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I pulled my chit from the terminal and quickly retreated back towards the bar aboard Barrier Gate; trying to maintain a casual appearance.--trying to blend in with the crowd. My hands were shaking with adrenaline by the time I returned to my booth. I sat there awkwardly staring holes into the booth opposite me in bewilderment.
I'd done it...I had escaped. I could scantly believe that I was here in Coronado away from my minders with them none the wiser of my location. Sure, they would start looking for me before long, but I hoped they would believe that I died somewhere on a patrol or something. However, I doubted that they believed that after I ran with Lane Hacker equipment and cleaned out my rack at Mactan. They'd be after me before long, if they weren't already.
Hackers. I scoffed as I thought back to their goals. Making Liberty a better place for everyone...more like better for themselves. By the time I realized what they were truly about, it was too late and I was in too deep. It took me months to orchestrate my defection...if you could even call it that. They would call it that, because being apart of any group except the Lane Hackers after you joined, even allies, meant you were a traitor. They demanded your fervent loyalty even if in your heart you didn't fully believe in the mission. If you waivered, even for a second, your loyalties were questioned, and that was enough merit for you to be killed. That level of zealotry meant that people fucked up. It meant that people made mistakes and got others killed. I acquiesced to their beliefs at first, believing that eventually I would come around...but never did. I guess I have myself to blame for that...although now I had escaped the trap that I'd foolishly made for myself years before...where I went now, was entirely my choice.
I left the bar and entered the bay where my Vindicator sat. I stripped the weapons off the ship and was preparing to sell it when I had a second thought. It would be an easy thing for the Hackers to trace me to this station and investigate. A simple matter of docking and looking for the ship could point them in my direction. I decided, instead, to configure the autopilot in the ship to fly into the Coronado system's star.
After completing that, I used what money I had left over from my piracy days plus the money I'd stolen from the Lane Hacker vaults to purchase a Magpie on the station and load it up with my old weapons, equipment, and some other equipment I purchased. Then, I departed the station for all points unknown. This was my life now, and I wasn't about to let anyone else tell me how to live it.
My name is Dracul. I am a Freelancer and this is my story and log.
I made it out of Coronado okay. Barrier Gate would be a nice place to settle down but it's far too close to Mactan for my liking so I'm going to be heading away from that sector of Sirius. I've never been outside of Liberty so this is a sightseeing tour as well.
I arrived in Cambridge and landed at the planet for a quick refuel and bite to eat. I heard from some locals about a place in Orbit run by an organization called NSE that sold advanced ship components. I decided to dock before leaving the system to see about a replacement for the stock Thruster on my Magpie but was disappointed when I didn't find anything in their stock that I was interested in. The dockworker there was polite as they could be but nothing really drew my attention. I figure I'll stop back through another time to see what they have in the future.
I'm heading out towards the Edge Worlds to see what kind of work I can find there. More later.
I arrived in the Edge Worlds and flew into Omega-48 where I stopped at Gran Canaria for a bite to eat. Met a nice Zoner newlywed Zoner couple on the surface that asked for me to take a photo of them. I gladly obliged and they paid for my lunch! Zoners are such nice folks. Shortly before I left, I paid a local information broker for some information on the route for the rest of my trip into the deep Omicrons. I lifted off and headed out towards Omega-41 and the Omicrons. It wasn't until Gamma that I ran into...some weird shit.
There were these weird blue glowing ships that fired at me when I entered a system named "Omicron Kappa". Luckily I was able to dispatch them easily. They left weird looking residue behind after they were destroyed but something inside me told me that I didn't want that in my hold. Flying through the system gave me a distinct sense of unease. It didn't pass until I touched down at Freeport 11, and even still I feel...unsettled. I'm going to try to get some rest since I've been flying all night. I don't know what I'm planning on in the morning, but I'm sure I'll know it when I see it. Having no direction is...freeing.
ID: Dracul Source: Deep Omicrons Subject: Unease Part II
The Edge Worlds just keep on revealing things. Things that I'd have wished to remain secret...and yet I'm thankful that they're being revealed nonetheless.
I picked up more info from a passing Outworlder. Despite being rude, credits talk and he gave me some information for the deep deep Omicrons. He mentioned I avoid a system named Omicron Mu as that the Order, who I believed to be terrorists, don't like visitors to their system. I made a note of that and left for more adventures. However, I wasn't prepared for what I'd find next.
I jumped into a system named Omicron Zeta. It was beautiful. A planet covered in icy tundra and shining oceans. I docked at a station orbit named Kadesh Orbital City. Orbital City is an understatement. I spent a few hours here sampling various restaurants in the station as well as a couple of bars. I packed up shortly thereafter and left for the next system over: Omicron Minor. This is where I got a history lesson that I wasn't expecting.
In the middle of the mapped system, I discovered a dead world. Surrounding that world, was a graveyard of ships both large and small. I was horrified by what I found. In orbit of the planet was a Rheinlander and Order ship. I was nervous approaching them as I'd heard stories of Order attacking others near their space so I kept my weapons hot just in case anything happened...not that it'd do much, he was in a larger ship...much larger. However, I found that it wasn't needed.
We discussed the history of the Order, and the dead planet we were in orbit of. Planet Tolledo it was called, and it'd been ravaged by the "Nomads". The alien creatures that I ran into yesterday when entering Omicron Kappa. I could go into it further...but I'll just attach the transcripts. I also trusted them with the knowledge that I was once a Lane Hacker. It might've been a mistake. I blame the drinks I had in Zeta on my slippage. I just hope anyone involved with the Hackers aren't able to gain access to her black box or recordings to find out who I am. I might not survive the fallout.
Anyway, I'm going to explore a bit more. Someone at Kadesh told me about another Jump Hole in Omicron Minor named Omicron Nu, not to be confused with Mu. I think I'll head that way and see what I find.
[08.01.2023 06:19:57] Dracul: ...my god.
[08.01.2023 06:20:01] Dracul: What happened to this world?
[08.01.2023 06:20:20] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: The honest truth is? I dont give two fucks how other people view me. I act based on basic human principle, and -
[08.01.2023 06:20:28] Order|CV-Unity: i fight for the survival of that.
