[DiD] The Aldrin Encounters {spoilers}

[Olterin]

Disclaimers:

-Plots will be played through here, you have been warned
-There may be occasional walls of text, I will try to avoid them as much as possible
-There may also be prolonged breaks between chapters, bear with me
-There are rules to this DiD, but I feel they will distort the flow of the story if posted here and might even restrict my actions if I feel the need to adjust them at any time. Just be sure of one thing: Dead is most certainly Dead


Hope you'll all enjoy this one...


0 - Prologue



Space. Is. Big. It is bigger than absolutely ginormous. In fact, it's even bigger than that. It is so mindshatteringly huge that a human brain cannot imagine the vastness of it. And yet we dared to explore it, to find wonders hitherto unknown, to settle on strange new worlds, thinking that all these worlds were ours. From what historians tell us, we created AGI, Artificial General Intelligence, to help us on this quest. Only something, somewhere, went wrong. We were separated from Earth.

As you can probably imagine, I'm from the recently "rediscovered" Aldrin colony. Or rather, I was. I couldn't... I just couldn't stand it anymore. A rock to be called home. A rock. And even though yes, we did have contact with other settlements in the system, it took ages to go anywhere. Our science had been dealt a shattering blow when we were first separated from Earth, and we did not have sufficient time and willpower to continue our research or to start anew in many places. This is what I can no longer stand. I was contemplating just flying off towards the far reaches of our solar system literally hours before a jump event occurred. Earth has found us once more. After they had dealt with Winters, they broadcasted to us the coordinates of key locations in the jump gate network.

I had thought this to be impossible. I had always thought I would be stranded in this desolate location forever. After my parents died in that mining accident, I didn't particularly care about anything. As the grief settled, my thirst for exploration grew stronger and stronger. And now, it seems, I finally have the means to quench it. And maybe, just maybe, I will find happiness. Who knows.

As my inheritance, I've had this Spitfyre for years now. It is an old ship, and I didn't have the chance to go over it's systems yet, but it doesn't matter. I have had a jumpdrive installed, and am loaded with enough energy cells to complete one jump to somewhere in the gate network. First thing to do, I guess, will be to visit Earth itself, the womb of mankind. The jumpdrive is charging and I'm set to go.

-Fifty percent...

...Wait, what's this yellow blinking light? Hmm... shields are going critical... obviously, I will have to check those systems as soon as the jump is completed...

-Ninety percent...

-Jumping...

...And here I was, looking at a strange new world. My jump had taken me to a system named Omicron Lyrae. Now, how to get from here to Earth... This sector seems to be under ... Argon control? Who are the Argon then, and why did our brothers give us the location of this sector and not Earth itself? Questions, questions I need anwsered, and soon.


Assets:
1x Spitfyre "Daredevil"

Credits: 3397

[kgkosio]

Glad to see you are at it again. Smart move, not posting the rules.

I hope you are not including gate exit crashes as a "dead is dead" event. The Terran sectors are notorious for this type of death.

[Olterin]

Well... since I've never died to a gate crash before, ever, I can't say just yet whether those will be included as a "dead" event or not. Depends, really - if it's my capital ship crashing with an Osaka and losing out on shields, well, I guess I didn't plan right. Ridiculous things like my puny fighter ending up inside capital ships upon gate exit are of course going to be discounted. Let's just hope I never end up in the position of having to decide on that end

Anyway, here's the next installment, hope you'll all enjoy the read



1 - Sol

"Pilot, this is Argon security. Your ship is of an unknown origin and we do not read an IFF. Stand down and transmit your IFF." So the Argon were human then. Good to know, one less answer to seek. Probably a precaution.

"Argon security, this is pilot David Quinn from Aldrin, hailing from the Spitfyre "Daredevil" YM3VJ-89. Is this satisfactory?"

"Affirmative, 'Daredevil', you may proceed."

"Incidentally, one last question before I leave... can you tell me the way to Earth?"

