Text:
Our pride, the SF Libeccio was at last inaugurated with her new name, the new transponder codes were received from Vieques Shipyard, and sealed officially.
Our first mission leads us in Liberty space, with the goal of better our fame, remove our "wanted" status. For future operation we need anonymity and discretion in Liberty space too. Our brother, Cesar escorted us with his new Gaian built bomber, I must admit, it's a nice craft.
We arrived in New York system without trouble, choosing the <<Encryption code #TERRA UMIDA#>> plane of the system we managed to dock at Rochester base without contact local authority, or causing so further complications.
6 mission was accomplished against Xenos in New York and Colorado systems.
We returned to Texas and began our <<Encryption code #D'ORO PIGLIATO#>> operation with assistance and help of Cesar, again. The acquired cargo was successfully delivered to <<Encryption code #PATRIA ANTICA#>>.
Text:
After the repairs and maintenance the Libeccio at <<Encryption code #PATRIA ANTICA#>> we took the road back. Our cargo hold was full of <<Encryption code #ORANGE JUICE#>>, which we delivered to Kreuzberg Base in New Berlin system.
Being around we decided scavenging and searching the debris field around Kreuzberg. A short list of items of interests:
- Left pin of an eagle type VHF, intact
- cooling unit of old mining drill, maybe compatible with our mining turret hard-points after Flavia tweaked it
- Different space suits and escape pod parts
- Almost operational lane drive unit, with encryption and analyzing software
- damaged thruster
- almost intact life-support system, can be utilized for an emergency chamber for Libeccio
Meanwhile we are on the field, incoming transmission from our brother, <<Encryption code #SIG. CARINO#>> (I have to add, this code was brought up by Flavia for him) with a very sensitive natured mission. We took it, because he offered a very agreeable price.
After unloaded our hold and sold out what we could, we set the course to Texas and began our operation <<Encryption code #D'ORO PIGLIATO#>>, but this time the destination for the cargo was <<Encryption code #CASTEL' NEL CIEL'#>>.
The route leads through a very populated system, and our brother's wish was that keep the cargo and the destination hidden, so we had to take a roundabout way in the concerned system, which made quite longer the road. But we managed keep in safe our travel.
On the way back, we added a slight Xeno hunt, 2 missions, and repeated the delivery.
Our contract involves 4 delivery (5 in best case), and we already fulfilled two. Probably in these days we can finish the work, considering it's urgency.
Text:
Our contract involved 4 delivery (5 in best case), we fulfilled the remaining two (The 5th delivery was optional, and if we'll have time, we would run for it later). I hope those valuable cargo are in good hands, and helps achieve the congress' goals.
Even this time we stopped at Rochester base to comply missions against our hated enemies, the Xenos. This time the success was partly. For a short period Liberty Navy seemed conciliated toward us (Flavia hacked a bit their records to show us their reaction and relation reports) but probably due the other, non lawful positive reactions, we find us again in a situation quite alarming.
We sit down with Flavia and Rusty to discuss on that topic, and we came to agree, that we ain't going to give so much importance to that matter, as the valuable cargo from <<Encryption code #PATRIA ANTICA#>> can be sold out of Liberty with nice profit. Though we noted to the long term planes to try better the relation throughout action taken against the Wild.
Now, as the rash of the last days ended, we agreed on a small period of rest and idle, and probably we will concentrate on pleasures, like searching on quiet places like NB, or NL.
Text:
First of all, I have to underline how proud I'm, 'cause our chief engineer, Flavia, second in command managed handle everything, while I was unconscious in my cabin under the side effect of certain beer which I had consumed. (I know, it's not very commendable from a captain, and maybe I shouldn't add this to the diary, but hey, we are all fallible humans)
Second Flavia's report the Libeccio fulfilled the operation <<Encryption code #D'ORO PIGLIATO#>>, and backward, the operation <<Encryption code #ORANGE JUICE#>>, this last was delivered to <<Encryption code #NIDO DI XAVIER#>>.