[08.01.2023 06:20:42] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: You appeared at the right time, Freelancer. As it so happened, i just received my very own lesson on what happened here.
[08.01.2023 06:20:52] Dracul: It's...haunting...
[08.01.2023 06:21:09] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Welcome to the Order's home... 13 years ago.
[08.01.2023 06:21:27] Dracul: The Order...I've heard of the Order. But mostly rumors of terrorists.
[08.01.2023 06:21:34] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: What you see is what the Aliens, the Nomads, turned it into;
[08.01.2023 06:21:44] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: I felt and feel similar. Haunting is fitting.
[08.01.2023 06:22:19] Dracul: This is my first time in the Edge worlds...what I'm finding is...disturbing.
[08.01.2023 06:22:27] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Prejudice against the Nomads both guides me, and yet stays my hand. It depends on the individual I encounter.
[08.01.2023 06:22:30] Dracul: So much out here that I never knew about.
[08.01.2023 06:22:36] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Then we have something in common.
[08.01.2023 06:22:46] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: The Nomads are both a hivemind, yet individualistic.
[08.01.2023 06:22:53] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: It always depends on the individual.
[08.01.2023 06:23:00] Dracul: Nomads?
[08.01.2023 06:23:11] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: ...
[08.01.2023 06:23:13] Dracul: Those blue things?
[08.01.2023 06:23:13] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: You may have heard of them as 'Squids'?
[08.01.2023 06:23:25] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Glowing alien tentacly beings, basic rundown.
[08.01.2023 06:23:26] Dracul: Ah, you mean the Nomad war? I thought they were defeated.
[08.01.2023 06:23:37] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Defeated? No.
[08.01.2023 06:23:41] Dracul: Many of my beliefs are being challenged over the past two days...
[08.01.2023 06:23:44] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Far from it.
[08.01.2023 06:24:04] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: I am going to contradict propaganda here,
[08.01.2023 06:24:07] Dracul: Then why has Humanity not united to defeat them? Yet everyone squabbles over territory.
[08.01.2023 06:24:13] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Having one's beliefs and views challenged is a good thing.
[08.01.2023 06:24:17] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Because this is our nature.
[08.01.2023 06:24:19] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: We are fighting a loosing war.
[08.01.2023 06:24:35] Dracul: That's a concerning precedent.
[08.01.2023 06:25:13] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: The Militar speaks true. We find our strength in both our division, and our willingness to beat the enemy.
[08.01.2023 06:25:57] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: The Nomads believe in perfection. This is a lie. Perfection doesnt exist. It is our imperfection that drives us --
[08.01.2023 06:25:59] Order|CV-Unity: forward.
[08.01.2023 06:26:04] Dracul: Looking at this world...and hearing what you've said, makes me want to run screaming back for the safety of the houses.
[08.01.2023 06:26:20] Dracul: ...and yet.
[08.01.2023 06:26:29] Dracul: Hmm.
[08.01.2023 06:26:35] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: You should be where you feel most safe, to be fair.
[08.01.2023 06:26:52] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Safety also aides in progression.
[08.01.2023 06:27:01] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: *She stares at the ravaged planet, pursing her lips as the 'safety of the Houses' was mentioned.*
[08.01.2023 06:27:05] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: It is a mix of conflict and that.
[08.01.2023 06:27:29] Dracul: It's easy...to want to crawl back into the hole you felt safest.
[08.01.2023 06:27:37] Dracul: ...and yet it's also cowardice.
[08.01.2023 06:27:45] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Humanity advances the most when opinions violently collide, this cannot be denied. Take that away? And we --
[08.01.2023 06:27:50] Order|CV-Unity: achieve stagnation.
[08.01.2023 06:27:57] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Stagnation equals death.
[08.01.2023 06:27:59] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Stagnation is death.
[08.01.2023 06:28:05] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: ... heh.
[08.01.2023 06:28:22] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: The squids only advanced because we challenged them.
[08.01.2023 06:28:23] Dracul: [The young man narrows his eyes at the planet in deep thought]
[08.01.2023 06:28:39] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: And fear, Freelancer, is in itself nothing wrong. It is imperative that it's amount does not take over control. As fear
[08.01.2023 06:28:41] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: can serve us well.
[08.01.2023 06:28:50] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: 21 years ago? They didnt know what tradelanes, jumpgates or shields were.
[08.01.2023 06:29:15] Dracul: Fear is imperative to knowing when you're beaten and when to flee to fight another day.
[08.01.2023 06:29:23] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: One expedition beyond the Quarantine Zone teaches one different now. They learned from -our- instability.
[08.01.2023 06:29:34] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: I am glad. *She smiles* I see you understand that.
[08.01.2023 06:29:56] Dracul: Believe me, Rheinlander, I know a lot about fear. It's why I fled Liberty.
[08.01.2023 06:30:06] Dracul: [Realizing what he said, he stops talking abruptly.]
[08.01.2023 06:30:31] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Never been there. But uhm ... guess the safety of the Houses is more the safety of a few Houses in this case. At least not
[08.01.2023 06:30:33] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Liberty.
[08.01.2023 06:30:50] Dracul: We all have our pasts. Mine hunts me in Liberty...or so I expect.
[08.01.2023 06:30:59] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: That we do, that we do.
[08.01.2023 06:31:11] Dracul: Although, it seems out here I can't even escape danger. Not that I expected I'd be able to.
[08.01.2023 06:31:26] Dracul: I suppose that I traded one conflict for another.
[08.01.2023 06:31:30] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: My mother belonged to the Red Hessians. My father? The Rheinland Military.
[08.01.2023 06:31:54] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Danger is a given. We either accept it as part of our life... or this life will be very hard to endure. Harder than i has to.
[08.01.2023 06:31:59] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Oh what a pairing.
[08.01.2023 06:32:03] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: They married in 799. I was born in 800.
[08.01.2023 06:32:33] Dracul: I bet /that/ made for interesting family reunions.
[08.01.2023 06:32:38] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Yet, due to maritime laws, I am no Rheinlander. Want to know why?