"I'm afraid that's classified information. Seeing how you're from Aldrin, I advise you to check your starmap. Argon security out."

Right, the starmap. I should have looked closer, it was right there in front of my eyes. Asteroid belt. That was a location within Sol, from what I could remember from school classes. And it was... somewhere to the galactic north from my current position. First stop though, Heretic's End. I'm hoping to find a Terran installation there to have technicians have a look over my ship. It seems the jump not only drained my shields and fried one shield generator, but also took out a lot of software.

Besides, sitting in this green-bluish goo of a nebula isn't exactly pleasant, it's time to get out of here. Northwards, then! And onwards through this jumpgate... my first trip through one of those. From what I can guess, it won't be unlike jumping by jumpdrive, seeing how that particular piece of equipment requires gates to function. I briefly shut my eyes, instinctively. Bad habit, that. Will have to get rid of it sometime.

-Entering system: Circle of Labor

... More of the green-bluish goo. Urgh. At least it seems to be not as dense here. I guess these two sectors are pretty close together. Upon proceeding further into the sector, a station labeled as 'Free Argon Trading Station' appears on the gravidar. Soon after it comes into view. I am rather surprised by the design, in particular the spinning of the station. Perhaps I'm too used to Terran tech, even if it's not entirely up-to-date... artificial gravity might be a luxury for some stations, it seems. Not long after, in part thanks to the SETA, I jump into Heretic's End.

Once again, I hit my forehead in annoyance. I could have jumped straight here, or even to the Asteroid Belt, had I looked a bit closer at my starmap before initiating the jump. Then again, the longer distance could have caused my jumpdrive to inflict further damage on my ship. I'll certainly not be using that again until it's been checked by technicians. I set course for the Orbital Defence Station, the only station of Terran design in this Terran-owned sector. This does seem somewhat strange... More things I need to clear up.

Once I'm docked at the station, I become painfully aware of my lack of credits. And it seems that no-one aboard this station is interested in our experimental EMPCs either. Too bad. I order all I can afford, which is not much: just one more engine tuning and the Fight Command Software Mk1. Well, at least if I get into a fight, I should have some semblance of computer assistance then. The technicians aboard this station told me they didn't have the equipment here to thoroughly check my ship. They referred me to a young lady aboard the Earth Torus who would have the necessary equipment and knowledge about Aldrin technology to run a thorough enough check.

Which suited me just fine, I was going to visit the Earth either way. But... how would I get to Earth if the only jumpgate in the Sol system was in the Asteroid Belt? I guessed I would find out soon enough...

-Entering system: Asteroid Belt

... Hmph, this computer needs some good smacking around - Sol is one system, the Asteroid Belt is merely a part of it. I spot an Orbital Patrol Base in the distance and set my autopilot to dock at it while I go grab myself something to drink in the rear compartment. Hopefully this thing will not crash with the numerous microasteroids here...


1x Spitfyre "Daredevil"

Credits: 155

[Olterin]

2 - Antiquities


... And with a glass of clear water in my hand, I watch the autopilot dock with the huge station. First things first then, I need some money, and I only have this ship and it's equipment. Selling the ship is obviously out of the question. And since I'm not planning on getting into any fights in the near future, I suppose one of those five EEMPCs can go, if the people on this station are interested in that kind of technology.

I head to the nearest elevator. Hmm... Smith Equipment Emporium, level two. That's ten levels down. I guess I could have walked... But it doesn't matter. The elevator doors open and I shuffle into the already crowded elevator. I see one or two brows raised, but no-one keeps staring. Well, I guess they don't see too many pilots in this outfit around here... Most of them are wearing the USC uniform, too. White with blue streaks. Too monotonous for my taste, they'll never get me into the military.

