and tries to calm her nerves.
Calm down, Honya. We'll make it. Doesn't hurt to talk to a Zoner.
Marisa responds, her video feed shut off on Nodoka's end.
You have multiple people in that fighter?
More like two AI that I got when I bought my first ship.
Oh, personal AI. This ship has one, but there's no personality or voice package installed - it just saves me the need of a copilot
Honya here is my Navigational and Tactical Advice AI. Then there's Pale Bride that handles Fire Control Systems.
Sounds like you have things rather locked down.
Pretty much.
There's a moment of silence before Nodoka continues.
Just a heads up, if you're passing near Westfalen onto Hudson - There's Hessians nearby hitting up the trade lanes. A group of them gave me and my AI some trouble.
Hm. Where in the Omegas are you headed, Nodoka-san?
Nodoka, reluctant to state her intents towards Willams-Mordhauser, being that they're registered on Malta in Outcast Space, simply states
Nowhere in Particular, really. Just exploring Sirius. Never been outside of the House systems.
Care for some company?
Yeah, I wouldn't mind some company.
I was headed into Liberty to get a bit of peace and quiet, but if it's like you say...Marisa says, reluctant about her previous decision to leave for Liberty.
Space is vast, and friends are spread thin.
Marisa Kita has sent a Mutual Uplink request. Hanamura-sensei, I expect that you want me to authorize this?
Yes. Go ahead and group us up.
Hai, Hanamura-sensei.
Nodoka's ship forms up with Marisa, and says to Marisa
Alright then. I'll follow you.
Oh, Alright. Marisa says, feeling like a tour guide for her backyard, in a sense.
So, I assume you're Kusarian by the name, then? Marisa says as the two ships fly towards the New Berlin Gate Trade Lane, and enter the relay.
Well, Yes and a bit of no.
Ah?
I am from Kusari, but I originally came from Sol.
Well, didn't we all, in a way?
Nodoka chuckles a little.
True.
The lane lets Nodoka and Marisa out. Seeing that her Hull has taken damage and that her ship being low on HSSBs (Hot-swappable shield batteries) and Nanobot Canisters, breaks off the formation and heads towards Lubeck Border Station.
I have to stop here for supplies. I'll be out in a second.
Alright.
Nodoka's ship sends the dock request to Lubeck, and it is immediately granted. She moves towards the docking bay, and proceeds inside. The feeds stops, but does not terminate.
//OOC Notice: This Log is based on a in-world event that took place between me and @Petitioner's Character, Marisa Kita.

---

[Nodoka Hanamura]