[08.01.2023 06:32:39] Dracul: [Laughs.]
[08.01.2023 06:33:10] Dracul: I give up.
[08.01.2023 06:33:13] Dracul: Why?
[08.01.2023 06:34:03] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: That is going to be a good one, i feel it.
[08.01.2023 06:34:13] Dracul: The dramatic pause is killing me.
[08.01.2023 06:34:17] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: All by design.
[08.01.2023 06:34:25] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Suspension und all that.
[08.01.2023 06:34:34] Order|CV-Unity: // Sec, I am way fucking off on my dates, let me rephrase
[08.01.2023 06:35:17] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Hold up, cosmic background radiation muddled the numbers.
[08.01.2023 06:35:41] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Hate it when that happens...
[08.01.2023 06:35:49] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: The years were 793 and 794.
[08.01.2023 06:36:07] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Blame speech to text algorithms.
[08.01.2023 06:36:22] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: I wasn't even considered at that time. *Amused.*
[08.01.2023 06:36:48] Dracul: That's a few years before I was born as well.
[08.01.2023 06:37:03] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: See this molten rock?
[08.01.2023 06:37:21] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Hard ... not to.
[08.01.2023 06:37:30] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: I was 24 when I saw all I cared for, people, you name it... die here.
[08.01.2023 06:38:40] Dracul: If my math is right, then I was 23 years old when this happened. How is it that we never heard of a world dying?
[08.01.2023 06:38:48] Dracul: Don't answer that, I already know.
[08.01.2023 06:38:51] Dracul: Censorship.
[08.01.2023 06:38:54] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Tag along, Freelancer. There is something else to see.
[08.01.2023 06:38:58] Dracul: [The man scoffs].
[08.01.2023 06:39:00] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Nein, not necessarily censorship...
[08.01.2023 06:39:17] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Sheer vastness of Sirius. And how small we all are in comparison...
[08.01.2023 06:39:28] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Ah, there ... she is.
[08.01.2023 06:39:30] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Dracul, whatever your actual name may be. Meet my parents. Free-floating somewhere in this wreckage.
[08.01.2023 06:39:44] Dracul: Impressive vessel, similar to yours in fact.
[08.01.2023 06:39:54] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: *Traudel remains silent upon the mention of effectively a floating grave.*
[08.01.2023 06:40:11] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: If it wasn't for the Isis, the Order wouldnt exist by now.
[08.01.2023 06:40:29] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: The Core had a huge part in this battle, as evident by the wreckages.
[08.01.2023 06:40:43] Dracul: I've heard of them in hushed whispers on Freeport 11.
[08.01.2023 06:40:52] Dracul: The Zoners are wonderful folk, but they all curse the Core.
[08.01.2023 06:40:59] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: ...
[08.01.2023 06:41:13] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: The Core destroyed our early-warning buoys across the perimiter in one coordinated assault.
[08.01.2023 06:41:26] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: It allowed the squids to catch us off-guard.
[08.01.2023 06:41:33] Dracul: Squids?
[08.01.2023 06:41:46] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: The resulting battle was one of the rare instances where the Order and Core teamed up.
[08.01.2023 06:41:48] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Term often used for Nomads and the likes.
[08.01.2023 06:41:49] Dracul: Sorry, I've never been out this way before, your...nomenclature eludes me.
[08.01.2023 06:41:54] Dracul: Ah, I see.
[08.01.2023 06:42:16] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: It is refreshing to meet someone that has seen equally less as me out here.
[08.01.2023 06:42:27] Dracul: Much of my life was spent in Liberty.
[08.01.2023 06:42:33] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: It did not matter in the long run, but it is why we haven't touched the Core wreckages here. To honor those ---
[08.01.2023 06:42:43] Order|CV-Unity: enemies who in our time of need aided us.
[08.01.2023 06:42:46] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Mhhh... our ability to leave differences aside when the situation really calls for it. Sadly happens too seldomly.
[08.01.2023 06:42:58] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Rheinland for me, if not obvious already. This here? First time this far out.
[08.01.2023 06:43:23] Dracul: When I fled Liberty, I had no idea what I'd find out here...now I'm glad I did.
[08.01.2023 06:43:24] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: I ... understand, Colonel Lundgren. A noble gesture i can get behind.
[08.01.2023 06:43:28] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: What was revealed after years? The Core High Command at that moment in time was in league with the Nomads.
[08.01.2023 06:43:37] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: ... ... unfortunate...
[08.01.2023 06:44:02] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Right now they might be driven by pure profit and capitalism, something I can sometimes understand.
[08.01.2023 06:44:07] Dracul: Who would willingly side with a...species? That wants to see Humanity's end?
[08.01.2023 06:44:09] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Back then, it was worse.
[08.01.2023 06:44:24] Dracul: Isn't that counter productive?
[08.01.2023 06:44:29] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: You'd be suprised, Dracul;
[08.01.2023 06:44:36] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: 'Willingly' might be the key word here. Rheinland had its fair share of that as well.
[08.01.2023 06:44:42] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Many people fall for the perfection lie.
[08.01.2023 06:44:58] Dracul: The way you phrase that, Habermyer, is deeply concerning.
[08.01.2023 06:45:07] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Then i phrased it right.
[08.01.2023 06:45:25] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Rheinland and the Order have been enemies since.... well... hundreds of years.
[08.01.2023 06:46:13] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: But, the years 800 and 801 were the worst, arguably, when the government itself became a puppet to the squids. -
[08.01.2023 06:46:18] Order|CV-Unity: It was resolved.
[08.01.2023 06:46:34] Dracul: I've heard some snipets here and there about those times. But I was young when it happened...
[08.01.2023 06:46:40] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: But of course, politics never want the state to look bad.
[08.01.2023 06:46:40] Dracul: ...and even now much of the information is buried.
[08.01.2023 06:46:54] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Liberty is the exact same, though we find our roots in that house.
[08.01.2023 06:47:01] Dracul: Though in my.../previous/ profession, gaining access to that information was childs play.
[08.01.2023 06:47:11] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Do i want to know...?