In the first operation we were escorted by a certain Robert, and his salvager, the Excision (not really sure about the name) and we met one of his crew member, Shawn.
After that, glad with the profit, Flavia decided at last to make something joyful, and the Libeccio searched for the real treasures of Sirius, as usual, again in NB.
The said search ended with this result:
- various conductors and electrical parts
- a damaged entertainment center with virtual reality output, shame, it can't be fixed 'cause the outdated parts, probably came from a luxury liner
- a radiation analyzer unit, very useful spare parts for our current system
- a dead body in an escape pod (without ID, poor soul), we celebrated a kind of ceremony and space burial for him, or her
- a malfunctioned razor mine, but we let it outside, and made it explode, as security regulations prescribed
In fine, the catch of the day, a real and authentic musical instrument, still in bad ship, but, made by real timber, probably from earth itself, a VIOLIN. After this one, we looked for it's bower for hours, but it must be droved far for now, we wasn't able to localize it, despite of applying Flavia's special invention, the SIMAR (SHAPE and IMAGE MODEL ANALYZER RADAR). Maybe tomorrow, we won't stop looking for it. About the instrument, it misses her strings, but maybe a specialist, or a craftsman will be able restore it. Rusty was very enthusiastic, seems he was touched by the instrument in heart, and he began downloading musical sheets from neural net. I must confess, Flavia and I, We are skeptic, but who knows, maybe one day, the Libeccio can be filled with violin sound, but I can't even imagine what kind of voice it had.
Text:
Today nothing special happened, there must be days like that.
We made some deliveries for the congress' interests, the operation <<Encryption code #CATASTA DEL TESCHIO#>>, we made seven turns, without any complication.
Rusty keeps attacking me to go back NB and search for the bower of the lately found violin. Flavia helps him and searches the databases for a specialist, and for authentical strings, parts. If nothing better we'll have to do, I let them search again the Kreuzberg field. Maybe I can search too for handarms.
Text:
That was a long day. We salvaged in NL and NB, hours of idle searching and fun. I've enjoyed it so much. Flavia and Rusty was also peaceful, what is very rare.
A short list of findings:
- universal battery station, though a bit out dated, bat still chargeable, Flavia want set it on the life support system, as spare
- docking bay door, only one wing of it, we thought it was useless, still, It wasn't, as turned out later
- A half portrait, oil panted. it's a liner ship on it, it's front part, seems bretonian construction capital ship, the name: ...Drake. Flavia made some research, but no match, maybe it was just fictional
- an almost intact transponder element, strongly encrypted, maybe Unioner, Flavia will work on it
After the idle, we decided to comply an operation <<Encryption code #D'ORO PIGLIATO#>> to <<Encryption code #CASTEL NEL CIEL#>>, but as it turned out, the station was full already, so we took the longer way to <<Encryption code #PATRIA ANTICA#>>.
On our way occurred a very alarming leak in the Zone H2 and H3 of the hull. Flavia managed to keep the pressure, and the integrity dropped to 91%, but shortly after we had began the repairing, the shield failed too. Very dangerous it was, indeed. The docking bay door element we had found, this time saved us, Rusty and I fit it on the leak while Flavia was rebooting the shield.
After hours of diagnostics, we revealed, that it might be a sabotage. After this distressing event, I set up video feeds for docking operation and when we'll in bases, we are going to monitor the ship, plus Rusty will remain on ship with a security rifle, he can sleep nicely this way too.
After a while, we turned back, and complied an operation <<Encryption code #ORANGE JUICE#>>. From <<NIDO DI XAVIER#>> we get our cargo full with <<Encryption code #PALLOTTOLA NERA#>> and headed to <<Encryption code #VICOLO SCURO#>> unload it and from there we ended our mission with an operation <<Encryption code #CATASTA DEL TESCHIO#>> aiding the congress.
Was a long day, and we ended up in Trafalgar, my birth place to drink a nice ale and speak about the sabotage/malfunction with my crew members.