A minute later, the elevator arrives on level two. Having no clue as to where exactly this Equipment Emporium is, I head for the corridor on my right. A short walk later, it seems I was right - there it is. The lights aren't quite as bright as they were when I arrived, are they? And is that a hint of orange in the up-until-now-bluish light? Hmm... Well, no use pondering that and just standing outside the door, is there. I enter through the doors. The first thing to strike me is the contrast between the shop interior and the corridor. The corridor is mostly silvery and white, whereas this shop has a hint of a rusty color on the walls. Adds more to the atmosphere, I guess. The same could most likely be said of the shop owner, who just emerged from behind a desk. Grey hair, lively brown eyes, wrinkled face.

"..Aaah, hello, my boy. How can this old man help you on this fine evening, then?" The man smiled.

"Mr. Smith?"

"Mhmm, that's me. So, out with it. I can see you're not the patient type, so go ahead, straight to business."

"I would like to sell some of my equipment. You see, I'm rather... Ah, nevermind. Would you be interested in a pair of experimental EMPCs?"

"Experimental EMPCs..? Hmm, I don't see why not." Mr Smith smiled again. "Although, why do you call them experimental?" I handed him the specs. "Ah, I see, old Terran technology, ripe for the museum, if you ask me... Well, I can take that off your hands, for just about the same price as you could sell normal EMPCs - yours still appear to be functional. Are they?"

I never got around to checking. Hmm... that system check will have to happen as soon as I get back to the hangar bay.

"Yes, yes they are."

"Wonderful. Offload them at storage bay one, level twelve. As soon as the workers notify me of your delivery, I'll transfer the credits to you. Is there anything else I can do for you, my boy?"

He didn't have to ask, really. He probably could read hesitation all over my face. I never was good at concealing my emotions.

"In fact... yes. My ship has taken quite a beating. I was wondering if you had some software to help me patch my ship up. And some engine and rudder upgrades... And a reinforcer for a stock cargo compression field? Ideally, I would love to get all that onto my ship before I offload the weapons. Is that possible?"

"Certainly." He smiled again. He must be one of the happiest shop owners I have ever known. "Just don't run off on me with the equipment *and* the weapons, will you? What did you have in mind, then?"

"What can you sell me? Name's David Quinn, if you need to do a background check."

"David, eh... Well, David, it seems you're not very popular, or at least not very known around here, so I can't offer you all I have. I can't even sell you weapons for your ship. Are you sure you want those EEMPCs off?"

"Yes, quite sure. I wasn't planning for a fight."

"One never does, and still one can end up in one. Ah well, it's up to you. So... beyond the tunings, I can offer you 1 and 5 MJ shields, a SETA, though I guess you already have one, a boost extension, a duplex scanner, the fight command software mk1, the navigation command software mk1 and the special command software mk1."

"I'll take all the tunings you can install on my ship overnight along with the navigation and special command softwares."

"That'll be 72459 credits then. I'll subtract that from the money I'll send you for your EEMPCs. Now go get some sleep, son."

"One last question, Mr. Smith. I was referred to a technician aboard the Earth Torus back when I asked the boys in Heretic's to check my ship. How can I get there?"

"You take the East transorbital accelerator here in Asteroid Belt, and then there's pretty much just one way to go. Mars, The Moon, Earth. That is, if you have sufficient security clearance. Now go sleep. You'll find spare quarters for station guests on level 13." He waved me out of the shop. "I was just about to close anyway." He smiled again.

Transorbital accelerators... *yawn*... I guess he was right, I am tired. And the lights in the corridor are definitely darker and redder now. I suppose it's the station's day-night-cycle. Well... tomorrow's going to be a busy day, so... off to... level 13... *yawn*


Assets:

1x Spitfyre "Daredevil"

Credits: 575120 (or will be after the transactions are complete)



---

I'd appreciate any feedback on the story so far, by the way.

[Olterin]

General note - 'assets' list will be posted when major changes occur, it will be left out when they do not.


3 - Unpleasant wakeup


*beep*

"Hnnngghhh..."

*beep*

"Wwhhhnnnggghhh?"