[08.01.2023 06:47:23] Dracul: [The man curses under his breath.]
[08.01.2023 06:47:28] Dracul: Probably not. [Mumbles]
[08.01.2023 06:47:53] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: It wouldn't change much, if it is any consolation. For one, i am _far_ outside my jurisdiction.
[08.01.2023 06:48:09] Dracul: I guess it doesn't hurt...I was a Lane Hacker once upon a time.
[08.01.2023 06:48:13] Dracul: Left. Being hunted by them.
[08.01.2023 06:48:17] Dracul: No one leaves the Hackers.
[08.01.2023 06:48:23] Dracul: No one living anyway.
[08.01.2023 06:48:54] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: It does not hurt, nein. I am always trying to see the person first and foremost. Less so what their past may have been.
[08.01.2023 06:48:59] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Lane Hackers...?
[08.01.2023 06:49:07] Dracul: Mmm. Former employees of Ageira.
[08.01.2023 06:49:18] Dracul: Pirates mostly, posing as people believing that they're freedom fighters.
[08.01.2023 06:49:21] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Mhhhm. *She nods slowly* Don't really have them over in Rheinland.
[08.01.2023 06:49:25] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: But, what everybody forgets... if it werent for the Rheinlanders? The Nomad war would've been lost in 801AS.
[08.01.2023 06:49:29] Dracul: Pawns of the Outcasts I found out which is why I ran.
[08.01.2023 06:49:50] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: We did what we could. As always. Wait - pawns of the Outca-... ... huh.
[08.01.2023 06:49:55] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Also, contrary to popular belief? It never ended.
[08.01.2023 06:50:17] Dracul: There's a whole lot about the Hackers people don't know. They like to pretend they're independent...
[08.01.2023 06:50:23] Dracul: ...but the Outcasts have them addicted to Cardamine.
[08.01.2023 06:50:44] Dracul: [The man looks to his leg where the injector is located.] Me as well, the bastards.
[08.01.2023 06:51:15] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: *She lifts a brow* ... do you have sufficient amounts available to yourself?
[08.01.2023 06:51:19] Dracul: [Sigh.] Guess that's what I get for being a foolish youth believing in the romanticism of fighting the powers that be.
[08.01.2023 06:51:27] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: We all make mistakes.
[08.01.2023 06:51:40] Dracul: I do. I'm able to get refills when I need it through various parties.
[08.01.2023 06:51:59] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: I ... was about to say 'glad to hear'. Not sure it's the right thing to say, though. Still - good thing you're not ... well.
[08.01.2023 06:52:08] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Facing the alternative of not having it. I heard some things.
[08.01.2023 06:52:17] Dracul: Death by withdrawls is not something I'd want to experience. I've seen it first hand.
[08.01.2023 06:52:21] Dracul: It's not pretty.
[08.01.2023 06:52:46] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Miss Habermeyer, would you wish to return to Rheinland?
[08.01.2023 06:53:00] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: I believe that without needing to see it for myself. It's something i don't wish to anyone...
[08.01.2023 06:53:05] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: We are way beyond our operational times, for personell sake.
[08.01.2023 06:53:12] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Ah... right. The way back. I uhm ... mhmh.
[08.01.2023 06:53:19] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: I can show you the way.
[08.01.2023 06:53:25] Dracul: I think I'm going to explore the edge worlds a bit more. Omicron Zeta was an interesting place.
[08.01.2023 06:53:33] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: I will guide you, rather.
[08.01.2023 06:53:35] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Don't want to keep you and your crew up more than necessary. Freelancer, you will be alright out here?
[08.01.2023 06:53:40] Dracul: Always.
[08.01.2023 06:53:45] Dracul: I've got my ship and my guns.
[08.01.2023 06:53:48] Dracul: What more can a man ask for?
[08.01.2023 06:53:52] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: More guns?
[08.01.2023 06:53:55] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Not ... that it's any of my business, but force of habit at this point. Even if i'm far outside my House.
[08.01.2023 06:53:58] Dracul: [Laughs]
[08.01.2023 06:54:12] Dracul: I'll be fine, thank you kindly Ms. Habermeyer.
[08.01.2023 06:54:20] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: Alright, be safe out there, lad.
[08.01.2023 06:54:25] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: ... i would've said 'Some rest'? But ... what do i know. In this case - auf Wiedersehen, Freelancer. Mayhaps we see each other
[08.01.2023 06:54:26] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: again.
[08.01.2023 06:54:29] Dracul: [The man salutes out of his cockpit window] Salutations folks. See you around, hopefully.
[08.01.2023 06:54:43] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: And ja, Colonel Lundgren. I'd appreciate to be taken back. But first... restocking?
[08.01.2023 06:54:45] Order|CV-Unity: Lundgren: If you get in trouble, send out a SOS. We got patrols around the area that will get to your aid.
[08.01.2023 06:54:50] Dracul: Will do.
ID: Dracul Source: Planet Gran Canaria, Omega-48 Subject: Maintenance
So far, the Omegas have less weird s*** in them. Not that that's much of an improvement. Less weird s*** but more pirates. Funny how that works.
I left Omicron Minor and flew into Omicron Nu. That system messed with my gun cam and I wasn't able to get any shots. I explored and found a system called "Virginia" which was a mistake. I flew into the system and immediately picked up a Hacker cruiser in the system. Immediately, it requested a handshake to the latent Hacker systems onboard my Magpie. I quickly terminated the connection and made a run for the nearest jump hole...and jumped right into Texas.
I panicked. Full blown anxiety. I immediately cloaked and plotted a course around New York. I hit California and then Ontario and lept through the unstable jump hole into Kepler. I laid low at Ames for a few hours, getting a drink to assuage my frayed nerves before moving into Kusari. I'd never been but I was too focused on running my ships engines at 120% power until I got out of there. I followed the lanes until I got to the Sigmas after leaving a system named Honshu. I arrived in a beautiful system named Sigma-21. I flew around admiring the views until I ran into...something. My sensors couldn't (or wouldn't) pick up what the hell they were. They appeared to be in Rheinland ships but didn't speak and only opened fire. I quickly jumped blindly again into another system named Sigma-15.