Text:
Not an easy day. After the short rest at Trafalgar base, we launched in space to collect some nice stuff.
A short list, really short this time:
- medical bay, but in very weak condition
- A strange uniform like something, white, looks like a cloak
- an old neural net interface, no one makes in these days such a thing, hardly we could use it, but looks nice
Flavia checked the neural net, and the Invergordon Space Port requested a loadout of normal scrap, which we had on us, so we headed there, without trouble.
When We were arriving we received a request from a <<Encryption code #MAGHI DIGITALI#>> channel, that some cigars remained in the Colorado system without buyer, so we could get the cargo on discount price. Unfortunately, the Libeccio wasn't fast enough reach the cargo for first, and our connection was lost too, probably due some swift retreat.
At all, we were close enough to begin an operation <<Encryption code #D'ORO PIGLIATO#>>, which we complied easily, and also managed to bring in an other fast business connected to the operation, we provide aid to a fellow Junker on the spot.
The next operation an usual <<Encryption code #ORANGE JUICE#>>. But after this began the complication.
Closing the last operation, and idling near <<Encryption code #NIDO DI XAVIER#>> we received an unusual S.O.S. signal, but from a surprising source, an Unioner unit asked help to save some troubled crew (5 member as turned out later) and a small cargo of prisoners (100 persons). The Libeccio was the nearest ship, so we hurried there, next to the Lane between Essen and NB we found a wreck, the Unioner (<<transponder code censored>>) and the survivals in critical condition after several time of drifting. We tractored them and utilized the life support pads and kits, all we had on us.
Luckily, no one get hurt, maybe some frost burn here and there.
We transported the survivals to <<Encryption code #NIDO DI XAVIER#>>.
As Flavia, Rusty and myself, so all the crew wanted stay close, and getting news about their sanity, we decided to look around there and get some treasures from the field.
There we met a Freelancer ( <<transponder code censored>>). I wasn't really sure he want intimidate us with his bomber and try wining some credits on us, or just was lonely and wanted some chat. But after a while, even if he wanted extort credit, he passed it up.
and he and our nicest Chief engineer agreed to make an appointment for a drink or two.
As I know, Rusty and Flavia got a nice time with that Freelancer in the said bar. I've remained in the Libeccio, for guarding it, and for some relax. Sometimes it's hard having two persons like they around all the time. No violin, no leaks, no shield failure, just a cigar, some whiskey, my cabin and peace.
Text:
At last, a day without real troubles, only profit and prospering finds on the field.
Our starting point was <<Encryption code #NIDO DI XAVIER#>>, and we ended the operation of last day. Then we managed to deliver an usual operation <<Encryption code #D'ORO PIGLIATO#>> and <<Encryption code #ORANGE JUICE#>>. To be exact the first one we repeated at the end of the day, but then with the escort of <<Encryption code #Sig. Penna Stilografica#>>, what was a real pleasure, and, as turned out, he is the concilier, right hand man of <<Encryption code #Sig. Corretto#>>, one of our sponsors of application (seems like yesterday, almost it was).
Between the two said operation, we visited again Trafalgar base, and his field. We have been spent a nice time to collecting "il fiore della nostra maestria".
The usual list of catches, this time we were lucky:
- coils and conductors, 3 unit
- a battleship headlight, intact, but grey a bit, maybe it was white, I wonder how it managed to survive without collision in the field, must be a miracle
- a sword (don't even ask me, it's the best part our junker life, find surprising things), it looks like a...sword. Flavia made some basic research on the matter, probably it's rapier for sport activity. I suspect it may belonged to a 'sair or 'cast, they are those pirate typos.
- toxical waste holding unit, poor condition, probably useless except if Flavia was able a miracle. To be honest, I hope we can use it as a fridge-freezer for my drinks.
- dysfunctional buoys, 3 pieces. We plan to use it after a bit of tweak as target practice unit, Rusty want train a bit.