*beep*

*bzzzzt*

...Alarm clock. Didn't expect one... how late is it? ... Hmm, so I've slept eight hours. The ship should be fully upgraded with what the Terrans will give me, then... Yep, my bank balance reads as 575120 credits, certainly more than it had yesterday. Time to do that preflight check I've meant to do twice now. Right... hangar bay... where's the hangar bay?.. *yawn* Hmm, perhaps a cup of tea would be better first. I'm not very good with software as is, I'm useless with it when this sleepy... Right... where's the nearest cafe?

... Oh, there it is. How convenient, on the same level as the sleeping quarters... They must have anticipated many unpleasant wake-ups when building this station... I'm not imagining it, am I?.. No, this is most certainly a real one. I order a cup of black tea.

"Would you like anything to eat with that, sir?"

"Hmm... what did you have in mind?"

"May I suggest scrambled eggs with bacon, sir?"

"Right... how much is it gonna cost me?"

"Cost you? This isn't the Commonwealth, sir, if that's where you're from. Station guests are serviced free of charge here."

The Commonwealth? I certainly need some catching up with the universe...

"Right then. I'll take those scrambled eggs with bacon along with my tea. Thanks for the suggestion."

Five minutes later, I'm seated at a table in the far corner opposite the entrance and am staring into my cup of black tea. I haven't had 'real' food since my last visit to Aldrin 2, and that was three years ago now. Visiting some distant relatives, if I remember correctly... Must have been after that accident... Mmm... this bacon is delicious... and the scrambled eggs... mmm... I take a sip from the cup of tea and take out my datapad. No messages for me, good. Another sip of tea. Galaxy map. Interesting how I only have Argon and Terran sectors on there... Another sip of tea, a bite of the scrambled eggs, and some of that tasty bacon... Right, time to do that preflight check, remotely. Diagnostics program... another sip of tea... full ship diagnosis, that's the one. Estimated time needed: 7 minutes. Good, enough for me to finish my breakfast.

... Ten minutes later, I'm on my way down into the hangar bay. The station is as empty as it was yesterday. Weird... Well, another mystery to add to my list. Or maybe not. Asteroid Belt is right on the border to the jumpgate network, I suppose few would want to live out here. I know I wouldn't. Almost next-door to a bunch of aliens... Urgh. Well, well, well. They certainly did bring her up to speed, if these readings from the diagnostics program are any indication. As much speed as can be pushed from her, same for steering and the cargohold. Only three weapons, so combat is ill-advised. Thanks, I already know that. Jumpdrive faulty, cause unknown. Avoid using that. Thanks, nothing new there either. Shield bay not full, install one more shield generator... Hmm, now there's an idea... IFF transponder not up to date... Give me something new here... Software is working within normal parameters. Oh good, at least something is. Time to take off then.

[X3Gimp]

Really really wanna read this one!

Keep going!

[Olterin]

Really really wanna read this one!

Keep going!

Thanks, this gave me the little push I needed to get over a tiny case of writer's block.

However, the story is no easier to write for it, so time between updates will pass - I promise to not give up on our protagonist though



4 - Torus

"Mars shipyard, this is pilot David Quinn requesting a database update."

"Database update in progress, the information will be streamed to you over multiple sectors if needed."

"Thanks."

"Have a nice trip."

That was that. At least I would have the current Terran public database at my disposal when I arrived at Earth. A good way to catch up with the Universe. And a very, very long read for all those journeys on SETA. I can probably start reading now...

-Entering system: Earth

... Already? Must take note of time when reading next time. However, there is more pressing business here. Fixing my jumpdrive for one thing. Having my ship checked. Acquiring some basic equipment. Having a good look at the planet. Having a good time.

"Pilot, this is USC command. You are to dock with the Torus and not deviate from the security zone. Docking bay five is open, you have docking permission."