In a near panic, I flew out of the cloud and towards a station in the distance, finding it to be a Freeport with a Zoner captain in orbit. He identified himself as "Brad". We spoke for a little while about science and the particulars of technology before he mentioned others in the system. We found them arguing about...something. I wasn't able to pick up on what they were talking about. Amongst them was Ms. Habermeyer-er-Traudel from the other day in the Omicrons. She wished for me to remain silent about her adventure out there with the Order. As long as I did, she would keep quiet about my past as a Lane Hacker. Apart of me was insulted that she would think that I would divulge that information, but I realized it was just her being cautious...which with the information that I've learned over the past week, is more than prudent.
I decided to leave the others to their argument. No sense being around when weapons fire starts flying. I stopped off in Frankfurt for some directions and information to get back to the Edge Worlds and found a kind young trader who offered me some information for a few drinks at the bar. After a couple of shots, I departed through a system named Munich and back into the Omicrons. During my journey, Traudel contacted me over a secure Neural Net connection and we chatted as I landed at a Corsair station to restock some food and drinks onboard. I purchased some information from a data broker for my next destination and left. From there, I headed to a system named Omega-55 and from there back to Omega-48. I landed back at Gran Canaria to do maintenance on the Magpie and to remove any traces of Lane Hacker circuitry or at least bypass the s*** so that I don't almost get detected again.
I just said my goodbyes to Traudel and am getting ready to get to work on the ship. Hopefully I won't have any troubles. If so, I might need some parts.
[09.01.2023 02:38:44] Dracul: Greetings, Aurora Borealis. Quite a name for a ship.
[09.01.2023 02:38:56] SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis: Brad: Ahoy, and thank you, it sound spiffy
[09.01.2023 02:39:03] Dracul: Sounds pretty.
[09.01.2023 02:39:16] SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis: Brad: Sounds like /Science/!
[09.01.2023 02:39:32] Dracul: Science, huh?
[09.01.2023 02:40:03] Dracul: Haven't seen that ship type before. Seen a lot of other Zoner types but not that one.
[09.01.2023 02:40:26] SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis: Brad: Its a research vessel, not to many use it due to, well, between the paper thin hull, lack fo weapons
[09.01.2023 02:40:36] SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis: Brad: Its really best used as a research vessel
[09.01.2023 02:40:51] Dracul: Ah, I see. I'm not much of a scientist...I dabble in tech, though.
[09.01.2023 02:41:24] SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis: Brad: Ah, advanced contructions? We have a division as well that prys and prods the edge of what is possible
[09.01.2023 02:41:48] Dracul: There isn't much more I can stuff into this hull. If I were to dabble further, I'd need a new frame.
[09.01.2023 02:42:20] SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis: Brad: *chuckles* Thats pretty much how I got to where I am, and to be frank even this is to /small/ I'm working on getting a
[09.01.2023 02:42:24] SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis: Brad: Liner outfitted
[09.01.2023 02:42:41] Dracul: Ah, nice. I saw a Liner once in Kusari. Beautiful ship built by Renzu, you know it?
[09.01.2023 02:42:59] Dracul: Saw some photos of it's interior...a little too lavish for my taste.
[09.01.2023 02:43:01] SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis: Brad: The Renzu Liner, yes its quite well known, if not often seen
[09.01.2023 02:43:21] Dracul: Pretty tough too. Not easy to damage.
[09.01.2023 02:43:23] SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis: Brad: There is a Casino in Kusari that is a Renzu Liner, fantastic drinks
[09.01.2023 02:43:32] Dracul: [The man speaking stops apruptly after speaking.]
[09.01.2023 02:43:51] Dracul: Drinks, that I could use right about now.
[09.01.2023 02:44:03] Dracul: A lot about the reality of Sirius has been revealed to me of late...
[09.01.2023 02:44:10] SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis: Brad: Feel free to stop off at the bar *chuckles*
[09.01.2023 02:44:39] Dracul: I may stop off at Freeport 11. Was heading that way when I saw you here and decided to stop for a chat.
[09.01.2023 02:44:48] Dracul: Thought I saw someone else too...guess it was sensor ghosts.
[09.01.2023 02:45:09] SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis: Brad: There were a few folks here earlier, they went down the lane to the planet, I think the Navy is there too
[09.01.2023 02:45:29] Dracul: Oh? I spoke with a Navy woman yesterday in Omicron Minor I think it was.
[09.01.2023 02:45:39] Dracul: Habermeyer I think it was.
[09.01.2023 02:46:15] SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis: Brad: Wow, quite far from home, but the edge draws the attention of all sorts of folks
[09.01.2023 02:46:32] Dracul: Mmm, it sure does. It's concerning in it's deadliness.
[09.01.2023 02:46:49] Dracul: I may stop off over at the planet then, see what's going on and then head out to Freeport 11.
[09.01.2023 02:47:06] SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis: Brad: Ah, me too, I was looking for some good gossip
[09.01.2023 02:48:00] Dracul: Hmm, nope, no one here. Guess they left the system then.
[09.01.2023 02:48:21] SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis: Brad: Indeed, /strange/
[09.01.2023 02:48:48] Dracul: Beautiful view, though.
[09.01.2023 02:49:14] A/)-Revenant: I have not had many encounters with them.
[09.01.2023 02:49:23] Dracul: Ah, lots of people.
[09.01.2023 02:49:24] Sundew: Hello pilots!
[09.01.2023 02:49:30] A/)-Revenant: There is a certain minset that Corsairs tend to carry too, from their society that programmed them to behave in such a way.
[09.01.2023 02:49:37] SLRC-RV>Aurora.Borealis: Brad: Evening all
[09.01.2023 02:49:37] Dracul: Ah, Ms. Habermeyer, wonderful to see you again.
[09.01.2023 02:49:56] Maroon.Specter: Aurora Borealis... Sounds familiar.
[09.01.2023 02:50:07] Hitman-76: Lock: Greetings... Freelancers. [09.01.2023 02:50:13] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: ... you. We never met that far out - right? Keep that to you if you'd be so kind. I treat that Lane Hacker background the same [09.01.2023 02:50:14] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: then.