NEURAL NET LOG VIEWER
Copyright Ageira Technologies 404 AS. All Rights Reserved.
NN LOG FOR: HANAMURA, NODOKA [0d1413d3-c14c-4075-a211-ccad80e150d2]
Log Number 003-E
Date/Time: July 27th, 823 AS | 03:37 Universal Time
Location: Stuttgart Jumpgate, New Berlin System, Rheinland Space
Subject: Out of the Frying Pan : Part 5/8
The feed resumes, Marisa directly in front of the ship as it undocks from Lubeck,
Alright Lubeck, thanks for the goods.
Marisa opens comms with Nodoka, and asks
Ready?
Yep. As usual, I'll follow you.
Marisa and Nodoka form back together, and enter the jumpgate, and are sent into the wormhole made by the jumpgate at speed. As they fly through the hole, Marisa pops a question to Nodoka.
So, when you say you're from Sol... is that some sort of metaphor, or am I to take it literally?
Literally, actually.
Marisa's interest in Nodoka's past is piqued.
Huh. How's that work?
I was on one of the sleeper ships as an experiment, the Kusari Government wanted me for research in psychology, mainly. They wanted to see how a human would react to their world being changed drastically, so they kept me in stasis long after they dissassembled the Sleeper ship we came in on.
I'm technically over 800 years old.
That's, ah... a new one on me, I'll admit.
So... how long did it take you to linguistically adjust? Quite a lot of language change in 800 years worth of time.
I did okay, somewhat. Kishiro was experimenting with a Technology to help with children regarding rapid education. They used it on me to essentially get all that information and history into me within a short amount of time. About two years to be exact.
The two ships are let out of the Jump Gate on the other side, In Stuttgart. The two fly towards and dock with the tradelane heading towards the planet of the same name.
That's goddamn impressive, to be frank.
I was impressed with it as well, hell, I was astonished at first when I learned about Trade lanes, jump gates.
They are dropped off near Dortmund, and proceed onward to Brandenburg.
She seems like an interesting person.
I agree. Sorta reminds me of Boobs-for-miles here.
Sh-shut up!
Nodoka says, covering her chest.
The Two ships arrive at the Stuttgart Junction, only to proceed into the next tradelane, heading towards towards Freiburg Station.
I guess it would be quite a shock to someone in your position.
Yeah. I took it well though.
Nodoka answers, hesitant to discuss anything else, she keeps herself quiet. They arrive at Freiburg, and proceed towards the final stop in Stuttgart - The Jump gate to Omega-7.
I still don't know about what happened to earth after we left. The Kishiro Scientists didn't seem to know.
I can't say I do either. Wonder if anyone ever tried to... go back and check.
The two arrive at the Jump gate, and proceed to dock with it. Seconds later, they are inside the wormhole, but out of the blue, Marisa disappears into nothing. Nodoka shows a concerned expression on her face.
Where's Marisa-san?
Must have gotten lost in jump. I hope she's okay.
Nodoka arrives successfully on the other side of the Jumpgate, but Marisa is nowhere to be seen.
Boosting power to Long Range Scanners - Scanning for EM Signature of Marisa Kita - Zoner Gold 13-7.
Honya begins to scan as far as the ship can allow, even cutting power to the engines and non-essential systems, including weapons, gravity, non-core life support and even Pale Bride's Processing power, causing her to shut off.
Found her, Azimuth 351... 70 Sirian Units Below the plane, 400 Sirian Units Out. She must have entered some kind of anomaly in the wormhole that sent her into a different wormhole exit in space-time. Luckily she came out here not in uncharted Space.
I sent a message to Marisa over a unencrypted channel - Told her to meet us at Freistadt. Let's get a move on, Hanamura-sensei.
Honya restores the power to their normal levels, and moves the ship towards the tradelane to Freistadt. Pale Bride Chimes In after starting up.
Do that again and I'll throw so many exceptions your way you'll be spinning like a Neutron star on Crack.
Honya ignores her contemporary, and docks with the Tradelane, heading towards Freistadt. The feed stops, but does not terminate the log.

---

[Nodoka Hanamura]

