Spent a few days since arrival exploring Provence, trying the raceway and visiting Marseille. There was a local faction running routes but the language barrier must have kept us getting past 'hello'.
Thinking about proper presentation of our organization was nagging at me, and unfortunately my trustworthy Grouse wasn't going to give the image I wanted to the public to remember. I decided to again upgrade the ship - to a Civilian Ferry! That doesn't give us much extra room, but it is the more passenger friendly craft.
The 'net said that Bonn Station was the closest location that had the Democritus- so we found Gallic passengers wanting to check out Rheinland, and were ok with my Bonn destination.
Again, during the trip, my attention was drawn to ALG activities - they are one busy group! In Cologne, I noted a small base outside just outside the orbit of Planet Saarbrucken - my guess again working to clean up and recover the wrecks scattered throughout the nearby debris field. I give them props, it's a large project!
We grabbed a load of cigars as additional cargo from Gallia before departing - I know we've had no problems offloading such commodities in the past. This turned out to be the case once we reached Bonn Station - traders grabbed them almost as fast as I entered them into the inventory system!
So upon entering the ship dealer, I felt we had a bit of a disadvantage as this savvy salesman had noted my queries for this particular vessel and that they originated from a Gallic terminal. Hard to hide enthusiasm for a product when it is known how far you've traveled to see it!
As it turned out, though, all was not lost - the only ship of this type they had was not only decommissioned from OS&C, but it had a hard ride through some house public transit fleet. Despite their best efforts to hide such wear and tear, it showed. I played up my disappointment enough for a significant discount as well as credit hours in their bay to apply some detailing by the crew and myself. I must admit I was impressed by our efforts - seems the crew gives the extra 10% when overtime and Rheinbeer are offered!
We took some time remaining awhile on station to relax - but my mind was still racing towards next steps... time to get some contracts and clients... maybe cold calling or advertising to get the word out about our services. I knew our next run back to Liberty would be on auto-pilot with all these ideas running through my head!
[22.11.2024 01:23:47] =IT=Mercury: Hey there - greetings from Interstellar Transit.
[22.11.2024 01:23:54] UC/-GoluVague: Bonjour!
[22.11.2024 01:24:37] 2024-11-22 01:24:33 SMT Traffic control alert: =IT=Mercury has docked
[22.11.2024 01:26:40] =IT=Mercury: Any points of interest in this system besides the great views and that awesome raceway?
[22.11.2024 01:27:39] 2024-11-22 01:27:35 SMT Traffic control alert: UC/-GoluVague has docked
After recovering from all the great efforts the crew put into getting the Ferry 'passenger ready', we found our first contract with a Rheinland group that was headed to Interspace's Newark Station in New York on business. It could've just been that we were ON an Interspace station already, but the running joke was our efforts immediately paid off as we no longer looked like just another transport. Whatever the reason, our fare was ready, so we loaded up our secondary cargo of Rheinbeer and set off for Liberty.
As we set out, I got in touch with our Manhattan HQ and asked them to 'get creative' with some options for advertising our organization, in hopes of growing the business and perhaps relying more on contracts rather than just piecemeal work that we'd appreciated so far. They seemed VERY enthusiastic - almost to the point where I started to wonder if I'd made a mistake. I was about to tell them so and to wait for my arrival - but they quickly said they'd take care of it and cut the transmission. I have a feeling they've got too much free time - again another reason for trying for more business - we aren't busy enough it seems!
New Berlin, Hamburg, and even Bering systems were actually quiet this ride out - as if I'd planned a light ride for our inaugural flight with this small yacht. I wasn't complaining - the last thing I need business types seeing is hostile actions nearby - it could affect our customer ratings!
As we entered the New York system, there was a message waiting - a demo of the ad work that the office team had put together using local talent and their own skillsets. It seems a little over the top for the simple ads I requested - but hey, I'd rather have the team excited about their job and going over and above when given assignments!
I left the demo attached to the supporting Images & Videos, as I've done with all prior video footage from these flights.