[09.01.2023 02:50:17] A/)-Revenant: Another ZCT frame.
[09.01.2023 02:50:18] Hitman-76: Lock: Apologies Freelancer and Zoner.
[09.01.2023 02:50:23] Sundew: Look, I think it's safe to say that none of you are going to change their opinions. Each of you is pointing fingers at the othe
[09.01.2023 02:50:27] A/)-Revenant: A rare sight, but a welcome one.
[09.01.2023 02:50:32] Sundew: Why not just drop the issue for now.
[09.01.2023 02:50:36] Hitman-76: Lock: Sundew if only you seen the past... [09.01.2023 02:50:38] Dracul: Sounds like a fair trade. I wasn't intending on mentioning anything.
[09.01.2023 02:50:46] Maroon.Specter: Well, I can agree with you that the vast majority of Cretans are better addressed to as Cretins.
[09.01.2023 02:50:47] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: ... ah, you again. *She sounded... tired, exhausted almost.* It indeed is a pleasure.
[09.01.2023 02:51:00] A/)-Revenant: Oh, I was only being ~generously polite~ Maroon. [09.01.2023 02:51:01] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Merely being cautious, most appreciated.
[09.01.2023 02:51:05] A/)-Revenant: I have no pity for them.
[09.01.2023 02:51:20] Sundew: I'm lacking all the context, that is true, but I don't think the constant arguing is leading to anything.
[09.01.2023 02:51:20] Hitman-76: Lock: You don't have pity for anyone. [09.01.2023 02:51:21] Dracul: As mentioned before...we all have our secrets, yes? [The man smiles ruefully.]
[09.01.2023 02:51:27] Sundew: Because so far, it has not lead to anything.
[09.01.2023 02:51:38] Sundew: And we're here for like an hour or so.
[09.01.2023 02:51:45] Hitman-76: Lock: That is because people around here are stubborn...
[09.01.2023 02:51:48] A/)-Revenant: Have they been bickering in my absence?
[09.01.2023 02:51:51] A/)-Revenant: Neheheeh. [09.01.2023 02:51:58] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: *The expression of being tired worsens significantly upon that remark. A half-sided smile follows.* Ja .... ja we do.
[09.01.2023 02:52:03] Hitman-76: Lock: I heard that.
[09.01.2023 02:52:06] Maroon.Specter: There was a lot of things to be said about you.
[09.01.2023 02:52:13] A/)-Revenant: As they do.
[09.01.2023 02:52:18] A/)-Revenant: They can speculate for all they desire.
[09.01.2023 02:52:33] Hitman-76: Lock: Factual eveidence being tossed around isn't speculating.
[09.01.2023 02:52:57] A/)-Revenant: The broken verbal verbose is not evidence.
[09.01.2023 02:53:07] Dracul: I've only heard rumors on both sides about Auxo. [The man shrugs in his cockpit.] So I guess I don't have a horse in this race.
[09.01.2023 02:53:17] A/)-Revenant: In the end, the message is clear, if you wish to proclaim genocide and selfishness, be ready to back up your stance.
[09.01.2023 02:53:18] Hitman-76: Lock: The broken what?
[09.01.2023 02:53:29] Maroon.Specter: I wouldn't prioritize a Cretin over a Nomad, however.
[09.01.2023 02:53:46] A/)-Revenant: The Nomad was next priority.
[09.01.2023 02:53:59] Hitman-76: Lock: Then why did you not stop it when you had the chance to.
[09.01.2023 02:54:00] Maroon.Specter: Especially considering that your execution attempt failed, given his presence by the jump gate a few minutes ago.
[09.01.2023 02:54:16] A/)-Revenant: His funds are not infinite.
[09.01.2023 02:54:41] A/)-Revenant: Success or not, he failed to back up his stance and ran.
[09.01.2023 02:54:53] Maroon.Specter: Hah. Classic.
[09.01.2023 02:54:57] Hitman-76: Lock: You would run too if you were in his shoes.
[09.01.2023 02:55:11] Hitman-76: Lock: Or would you rather die just to make a foolish point?
[09.01.2023 02:55:15] Dracul: Well, I guess I'll be leaving then, you all have a wonderful evening. Try not to kill one another.
[09.01.2023 02:55:20] A/)-Revenant: In my shoes, I would not go suggesting genocide in the face of another and not anticipate any form of reaction.
[09.01.2023 02:55:22] Maroon.Specter: Take care.
[09.01.2023 02:55:25] A/)-Revenant: Farewell.
[09.01.2023 02:55:31] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Stay safe, Freelancer.
[09.01.2023 02:55:35] Dracul: Always do.
[09.01.2023 02:57:25] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: ... me once more. I've seen that cloaking device. Might get you in trouble over in my part of Sirius, should 'we' check your
[09.01.2023 02:57:26] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: vessel.
[09.01.2023 02:57:47] Dracul: Good to know. Simply kept as a precaution against my.../former/ employers.
[09.01.2023 02:58:08] Dracul: Thanks for the warning.
[09.01.2023 02:58:10] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Understandable. Have a look at my Houses' laws. We consider it restricted tech. Either get a permit, or stash it outside. And
[09.01.2023 02:58:17] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: fear as of currently those permits take a damn long while.
[09.01.2023 02:58:27] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Sure, just trying to educate visitors. No harm done yet.
[09.01.2023 02:58:52] Dracul: Should I want to request a license, is it too difficult to obtain?
[09.01.2023 02:59:41] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: I never had to, given my ... well. Profession. I heard the process takes awfully long. If it is hard? Not sure. You give your
[09.01.2023 02:59:51] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: identification, reason for using it and so on. Then they'll evaluate.
[09.01.2023 03:00:08] Dracul: If I wind up finding myself in Rheinland space more often, I'll submit a request. Better safe than sorry.
[09.01.2023 03:00:58] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: I highly suggest it. I had to escort some out already that i caught one time too ften.
[09.01.2023 03:01:26] Dracul: Not a problem. The technology can be abused by neerdowells far too often. I know that for fact.