Hmm... what's this, my autopilot veering off-course? Definitely needs checking, that. I almost fail to notice just how grand the Torus really is while fighting with my autopilot to get me to docking bay five. I finally take the manual approach, thankfully I'm not that bad a pilot. Right then, the ship is safely docked, the bay is pressurized, time to look for more equipment and that young lady. "Equipment stores" a sign says, with an arrow pointing somewhere to the left. Another sign, "Entertainment center", has an arrow pointing to the right. I will keep that in mind, should I need recreation after having my ship brought up to speed.

The corridors are of a cool steel grey color, lined with many doors. It seems that almost the entire Torus is populated and operated by the USC. A rather long walk later, I arrive at what was concisely described as "Equipment stores". Well, let's see... What was the name... Ah, right, Fiona ... Fiona ... errr... Fiona Hawke? Think so. Well, at least that's the only name I read on the store entrances that rings a distant bell. I should've listened closer to those guys back in Heretic's... No matter. I have a ship that needs checking and I have a small pile of credits in my bank account that are actively burning a hole in the database. Ok, that metaphor didn't sound too good. I do need to replace some software and hardware though. So...

"Can I help you somehow?"

It seems I've been staring at that particular shop far too long. A young lady was standing right at the entrance, presumably the owner. Short, black hair, dazzling blue-green eyes, just a bit shorter than me. Ahem. Upgrades.

"Yes, I think so. Are you Miss Hawke? I was referred to her back in Heretic's End."

"That's me allright. What do you want then?" Straight to the point.

"Actually... you might want to accompany me to the hangar bay..."

"WHAT?! Is this a practical joke?"

"...No, it's not. I was told you were one of the few people who know their way around Aldrin technology. My ship just so happens to be of Aldrin origin, and since my jumpdrive malfunctioned, I've had most of my systems fried. The whole ship needs a serious looking over, and I'm not that good a technician."

"Ah, I see... Sorry, I guess there was no reason for me yelling at you like that." We were now walking in the direction I came from moments ago.

"Yelling at customers is always a good plan for retention, y'know..." I rolled my eyes with a hint of a smile.

"Well, I assumed that a couple of... acquaintances I have in Heretic's End were playing a practical joke on me. Again." There was just a slight hint of anger in her voice now.

"Hmm... I guess I'm lucky in that I never had such ... acquaintances."

"They're not bad people, really. It's just... sometimes those jokes are really getting annoying." We arrived in the hangar bay.

"Well, this is her, this is my ship. Spitfyre-class, named her the 'Daredevil'."

"So you actually have an Aldrin ship." Did I imagine it or did she suppress a laugh there? "Let's see... You said you had a jumpdrive malfunction?"

"...Yes, yes I did - had - a jumpdrive malfunction. Or actually, the ship did. The ship, not me. Of course."

"Right. Well, a thorough check will take the better part of a day, and I will definitely have to remove your current jumpdrive. Meanwhile, here's a list of the wares stocked in our family shop. Here, I'll upload the data into your datapad. That way, you can order it all electronically without having to actually walk there every single time." She definitely smiled a bit this time.

"Right, thanks... So, how much is this check-up going to cost me?"

"Oh, as long as you buy anything over a hundred thousand credits worth in our shop, it'll cost you nothing..." Hmm, I should stop attempting to read random people - she seemed to hesitate a fraction of a second at the end of her phrase there. Almost as if she pondered on adding something to it, but decided against doing so. Oh well. My imagination at it's work again, I suppose. "Well, if you'll allow me to make one final suggestion: go to the cantina five sections to the east. It should have a nice view of the Pacific around this time of day. Ought to make your purchase all the more enjoyable."

I wasn't going to turn down a suggestion like that. The Pacific Ocean! Any ocean would be great to look at, but this specific one... well, call it inbred nostalgia, call it anything you like. But there's a certain longing to see this ocean in all people I know back in Aldrin. Five sections to the east... It was going to be a rather long walk. Time to do some thinking then. And get on my way. No, not look at the hangar bay doors again, move. Move!.. Hmm. Am I beginning to suffer from split personalities? Or what is this, my body not responding to mental commands? Guess I'll make it a point to see a doctor, soon. Five sections... How would I know the cantina she suggested over any other? Did she even suggest a particular one? Did it matter? Get. Your. Thoughts. Back. On. Track. Now.