It's been one of those weeks. Things are still getting accomplished but I haven't left Manhattan since returning from Newark Station after our return from Rheinland.
Paperwork, planning, and projects have been the order of the day - but thankfully the crazy factor of the week is winding down and the office will hopefully return to normalcy.
My small advertising project turned into a production - but I think we've got some decent results that we just need some group opinions on before hitting the public with our message. So many submissions - I only added a few to this entry.
Aside from this distraction, drafts of many a cold call are ready to go - we need steady opportunities getting funneled in to justify hiring more captains and financing more ships.
But my gut and the business I've done so far says that the economy and vitality of this industry can and will support us as a player - we just have step forward and stake our claim!
I've just returned from a lengthy run retracing some old routes with some new 'eyes'.
With the intent on increasing trade during our passenger trips, I've been making some notes on stations we encounter directly on the most popular routes.
The trip started with a contract of passengers seeking transit to New London. A fairly normal mix of tourists, business, and working class customers. There were some deals on Luxury consumer goods on the board, which we jumped on to fill our hold for the trip out to Bretonia.
Upon arrival in the New London system, made some information queries to most of the stations in orbit that were willing to transmit their economic data back with requiring my presence onboard. It's a busy system! Lots of potential for trade!
Our passengers departed and we advertised our intent to go to Kusari space, finding no shortage of client willing to take the budget deals offered. Our cargo for this flight was Gin - an import well paid on Planet New Tokyo, possibly due to demand from tourists or visitors wanting their preferred tastes!
Ran into some business Freelancers in Taus / Kyushu - the latter running H-Fuel. Comms fairly silent aside from 'Good day' - protocols to keep on schedule I'd imagine, perhaps under contract.
The Gin sold easily as we docked on Planet New Tokyo and disembarked our passengers. Our group encountered some VIPs wanting quick transit to the Golden Dragon Casino in Shikoku - which we accepted. The hold was filled with Sake that sells for a quick profit in Shikoku.
Unfortunately our quick trip for these passengers was unintentionally extended when we arrived at Golden Dragon, as their policy doesn't allow larger ships to moor. Not sure how OS&C gets away with this on their Luxury Liners but at least I was able to glance at their beautiful vessel, interesting raceway, and effective external advertising billboard! We proceeded as instructed to Deshima Station, which was happy to ferry our fares to the casino at their cost. Our Sake still sold to the station for a profit, so the change of plans cost nothing but a bit of time. We procured some Consumer Goods and Optronics from the station, hoping to sell to some of the smaller bases performing manufacturing.
On our way out of Shikoku and through Galileo and Colorado, nearby bases were nicely setup to broadcast their station's needs, and all data was saved in my database. We stopped in at Red Rock Refinery in Colorado and decided to sell our Optronics there while picking up a quantity of Interior Components. Ship systems such as Interior Components can be traded for profit, once demand is known. I felt probably not a bad investment for keeping in the hold until we again come across one such base.
As luck would have it, I didn't have to go far to find a buyer. The Interspace base in New York by Baltimore was willing to take them off my hands for a quick profit. The docking crew did make mention of slowing production, however, so I'm not counting on this sales' point for much longer.
It was about time to head back to the office on Manhattan where I could gather my thoughts, and process all the station data acquired on these latest routes. We made decent profit this run, but the real value was the data for future contracts...
After another attempt to reach out to bases across the sector with limited response, we decided to get back to the business of building up existing relationships - we found some tourists looking to go to the OS&C's Vespucci Luxury Liner Barbados, and the extra hold space we grabbed some Basic Alloys for drop off to Tijuana Freeport. The Voyager Society on base were one of our few responses to hails thus far, so we help where we can!
No sooner did we leave Manhattan's orbit, we encountered a bounty hunter - really friendly one - that offered to escort on our trip once we mentioned our off-lane destination. We happily accepted - having a hired gun in the independent systems can be an asset, even as just a deterrent spotted from afar.