[09.01.2023 03:01:54] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Hah. Figured you'd understand. Absolutely correct, ja.
[09.01.2023 03:02:21] Dracul: See, I'm not dummy. [The man laughs out loud, the first time a genuine laugh is heard.]
[09.01.2023 03:03:11] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: *Traudel seemed genuinly amused and nods in agreement.* You have no idea how much this simple exchange helped me right now. For
[09.01.2023 03:03:15] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: that you have my thanks.
[09.01.2023 03:03:36] Dracul: I'm always available to chat. Talking helps me work out the shit I've been through these past weeks.
[09.01.2023 03:03:52] Dracul: Between running for my life and hiding out in the Edge Worlds...it can get lonely.
[09.01.2023 03:04:30] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: *She scoffs* How ... fitting. Ja, it does indeed. It is all recent and fresh for you, i take it?
[09.01.2023 03:04:54] Dracul: Very. I've been planning to run for months, but only recently I found an opening to run.
[09.01.2023 03:05:21] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Goodness me. That ... must've been an incredible amount of pressure.
[09.01.2023 03:05:26] Dracul: Wound up realizing I stole some equipment on my ship...worried they're going to come looking for it.
[09.01.2023 03:05:55] Dracul: Very. The pressure to attack other innocents just because of their posessions.
[09.01.2023 03:06:09] Dracul: I thought they were fighting for something, turns out they're no better than the rest.
[09.01.2023 03:06:42] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Reality is ... often not all that aligned with our expectations and perceptions. Sometimes noticing this shift is awfully
[09.01.2023 03:06:43] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: abrupt.
[09.01.2023 03:06:57] Dracul: Couldn't have said it better myself.
[09.01.2023 03:06:59] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: I, for one, am glad you had this eye-opening moment.
[09.01.2023 03:07:14] Dracul: Me as well...even if it means hiding under a rock for the rest of my days.
[09.01.2023 03:07:24] Dracul: At least my life is my own now.
[09.01.2023 03:08:02] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: That is worth a lot. Never forget that. And well, the Houses... or at least some of them in your case ... still can be safe
[09.01.2023 03:08:03] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: havens.
[09.01.2023 03:08:35] Dracul: Of that, I'm not too sure...yet. In time I may be brave enough to remain in those systems for longer than a fortnight...
[09.01.2023 03:08:49] Dracul: ...for now though, I'll stick to the Edge Worlds as much as I can./
[09.01.2023 03:09:43] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: You have understandable reasons not to believe me in this regard, i doubt i would were our roles reversed. Taking ones own time
[09.01.2023 03:09:56] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: to determine whether or not something fits is the smartest approach.
[09.01.2023 03:10:30] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Should you ever find yourself in medical need out there... Med Force Enterprises is operating around there i believe. They help
[09.01.2023 03:10:32] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: anyone.
[09.01.2023 03:10:47] Dracul: I've heard of them in Pennsylvania. Zoners right?
[09.01.2023 03:11:06] Dracul: Besides the Outworlders, the Zoners have been warm and comforting. Hard to believe the struggles they've gone through.
[09.01.2023 03:11:21] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Ja, most of them are i believe. I am not entirely certain, but i had only good experiences with them. Doktor Wilke and Doktor
[09.01.2023 03:11:26] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Holliday chief among them.
[09.01.2023 03:11:49] Dracul: I'll have to keep those names in mind for any furture contact. You never know what you'll run into out here...
[09.01.2023 03:12:08] Dracul: I'll have to keep those names in mind for future contact. You never know what you'll run into out here...
[09.01.2023 03:12:33] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: In regards to MFE, feel free to tell them Habermeyer suggested them. Could help. Not that they'd refuse to render assistance
[09.01.2023 03:12:39] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: in the first place. But hey, every bit helps.
[09.01.2023 03:12:56] Dracul: That statement is becoming a staple out here in the Edge worlds. [He laughs.]
[09.01.2023 03:13:12] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Hreh. It's true even further inwards, trust me.
[09.01.2023 03:13:32] Dracul: Of that, I have no doubt.
[09.01.2023 03:14:11] Dracul: Well, I need to get to work on the maintenance on this ship, just touched down at Gran Canaria.
[09.01.2023 03:14:44] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Never been. But alright, it was a pleasure once again. I ... did i ever get a name? Is that a callsign of your vessel, or said
[09.01.2023 03:14:45] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: name?
[09.01.2023 03:15:06] Dracul: My old identity is...gone. Deleted to keep me safe from those who would hunt me down.
[09.01.2023 03:15:11] Dracul: It's just Dracul now.
[09.01.2023 03:15:34] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: I am perfectly fine with that. Which is the new one the- ... wunderbar. Nice to meet you, Dracul. Traudel will do for me.
[09.01.2023 03:15:42] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: Have a good night and keep that ship in good shape, ja?
[09.01.2023 03:15:58] Dracul: Will do. Stay safe out there.
[09.01.2023 03:16:07] [RM]Obl-Trau.Habermeyer: *Smirks* Always do.
Got to a point where I couldn't fix the Magpie without parts from Coronado where I bought the ship. Turns out I was in luck. A friend from before I became a Lane Hacker was visiting the station. I sent him the money to reserve the part and headed out.
After I departed Gran Canaria I ran into Tarudel...again. Starting to get weirded out I keep running into her everywhere. I'm okay with bumping into someone twice, but three times? Hmmm. I don't think the Lane Hackers would be able to get her to follow me...but anything's possible. She was sitting outside along with two Auxo with whom I've only seen in passing. I don't know much about Auxo so I can't speak one way or another. I bid my farewells and booked it out of the system. I'm going to be more cautious about Traudel, I have a feeling she might be following me.
On my way, I stopped off at the NSE installation to see if I was in luck and the other part I was looking for was back in stock. I was in luck! I picked it up and installed it and headed up to Coronado under cloak.
I arrived at the station and picked up my part, wished my friend luck and made a run to Planet Yuma in system. No way I was staying at Barrier Gate for any more time than was necessary. However, it seems I got turned around and wound up going the wrong way. Ran right into a radiation cloud with a bunch of strange rocks and a wrecked ship. My hull protected me from the thick radiation so I took a quick look around. Seems the debris in the field wasn't made of any known material. More of these Nomads maybe? I didn't stick around to find out. I pointed my ship in the correct heading and left for Yuma. I arrived there a short hour later.