NEURAL NET LOG VIEWER
Copyright Ageira Technologies 404 AS. All Rights Reserved.
NN LOG FOR: HANAMURA, NODOKA [0d1413d3-c14c-4075-a211-ccad80e150d2]
Log Number 003-F
Date/Time: July 27th, 823 AS | 04:02 Universal Time
Location: Freistadt Station, Omega-7 System, Border Worlds
Subject: Out of the Frying Pan : Part 6/8
The feed cuts back in, Marisa and Nodoka back together, entering the trade lane.
What would have happened? I guess the Coalition probably still controls Sol.
Aliens, maybe. Coalition might have expanded beyond Sol..
Oh, well some followed us on the sleeper ships.
The Coalition survivors have their own home system somewhere in the Omegas, and they helped defend us in Delta against the Core.
Not bad folks, really.
But I don't think they have any contact with Sol..
Hmm.
Nodoka and Marisa are let out of the tradelane, facing directly at the mouth of the Jump Gate. The two move towards the maw of the massive structure to begin the jump procedure.
Same here. That and according to what I was taught.. Gallia is miffed that someone sabotaged their ship. Don't remember who.
I don't know much about Gallia, honestly. Never concerned me, being on the opposite end of the galaxy and all.
I know a bit about them, that much has made me abhor them. They're acting childish with this grudge they hold with us Sirians.
I mean - They come beat down Bretonia's door, Kusari starts being their lapdog.
It's why I left Kusari.
The two approach the Inner Maw of the Jump Gate, Ready to jump to Omega-3.
I know they haven't been treating my brothers and sisters in the Taus right.
Did it affect you in some way?
Speaking of leaving Kusari - Why did you leave Kusari to be a Zoner? Or were you a Zoner all your life?
The Two ships are sucked into the Jump tunnel's Maw, and flung through spacetime towards their destination.
I was a Zoner all my life, yes.
Anywho.. Well, Let's just say that Gallia and Kusari are interfereing with something that might threaten us all..
What do you reckon that is?
You know of the Slomon K'hara, right?
The Nomads should be our primary target.
Of course. The aliens are a never-ceasing threat in Delta.
The Order and the Core basically fight over who gets to protect us from them - ostensibly.
They're more of a mixed bag than you'd think.
Nodoka and Marisa are let out of the Trade Lane, and, unlike earlier, make a hard left towards the Roth Asteroid Field.
Have you heard of the Battlegroup Auxesia?
Don't know that much about them, to be honest.
Some were around during the war in Delta lately, and there was a bit of confusion whose side they were on at first.
It was later clarified they were pretty against the Core, though.
The Core is a Totalitarian lunacy, the Order just seems.. off, following the dissappearance of Orillion.
I mean - Something seems off about that. How does the head of a Top Secret Organization just Vanish?
Nodoka follows Marisa into a Jump hole at speed.
Who's Orillion?
Casper Orillion was the Leader of the Order up until he vanished. At least, that's what the Kishiro techs taught me.
That's... an interesting bit of info, I guess. How'd Kishiro guys know anything about all that?
I don't know. They just fed me information they thought suitable for me here in Sirius. I did overhear Leaked Neural Net Logs from one of them, but that's all I remember regarding it.
Nodoka and Marisa reach the other side of the Jump hole, in Omega-5. The two proceed towards the Hammen Hole, heading towards the Omega-47 Jumphole.
Well, s'interesting either way.
Be on your guard. Omega-5 is a hellhole, and the Hammen Hole is the ass of it all.
The Hammen Hole?
Yeah, this clearing we just came into.
'sairs and Hessians have been fighting here so long that all the explosions cleared out a bunch of the asteroids.
It's actually kind of [redacted] terrifying to think about in those terms.
Y'know, this is the first time I've been this far south.
Same.
Previously I'd only come as far as Omega-11.
Man, what a view.
Yeah...
The two ships break right to approach sector C7.
Nodoka Looks to Honya, and asks:
Honya - you got anything on the scanners? any Anomalies?
Anomaly Detected: Sector C7 - Type, Jump Hole.. State..... Phase Aligned - Omega-47.
Thanks Honya.
That's where we're headed.
The Omegas are sure different from the Omicrons.
Nodoka Nods, looking out at the asteroids and wreckage as they depart the Hammen Hole.
Mhm. I've seen images of Omnicron space, but never been.
If you're up for it, once we hit GC and refuel, I could show you the way to Delta, though it's even more dangerous.
Sounds like a plan.
You've got an adventurous spirit, don't you, Nodoka-san?
Mhm. I've been the kind of person to Explore and seek the tides of Change for as long as I can remember.
You sound like a born Zoner.
I kinda do, don't I, Marisa-san?
It's a shame about what happened to Freeport 11. I would have loved to see it.
Well, it's still there, but... hardly in its former glory.
But, hey, let's get to the big C first. It's only two jumps away.
Just as she finishes her statement, they fly straight into the Jump hole. Seconds later, Marisa and Nodoka arrive in Omega-47. They Immediately make for the Cayman Jumphole
Cruise Engine Initialized. All Systems normal. Continuing Formation Protocol - Slaved to Marisa Kita.
I have a feeling that this will be a interesting Relationship, Marisa-san.
Do you?
Mhm. It's like we were destined to meet.
Nodoka and Marisa's ships proceed through the jumphole, at speed.
Also, slam on those cruise engines as soon as you get through.
Seconds Later, they pop out on the other side, in a massively condensed and warm nebula.
Hanamura-sensei?
You heard her. Floor it.
Hai.
The Reapers don't necessarily take too kindly to intruders, and the Flare is one of the hottest nebulae in Sirius.
Wow.. I feel like I'm flying through a Orange Smoothie from back on earth. Except it's hot as hell.
Marisa's laughter is heard over the radio.
Yeah, it's a riot, huh?
Nodoka Pauses her comical nature for a second to ask Marisa a question.
Also.. The Reapers?
Inhabitants of this system. Weird bunch. I don't know much of them and never cared to learn. There was always more to explore in the Omicrons.
The heat of the Nebula begins to interfere with the external camera, causing interference.
Not suprised. I think I spotted a Daam'Kavash Structure back there.
Nah, nothing of the sort. The Reapers just have an, uh, "idiosyncratic" architectural style.
God, I've never seen so much Orange in my life.
Suddenly, the external cam goes to static, and Nodoka's internal cam glitches out. It stays like this for quite a while, with audio only being transmitted without fault.