Some pleasant conversation and a few jumps later, we were docking at Barbados, having dropped off our Alloys successfully and our bounty hunter having no quarrels save for dispatching a few trigger happy Gaians that went weapons hot when we were about to dock to the ship.
She was still available for another run, so we picked up a local contract from OS&C for delivery of Luxury Consumer Goods to be delivered to the Shetland in Newcastle.
In conversation along the way, this lady was making sure we knew of expertise in multiple areas of the industry - from escort work and security to private investigations and recon. We exchanged particulars upon reaching the Shetland as a contact like this is a very nice option to have in many business and even regular life scenarios!
[15.12.2024 21:28:03] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Thought I saw a ship back there...
[15.12.2024 21:28:19] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Hunh, howdy there captain.
[15.12.2024 21:28:29] =IT=Mercury: Good day! How's hunting?
[15.12.2024 21:28:40] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: A mite bit dry around these parts today.
[15.12.2024 21:28:53] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Probably should have stayed in Bretonia a bit longer but eh, whatever.
[15.12.2024 21:29:08] =IT=Mercury: We're headed to Vespucci... think we'll run into any trouble out that way?
[15.12.2024 21:29:28] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Hmm, dunno, it's a bit off the beaten path.
[15.12.2024 21:29:40] =IT=Mercury: I always worry going through that minefield...
[15.12.2024 21:29:42] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: If y'all fancy I can tag along and keep an eye on yah.
[15.12.2024 21:29:58] =IT=Mercury: Could you? Our passengers certainly would appreciate it!
[15.12.2024 21:30:15] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Sure thing, heck if there is trouble I can hit it with a stick until it goes away.
[15.12.2024 21:30:36] =IT=Mercury: That sounds swell! Alright, let's head out!
[15.12.2024 21:30:45] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Sounds good, chief.
[15.12.2024 21:31:16] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Vespucci eh? You heading to that there liner or the Freeport? Tijuana I think?
[15.12.2024 21:32:02] =IT=Mercury: Yes, we have these guys wanting to get to the Liner. Hot spot there!
[15.12.2024 21:32:28] =IT=Mercury: plus I promised some supplies to a local base.
[15.12.2024 21:32:33] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: I've been out that way a couple times myself, it ain't bad... personally I like the sights the one in Newcastle has goin for it
[15.12.2024 21:32:57] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Vespucci used to be a hot spot for a bunch of Liberty criminals, but they've all been chased away a while back... well, mostly.
[15.12.2024 21:32:59] =IT=Mercury: I'd dropped tourists in Newcastle too, it was quite nice!
[15.12.2024 21:33:48] =IT=Mercury: We really never know where these groups want to go until we take the contracts, but typically its home worlds or Liners
[15.12.2024 21:34:21] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Eh well I suppose not everyone can have their own ship after all, eh?
[15.12.2024 21:34:22] =IT=Mercury: Our customers are often quite predictable
[15.12.2024 21:34:31] =IT=Mercury: Very true!
[15.12.2024 21:34:47] =IT=Mercury: There are many ships - but even more people!
[15.12.2024 21:35:02] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: We're comin up on the border, if anything is gonna get screwy it'll be after this point.
[15.12.2024 21:35:13] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: But I dun expect much trouble.
[15.12.2024 21:35:19] =IT=Mercury: Understood. Scanners at full going ahead!
[15.12.2024 21:36:13] =IT=Mercury: So far nothing to worry about
[15.12.2024 21:36:41] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Oh heck, come over this way, there's a clear path.
[15.12.2024 21:36:58] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Someone's gone and put beacons out here.
[15.12.2024 21:36:58] =IT=Mercury: I always miss those buoys at first!
[15.12.2024 21:37:08] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: I ain't seen 'em before I admit.
[15.12.2024 21:37:19] =IT=Mercury: Now I watch for mines...
[15.12.2024 21:37:29] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Now those I have seen before...