Working on installing the bypass now. Hopefully this will block handshake requests from other Hacker ships. Should keep me running under the radar.
Probably headed to Gallia next. Heard there are some beautiful vistas and even more beautiful women there. Sounds like a recipe for adventure!
After a nights sleep and some sightseeing on Yuma, I departed via Tau-31 and into the deeper Taus. I was told by a Crayter gentlemen that a station named Canberra Star City was the place to get items that were frowned upon in other places. My Cardamine injector was running low and I needed a place outside of regularly travelled Outcast space to resupply.
Did I forget to mention the Lane Hackers get you addicted to Cardamine? Lovely bunch...anyway...
I headed through the Taus and arrived at the station in a system named Tau-44, just on the outskirts of Gallia and restocked enough to get me through the month. Relieved that I was no longer going to die from withdraws, I looked around the station and was pleased to find a wide variety of items for purchase. It seems like this was a place similar in nature to Barrier Gate but further from my old "friends".
I considered using this place as a staging point to explore Gallia, but I'm not sure if that's a good idea considering I know that Hackers routinely pass through the Taus. I may head further into Gallia to a place called Monte Carlo Freeport. I've heard that it's a somewhat decent locale, similar to Canberra and Barrier Gate and it's just one system over. Might check it out in a few hours. Going to get some dinner and have some drinks before exploring a bit more.
ID: Dracul Source: Monte Carlo Freeport, Provence Subject: Newfound Home(?) and Further Ship Maintenance
I'll be honest: I really like the Natio Octavarium folks.
A lot of the old guard here are retired pirates, true, but now they're just trying to eek out a living in the Edge worlds...which is a nice change of pace. There's no judgement here either. When I went to pick up my cannisters of Cardamine, they didn't judge me when I refilled my injector. The broker even recommended I upgrade to a new model and directed me to the location where I could get one plus replacement parts. Good salesman. I think I'll frequent this location much more often...I may even call it home. I rented out a room for the month to see how I like it.
I spoke with a retired pirate at a local bar about the comings and goings of Lane Hackers and Outcasts. He mentioned that, on very rare occasions, higher ranked Outcasts pass through. However, concerning Lane Hackers it's usually just run of the mill grunts. No higher ranking individuals pass through here much. He couldn't even remember the last time he saw a Hacker pass through Tau-44. When I asked about strange goings on in system, he did mention there were oddities here and there but nothing like the Omicrons. He said that you should keep your head on a swivel anywhere in deep space though. Good advice if I ever heard it.
I left for Provence, wanting to check out Monte Carlo Freeport but it seems one of my engines gave out enroute. I have been putting a lot of "mileage" on this engine. Best I take it down for maintenance at the Freeport and see what I can find. I'm hoping it's just a clogged injector, I'm running out of credits now and will need to start taking odd-jobs or working contracts. Not sure how much money I've got left for these kinds of things.
ID: Dracul Source: Canberra Star City, Tau-44 Subject: New Look, New Threads, New Job
Thankfully it was a clogged injector port. Managed to get it sorted and I'm back on the road. Thankfully sooner rather than later, Monte Carlo Freeport was a s***hole. At least compared to Canberra.
I flew back to Canberra and landed, paying the dockmaster a tip as I passed. As I did so, she looked me up and down and wrinkled her nose.
"What'd you do? Get in a fight with a sewer?" she had said as she got to looking over my ship.
I'll admit, I was confused until I caught a whiff of myself. I was ripe. I thought back to the last time I took a shower and realized I hadn't in a week. Quickly, I arrived back at my room and took a, much needed, shower. Afterwards, I stood looking at myself in the small mirror of my rented room. It'd been years since I cut my hair. The last time was around the time I began my internship at Ageira all those years ago. My hair had grown to shoulder length during my internment with the Hackers.
I got dressed and left for the shops. Finding a decent pair of clippers and some scissors, I returned to my room and cut my hair all off. I was pleased with the cut as I examined the finished product in the mirror. I put down the clippers and looked at the mirror again, examining my face. Age was starting to show at the corners of my eyes...crows feet I think they're called. I left the small bathroom and got dressed, heading out into the throngs of people on the station.
I returned to the man whom I'd bought the Cardamine injector from and inquired about a location that could remove minor implants. He directed me to a woman running a Grafting shop. I requested my ocular implants be replaced with an updated version. It was nearly the last of my credits, but I felt that if I was going to survive, I'd need the top of the line.
A side effect of the implants I had, was they dulled the natural color of my eyes. The newer version didn't dull the color as much. This would, hopefully, allow me to slide under the radar further if someone higher ranked in the Lane Hackers saw me in passing as they knew me as someone with brown eyes, not amber. Plus, an updated version of my implants would help me with piloting. I paid the woman the fee plus a tip and left the shop.
Lastly, I picked up some new threads, depositing my old ones in a recycler as I passed. I was down under 400,000 credits. I'd need to find work now that I'd spent everything. That's the life of a Freelancer, though. Unless you got crazy lucky, you were always a bad day away from bankruptcy. Time to see what kind of work I can find.
Going to check the Neural Net's to see if there are any open bounties anywhere or if there's a job for an aspiring Freelancer. More later.
ID: Dracul Source: Tau-23, Open Space Subject: On the road again
I haven't had much time to jot anything down in my logs since I left Tau-44
I decided to get a return on my investment for the room and headed out. Right now, I'm flying through Tau-23 after a brief stop off at an old Pilgrim Liner named the Silent Man. Another, apparent, Natio outpost out in the Taus. I'm headed towards Kusari to visit an Uncle there. I'm hoping that he can find me some work in Kyushu or New Tokyo. If not, I'm planning on heading into the Sigmas to see if I can find something out there to do. I've heard there's a Freelancer outpost somewhere in Sigma-13.
Gotta focus on flying for now. Might be picking up some ships ahead. More later.