---

[Nodoka Hanamura]

NEURAL NET LOG VIEWER
Copyright Ageira Technologies 404 AS. All Rights Reserved.
NN LOG FOR: HANAMURA, NODOKA [0d1413d3-c14c-4075-a211-ccad80e150d2]
Log Number 003-G
Date/Time: July 27th, 823 AS | 04:35 Universal Time
Location: Flare Nebula, Cayman System, Edge Worlds
Subject: Out of the Frying Pan : Part 7/8
The Screen is black, only audio being captured at low quality.
I feel it.
Text shows on the screen.
Ageira Advanced Logging System V4.402.190 - Copyright Ageira Technologies 814-844 AS. All Rights Reserved.
Recent System failure detected...
Safe Mode Boot flag not found. Booting with normal procedures.
Reached target Paths. [ OK ]
Reached target Basic System. [ OK ]
Found device ST9500325AS. [ OK ]
Started dracut initqueue hook. [ OK ]
Starting dracut pre-mount hook...
Reached target Remote File Systems (Pre). [ OK ]
Reached target Remote File Systems. [ OK ]
Started dracut pre-mount hook. [ OK ]
Starting File System Check on /dev/disk/by-guid/85e4ae33-c60e-4372-a6ba-9aeb23bf6d86...
Started File System Check on /dev/disk/by-guid/85e4ae33-c60e-4372-a6ba-9aeb23bf6d86.... [ OK ]
Mounting /sysroot...
Mounted /sysroot. [ OK ]
Reached target Initrd Root File System. [ OK ]
Starting Reload Configuration from the Real Root...
Started Reload Configuration from the Real Root. [ OK ]
Reached target Initrd File Systems. [ OK ]
Reached target Initrd Default Target. [ OK ]
Initializing main device frontend... [ ERR ]
dev/cam1 failed to init!
dev/cam2 failed to init!
Switching to dev/cam3, dev/cam4. [ OK ]
And now, the total opposite.
Welcome, Nodoka-san, to the Barrier.
Two cameras are shown on the Log Feed. On the left, one from the dashboard of the ship, and another from the left wing of her Sunrider. The Outside view shows Nodoka and Marisa in a Jump Tunnel, only for the camera and, Nodoka - to be blinded by the light of the Barrier.
What, blu- OH God!
Nodoka is seen shielding her eyes from the light.
I can barely see!
Marisa is heard laughing.
Hurts, huh?
Yes, it does!
Just form up and we'll get out of here soon.
Pilot deemed unable to fly. assuming control.
Honya assumes control, and rejoins with Marisa.
Unfortunately, it doesn't get much better when we get out of the cloud.
The two ships fly through the barrier and proceed out into the clearing. Nodoka clears her arm away from her face, revealing to her Planet Gran Canaria and it's orbiting station.
I.. Think I can see now.
If you've still got any sight left, that's Gran Canaria up there.
Honya - Give me the controls.
Affirm. Manual control on.
Gran Canaria, huh?
When the guys from Freeport 1 found this place, they thought it would be a paradise. Little did they know GC was rapidly entering a major ice age. In maybe about twenty years, the planet will be arctic and-
Nodoka Interrupts Marisa, adding her witty commentary to Marisa's short history lesson on Gran Canaria.
So essentially they walked right into a freezer.
-yeah, you get it. Lots of folks moved on-world as soon as word got out, and now lots of folks are moving off.
It's a shame. It reminds me of earth.
It's pretty terrestrial now, just cold as the Barrier.
There's not really any planet that I've seen so far that comes close to feeling like home. Shame the closest one I've seen so far is about to go cold.
What, New Tokyo didn't do it for ya?
The two cut their engines in front of the planet.
It was nice, yeah. But it just felt too.. populated.
That's fair. Being a Zoner, I can't stand being in places like that too long either.
The nice thing about the big C, though, is that it's pretty sparse. If you don't mind the cold, it's nice - or so I'm told. This is my first time visiting. It really is a Zoner's planet.
I don't mind the cold.
Well, shall we land and get our supplies, then? Maybe stop for a drink or somethin'?
Gladly.