Ok, so maybe I'll do some browsing of the goods in that store instead of thinking over some things. Hmm... Advanced Satelites... all kinds of hardware and software - of course, my notoriety is too low to buy the more sophisticated items... Ah well. I'll figure something out. Transorbital Accelerators... heh, nice idea. Wish I knew how they worked. Or better yet, someone back in Aldrin knew that. But they don't... Hmm, where are the sleeping quarters on this station then? Again comfortably close to all the cafés? I smile as my suspicion gets confirmed upon pulling up the station layout for this station section. Neat design decision, that. Since Ms Hawke said it was going to take the better part of a day to give my ship a thorough check-up, I don't really think that not thinking about staying here for the night is a good idea. I think.

The walk is in fact shorter than I thought... and there's certainly no mistake about which cantina Ms Hawke meant as only one of them here has a view of the planet. She was also right about the view itself - magnificent. Time to order something to drink and get to a table with a nice view of the window, and subsequently the planet. I order some plain water, which seems to surprise the bartender. Well, I might as well order something else next time... I certainly am not going to be flying today. Safe enough to drink a beer, I suppose. So, with that out of the way, or rather, on the table, it's time to get to my business here. I need to get my gravidar back into perfect order, so the triplex scanners on offer are just the thing I need. So is a transporter device. That'll make transfer to other ships so much easier... not to mention the ease of cargo transfer. I also order both trade command softwares on offer, who knows, I might need them (I'm certainly not good at economics). Then there are some useful gagdets like the cargo life support system and the docking computer, alongside the mineral scanner. Right, only thing left on the list that I might need and am allowed to buy software-wise is the patrol command software. I'm certain I'll be expanding my "fleet" sometime, and then it might prove useful to have the patrol command software. Right... that's that. And what's this? Advanced satelites? Sure, I'll take ten. Oh, and some 70 e-cells. I think that should just about cover my needs. Time to finish that drink...

to be continued

[Olterin]

Hmm, first time for a while that I got to play and write some more again... Let's see if I can keep to a weekly schedule on the updates this time

I hope no-one will mind this necro of my own story thread ...

5 - Torus (2)


A sunset seen from space is always a grand sight. A sunset over an cean seen from space even more so. It is so stunningly beautiful that you lose yourself in the colors. Much easier if you're slightly drunk, too. Am I slightly drunk?

"So, what's your name anyway? I haven't seen that many people from outside our system..." Ms Hawke... how did she end up here? When? Have we been talking for a while already? I can't remember.

"Name's David. David Quinn. But you should'a known tha' from the bill-ll-ll. Pard'n me." No, no more drinking for today. Just a glass of water, maybe.

"Well, it's one thing to read a name, another to hear it from the person." Which is true, I suppose. I could've given her any other name.. ah, whatever. Think I can relax my paranoia a bit here.

"Tru' dat. Dizhou see teh sunset? Magnificent - thank you for the suggestiun." Bah. I certainly am drunk, more than I'd like to be when in such company.

"Ahh... I come here every evening to enjoy it. Never gets old. But I don't want to hold you up any longer, it seems you have an appointment with your bed." She seemed to suppress a smile there.

"Righ'. Gud idea. Well, I'll see ya tomorro'. Summin' about a new jumpdrive."

"Yeah, we'll handle that tomorrow. Get your brain sorted out, David, and don't drink that much again, please." So I guess I did drink a lot. Good thing I don't remember, I hate disgusting myself.

***

*beep*

"Hnnngghhh"

*beep*

"Wwhhhnnnggghhh?"

*beep*

*bzzzzt*

Being woken by an alarm clock is never pleasant. It's quite the opposite when suffering from a hangover. Damn headache. Right, so what was the plan today?.. You try thinking with this headache. I really shouldn't have had all those drinks yesterday. But y'know, one led to the next, and I was enjoying my time there, so... Yeah.