- an action toy figurine....written on it, Xena, hope it's not kind of religious fetish for Xenos, it looks like an...lasciamo perdere
- a pair of old fashioned personal communicator, based on radio technology, Flavia was delighted about those.
- 307 feet of duralumin cable, who knows, maybe we will utilize once for repairs or traction, one can never know (yes I've heard about tractor beam technology, grazie)
Other then the said operation before, we complied this one element list too:
- <<Encryption code #CATASTA DEL TESCHIO#>> for the base <<Encryption code #ROCCIA PERDUTA#>> of <<Encryption code #ZIO VERDE#>>
Profit was excellent today, and no trouble, so a successful day.
Text:
It was a sad day for our pride, the Libeccio, though we all know, our job is dangerous and sometimes we need take extra risk for extra profits.
First, this day was as any others, scraping here, usual operations there. I give a fast list of it, just to remain by diary protocol:
- 1. operation:
TYPE: <<Encryption code #ORANGE JUICE#>>
FROM: <<Encryption code #PATRIA ANTICA#>>
TO: <<Encryption code #NIDO DI XAVIER#>>
- 2. operation:
TYPE: <<Encryption code #CATASTA DEL TESCHIO#>>
RECIPIENT: <<Encryption code #ZIO VERDE#>>
FROM: <<Encryption code #NIDO DI XAVIER#>>
TO: <<Encryption code #ROCCIA PERDUTA#>>
Meanwhile this last one, we were contacted by our brother, <<Encryption code #SIG. CARINO#>> . He offered a long and very dangerous and risky route to comply. As always, he sponsored the enterprise, and that was enough for us. The route forth and back lead through <<Encryption code #PAESE DELLA RANA DA MANGIARE#>>.
The new operation:
- 3. operation
Type: <<Encryption code #CORRIDORE SUICIDIA#>>
RECIPIENT: <<Encryption code #NEMICI DEI NEMICI#>>
FROM: <<Encryption code #TOMBA LUCIDA#>>
TO: <<Encryption code #FINE DEL MONDO#>>
This part managed nicely, even if Flavia and I must've navigate without knowing the slightest thing about the system we crossed, our brother lead us the way (even he was getting lost sometimes). Lucky, that a friendly freelancer who had knew these systems already escorted us too.
The route is quite long, and not so profitable as we had thought, but well, that meant to be the "B side".
The backward was, well....it ended in catastrophe.
- 4. operation
Type: <<Encryption code #FUGGIASCO D'INFERNO#>>
FROM: <<Encryption code #FINE DEL MONDO#>>
TO: unknown
We were almost, really almost, out of this misery, when we ran into a battle cruiser or like ship of the hosts (<<transponder code censored>>). To be honest, that was our slightest problem, the bigest was, that daemon of system failure, which encountered us lately, with the unexpected shield failure, the leak, found us, and this time, it found his victim without guard. We had to communicate with those sentry ship, but the communication system simply shut down, without any apparent sign.
Flavia tried to tweak it, meanwhile our aggressor opened fire, I must admit, I would've done the same. I decided to run for it, the gate was close, but between us and the gate was that big thing, so I've tried escape in a circle, and was hoping, that the communication will reboot very soon. But no, didn't, instead the shield failed too (not mattered really with the mortar fire of the chaser), and then the engine...everything happened so fast, Flavia panicked, I panicked too, Rusty had been injured by the enemy fire, lied unconscious. As nothing we could do, I get the emergency kit and run to Rusty. Flavia initiated the escape pods, and we pulled Rusty with us in it, when the life support system failed too, then nothing...
I don't know exactly what happened after that, probably we was tractored, and the wreck of our Libeccio left behind. It makes me hurt, even now, to think about.
After six hours we was found by a freelancer and tractored in a small vessel, fighter maybe, brought in a base, somewhere near to the territory of IMG, one of the Taus probably. The crew was at last in safety, and except some minor injuries we were in one piece, even Rusty, burned a bit on his left leg.
We called the congress and asked for help, and we got it, the Libeccio was saved by some heavy vessel, tractored far, till Inverness.