The two proceed through the docking ring, and descend into the atmosphere. as they dive through the clouds, Nodoka sees the beauty of Gran Canaria first hand, the Capital of the planet sticking out like a sore thumb amongst the hills, valleys and snow-capped mountains.
Oh gods above..It's beautiful..
Nodoka's ship proceeds to the landing pad, Marisa following close behind. Nodoka sets her sunrider down, and the feed cuts out, only to, seconds later, cut to a first person view from Nodoka's perspective. She steps out of the pilot's seat, and walks towards the rear hatch of the hull. Nodoka walks through the main living quarters from earlier and approaches a fork in the decently sized corridor, slicing it in two, the left corridor leading to the beddings, and the right leading to the cargo bay and rear exit hatch. She walks down the steps, looking down the steep drop, her chest wobbling with each step. Once she gets to the lower level of the ship, she proceeds to open the exit hatch. The door depressurizes, and collapses downward into a ramp, allowing for Nodoka to step down onto the landing pad. She takes a deep breath and is awash with pleasure, the fresh air something she has longed for since leaving Sol, eons ago.
Oh god above.. It feels just like home.
Marisa's voice is heard, her comms uplinked to Nodoka's neural net chip. She sounds pleased.
That similar, huh?
Like.. somewhere in the southern North Americas.. Like.. around Appalachia. Mountains as far as the eye can see.. I think I might have found a place to call home in Sirius. I bet it'll look even better in the coming winter.
Which is still a few years off either way.
Marisa's ship lands on the Landing pad next to Nodoka's. She doesn't get out, as personnel on the pad refuel her ship. Nodoka nods towards the cockpit of Marisa's Roc.
If you wanna get settled here, there's no shortage of unclaimed land.
Sounds like a plan. I'd like, however, to head back up to space with you.
Alright.
The feed cuts out, a few seconds later, it shows Nodoka In the cockpit, as well as the Left Wing Camera, The ship is ascending into space, following Marisa's ship. seconds later, the two fly out of the docking ring and arrive outside of Gran Canaria.
I got what I needed, but h-fuel's way more expensive down here than it is back home.
Same here. I never got concerned about the price of H-Fuel, really. Got lucky and did a small job for OSC when I arrived in Liberty.. Got about 9 million out of the deal.
Not bad, I guess.
The two fly back the way they came, heading back towards the Cayman Jumphole.
Back into the blinding cloud.
Nodoka, prepared for the blinding effects of the Barrier Nebula, commands her Navigation AI:
Honya - you have control.
Affirm. I have control.
I get most of my income running heavy escort for deuterium transports. That's how most of us at 11 make our living.
Pale Bride chimes in following Nodoka's Order.
Why don't I ever get the controls?
Lately, though, it's been on hold, since we've been trying to keep everything together.
Because you're tasked with Weapons. Just because you're a Smart AI like I am, doesn't mean you can do what I do.
Enough, you two.
Good personality modules on those two. Haven't heard of AIs that fight with each other like that before.
Yeah, I love em either way.
They're not all so innocuous. Back home, we've got some AIs that are... well..
The two jump to Cayman, the stars passing them by as Marisa pauses for a split second.
Shit, let's just stop by Gammu and you can see for yourself.
Gammu?
Yeah. Ice planet. Barely-breathable atmosphere.
Also, yeah - I've been thinking in Investing in some Shells for the AI I have. Give them something to do other than be on a AI card on this Sunrider all the time.
You seem to take a pretty pernicious interest in the nomads, Nodoka-san. Maybe you'll be interested in what's on Gammu....
The feed cuts out again.

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