[15.12.2024 21:37:42] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Yah know, some smugglers often cut through this system to make a run to Rheinland.
[15.12.2024 21:38:12] =IT=Mercury: Let's plot this safely...
[15.12.2024 21:38:25] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Of course, dun want your guests in danger.
[15.12.2024 21:38:39] =IT=Mercury: Found that other marker!
[15.12.2024 21:39:10] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Looks like a clear path straight ahead.
[15.12.2024 21:39:19] =IT=Mercury: I can't imagine going through these areas under fire...
[15.12.2024 21:39:33] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Yeah... looks like some folks did.
[15.12.2024 21:39:38] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Lots of wrecks around here.
[15.12.2024 21:40:07] =IT=Mercury: Looks like we are clear. Ok folks One stop at this base, then off to the Liner.
[15.12.2024 21:40:17] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Roger that, boss.
[15.12.2024 21:40:20] =IT=Mercury: We'll be just a moment!
[15.12.2024 21:40:29] 2024-12-15 21:40:28 SMT Traffic control alert: =IT=Mercury has docked //dropped off Basic Alloy at Tijuana FP
[15.12.2024 21:41:18] =IT=Mercury: That Voyager's Society has it all on base!
[15.12.2024 21:41:21] =IT=Mercury: Nice digs!
[15.12.2024 21:41:41] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: I will have to pay them a visit sometime, dun think I have done much business with 'em.
[15.12.2024 21:41:43] =IT=Mercury: Plotting course to our OS&C destination!
[15.12.2024 21:41:51] =IT=Mercury: I recommend it!
[15.12.2024 21:42:10] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Heh, next time I got some time and cash to spare.
[15.12.2024 21:42:20] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: This here line of work is what you'd call kinda inconsistent in terms of cash flow.
[15.12.2024 21:42:50] =IT=Mercury: I guess good times for you, might not be for the whole sector, am I right?
[15.12.2024 21:43:14] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Yeah unfortunately an up tick in pirates is better for business I suppose...
[15.12.2024 21:43:20] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Then again I ain't wishin for that to happen.
[15.12.2024 21:43:46] =IT=Mercury: We deal with these issues as they arise I suppose.
[15.12.2024 21:44:03] =IT=Mercury: Barbados, coming in with some excited passengers!
[15.12.2024 21:44:13] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Thankfully not all guild work is so violent as space battles...
[15.12.2024 21:44:40] =IT=Mercury: Hopefully not! At least this trip wasn't too dangerous, outside of the mines and asteroids!
[15.12.2024 21:44:49] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Naw it wasn't too bad at all.
[15.12.2024 21:45:08] =IT=Mercury: Are you headed off here? Or looking for more work?
[15.12.2024 21:45:26] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Eh I ain't got much goin on, I may float around a bit more before docking someplace to find dinner.
[15.12.2024 21:45:45] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: If you're in need of more work I would be happy to oblige in the meantime.
[15.12.2024 21:46:09] =IT=Mercury: Alright. I'm going to see who's going where onboard. Maybe we'll have another quick journey in short order.
[15.12.2024 21:46:20] =IT=Mercury: Yikes, I'd better dock! //Gaians were shooting all around the Liner
[15.12.2024 21:46:22] 2024-12-15 21:46:20 SMT Traffic control alert: =IT=Mercury has docked
[15.12.2024 21:47:39] A bounty of $1.200 credits has been deposited into your account.
[15.12.2024 21:48:10] A bounty of $1.200 credits has been deposited into your account.
[15.12.2024 21:50:02] =IT=Mercury: Things cleared up out here, pilot?
[15.12.2024 21:50:18] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Yeah, sorry, just a couple troublemakers, nothing too bad thankfully.
[15.12.2024 21:50:49] =IT=Mercury: Good to hear! Looks like I'm going to Newcastle after all! OS&C contract to their Liner out there. //Luxury Consumer Goods
[15.12.2024 21:50:57] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Heh, speak of the devil.