The repairs will take some time, but her integrity remained above 19%, which means, she is still in one piece too.
I hope, with our finest craftsman and with the help of the congress, the Libeccio will be ready to continue her service.
Sad day it was, and a very expensive experience. I've learned the lesson, when things comes to navigation, never fly blindly, without knowing the holes and the territory very well. In any other case, I had the occasion to check the long range scanners and avoid the very obvious source of danger inbound.
Other wisdom to learn, how the hell failed every system, above all the communication. I'm sure there must be an explanation, and we'll find it, although with the rebuild and repairs, Flavia will inspect every single screw of our ship.
Text:
At last her, the finest ship of the Sirius, the Libeccio was restored to it's former glory. I hope with all that diagnostics and analysis the former bugs will disappear too.
Flavia worked on the core system like a beast (she is a beast in every sense when words comes to maintenance of the Libeccio).
Rusty supported her with his rough power, even if he is still walking with a limp. I see him sometimes frowning, probably it still hurts, but never would say a word on it, even less before Flavia.
Our first route was
- 1. operation:
TYPE: <<Encryption code #D'ORO PIGLIATO#>>
FROM: Inverness, JunkYard repair bay
TO: <<Encryption code #PATRIA ANTICA#>>
- 2. operation:
TYPE: <<Encryption code #ORANGE JUICE#>>
FROM: <<Encryption code #PATRIA ANTICA#>>
TO: <<Encryption code #NIDO DEL XAVIER#>>
- 3. operation:
TYPE: <<Encryption code #CATASTA DEL TESCHIO#>>
RECIPIENT: <<Encryption code #ZIO VERDE#>>
FROM: <<Encryption code #NIDO DEL XAVIER#>>
TO: <<Encryption code #ROCCIA PERDUTA#>>
Meanwhile the 3rd operation we received the message from <<Encryption code #SIG. CARINO#>>, and as we was willing to help, our next operation was taken according that message.
We made 5 turns in the 4th operation:
TYPE: <<Encryption code #CATASTA DEL TESCHIO#>>
FROM: <<Encryption code #VICINI DI MADRE#>>
TO: <<Encryption code #CATASTA DEL TESCHIO#>>
We aren't really lucky though. It happened again, just before the jump drive initiated and we had left not long ago the most secure place I ever knew for a Junker ship like the Libeccio, the shield failed again, and the core begins dazzling with a very unusual output signal. For few minutes, Flavia was even worried that we would blow up, but the core remained stable, just...this signal. The comm system reboot just after that occurred without any input. It's just crazy. I'm not an engineer, Flavia is, but that has no sense. She was furious, and I can understand, Rusty must've hold her strict to not kick the main computer.
After a while we all chilled out, and stopped in the no-mans land floating silently, we ran all the diagnostics we have:
- HFSR (Holistic Firewall Status Report)
- SHIR (Ship Hull Integrity Report)
- PAD (Pressure Anomaly Detection)
- LSHR (Life Support Historical Report)
- CLSHR (Crew Life Signal Historical Report), who knows, maybe we were just hallucinating
- RaTA (Radiation and Toxic Analysis)
- even the ML (Maintenance Log)
- Flavia came to use the SIMAR (Shape and Image Model Analyzer Radar) inside the ship and around the hull searching for....something, anything, but nothing. Still we laughed a lot watching the monitor when it analysed Rusty, me, then Flavia too. The SIMAR got even a level-to-level X-ray, you can imagine. Shame but Flavia shoot it down right before had became interesting.
It was a nice 4 hour work and revealed a great nothing.
The Libeccio, her majesty is well and sane like a newborn Rhineland battleship. As my dad used to say, "tutto a posto, ma niente in ordine"
We agreed with Flavia on setting up some real time monitoring for the computer core, and the secondary systems. It takes a lot of energy, but maybe it worth.
This time, we wasn't in danger, but who knows what will happen again.
Against these worrisome facts, the profit was nice and we found the time to help the congress too.