[15.12.2024 21:51:06] =IT=Mercury: Funny how that works out!
[15.12.2024 21:51:09] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Right on, that ain't too far either.
[15.12.2024 21:51:41] =IT=Mercury: Checking for those markers again ahead. Just us this time, but best be cautious anyhow!
[15.12.2024 21:52:31] =IT=Mercury: Alright, ready to jump!
[15.12.2024 21:52:36] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Roger that.
[15.12.2024 21:53:07] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Sorry, the damn rogues blocked the jump hole.
[15.12.2024 21:53:17] =IT=Mercury: Let's see if I can properly use these markers...
[15.12.2024 21:53:43] =IT=Mercury: I see the clearing now!
[15.12.2024 21:53:52] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Mighty nice someone went and cleared this out.
[15.12.2024 21:55:07] =IT=Mercury: I'm guessing military cleared it, but maybe OS&C wanted easy access for traffic?
[15.12.2024 21:55:07] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: After this I may stop at the liner for some repairs and some kinda fancy ass dinner, I am sure they got a fine menu.
[15.12.2024 21:55:17] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Maybe? Dun know really.
[15.12.2024 21:55:24] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Probably military business.
[15.12.2024 21:55:35] =IT=Mercury: That seems most likely, I agree
[15.12.2024 21:56:31] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Also, consider this work on the house, I got a big check from Rheinland the other day so I ain't starvin for cash right now.
[15.12.2024 21:56:45] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: It's good karma anyways.
[15.12.2024 21:57:11] =IT=Mercury: Well, I appreciate that. We're just a startup ourselves, pinching credits, but there was pay for you if you needed it!
[15.12.2024 21:57:37] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Next time then I figure if I run into your boys again.
[15.12.2024 21:57:47] =IT=Mercury: Every trader or ferry loves to have an escort around!
[15.12.2024 21:57:56] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: I typically charge a small standard fee of 15% of cargo value delivered, negotiable, of course.
[15.12.2024 21:58:33] =IT=Mercury: That sounds perfectly reasonable to me! I'll let our team know!
[15.12.2024 21:58:48] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Since y'all are a startup I am willin to offer y'all a discount down to 10%.
[15.12.2024 21:59:27] =IT=Mercury: You know, you really are the nicest bounty hunter I've come across! You must kill it literally in customer service!
[15.12.2024 21:59:54] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Heck, a lot of this here job is talkin to folks... I gotta learn not to be a total dick after all or I ain't getting work.
[15.12.2024 22:00:17] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Er, pardon my language, of course.
[15.12.2024 22:00:42] =IT=Mercury: No worries between pilots. I've no passengers onboard *laughs*
[15.12.2024 22:00:49] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Heh, fair fair.
[15.12.2024 22:01:17] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: But uh, yah, if y'all need some escort work, or a security detail, private investigation, recon work, gimme a call.
[15.12.2024 22:01:38] =IT=Mercury: How may we address you, for contact in the future?
[15.12.2024 22:02:04] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: You can send me a line directly in the comm channels if you like, I'll do my best to respond promptly.
[15.12.2024 22:02:20] =IT=Mercury: I'm Jake Donovan, by the way! Interstellar Transit. This has been a pleasure!
[15.12.2024 22:02:30] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Pleasure doin business, Mister Donovan.
[15.12.2024 22:02:31] =IT=Mercury: Thank you. We will do this!
[15.12.2024 22:02:46] =IT=Mercury: Shetland, I've got some cargo for you. Ready to dock!
[15.12.2024 22:02:53] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: If y'all will excuse me, I gotta get some ablative armor replaced, and hopefully find something fancy to eat here.
[15.12.2024 22:03:05] Bessie-"Bison"-Bishop: Y'all take care now.
[15.12.2024 22:03:05] =IT=Mercury: Take care, Bounty Hunter! Until we meet again!
[15.12.2024 22:03:22] 2024-12-15 22:03:21 SMT Traffic control alert: =IT=Mercury has docked
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