Plan. Today. Jumpdrive. Right. And Ms Hawke. Damn. That's what got me drinking that much. Now, more to the point. I need a couple things. One. Jumpdrive. Forget that. One, breakfast. Two, jumpdrive. Three, a clue on what to do, also known as "time to think".

I suppose I can start my thinking during breakfast. In spite of this headache, yeah. So. What have we? We have: one not-any-longer-severely-outdated terran fighter, one pilot who has fulfilled his greatest wish of the past few years, getting out of his cage, and a whole lot of things to learn about. Let's see. I should probably ... nah. Why bother? So, we have one pilot with lots of spare time on his hands and one M3-class fighter. Not a healthy combination if you ask me. And since that lone pilot with lots of spare time on his hands is me, I should probably do something about it. So. What to do? And most importantly, why do it?

I mean, ok, I'm not entirely without a clue on what to start on. For one, I really am curious as to why there is such a light Terran presence in Heretic's End. And two... actually, forget two. And then there's of course the whole business of making some money to hopefully someday retire in peace on Earth. Ok, that's enough thinking for now. Time to pick up that jumpdrive and go explore the universe.

***

"Good morning."

"Feeling better?"

"Yeah. Now, about that jumpdrive..."

"Already installed a new one for you."

"...Thanks."

"And charged your bank account for it."

"Of course. Well, thank you for bringing my ship back up to speed."

"Anytime. And, if you ever need help with it again, you know where to find me."

"Right. See you."

"Bye."

And that was that. Let's see what the universe has to offer today...

[mim525]

Im enjoying it so far make more!

[Master of the Blade]

Hm, I missed this when you first started it. Looks good so far though.

Just don't let the autopilot get the better of you in that Spitfyre.

[Olterin]

Im enjoying it so far make more!

Glad you're enjoying it There certainly is more to come...

Hm, I missed this when you first started it. Looks good so far though.

Just don't let the autopilot get the better of you in that Spitfyre.

I assure you, I won't. I only let it fly my ship instead of me when I'm absolutely sure nothing could possibly go wrong. Asteroids ahead? Manual flight. Heavy traffic? Manual flight. Etc.

Anyway, here's a (late) New Year's installment though. Enjoy

Further updates will probably be posted on Sundays on a weekly basis, just so you know

6 - Odd jobs

So... what can I do then? I'm not too keen on hauling cargo, at least not myself, and seeing how I don't have a TS at the moment, that idea will have to be postponed. So... I guess I can do the "taxi" jobs. And thus, first up, is a transport of 4 from Venus to Mercury. Time shouldn't be an issue with my current top speed, I just hope that that lifesupport system for my cargo hold also takes care of inertia.

As I go and my reputation improves, I upgrade the software side of my fighter some more - it's now equipped with both fight command softwares, a freight scanner, and even some vid goggles which I found on the outer fringes of Sol. Oh, I followed my diagnostics' suggestion: I also bought a shiny new 25MJ shield for a grand total of 75MJ protecting the hull of my ship again. Far from enough at the speeds I tend to travel at, but at least, should I get into a combat situation and decide to not run, I should have more than just wet paper between their lasers and my ship's hull. Hmm... now, for combat, you also need weapons, right? And you remember that I sold off two of my guns... so that's one goal right there. Make this ship combat-ready. Three experimental weapons in the main bank and zero weapons in the rear turret aren't going to do me much good in a combat situation, and I have this feeling that I might get into one...

...After too many taxi jobs to count, I decide that having good reputation back home is nice and good, but not having a lot to show for it in terms of credits is not. So, I head out to Heretic's End to see whether some other jobs are available there. One Miss Yatar wants me to track Bolo Hi and will pay nicely for it. This ought to be interesting, and I am reasonably confident that my ship is fast enough to catch anything short of maybe a scout. When I get to Treasure Chest, the last known location of Bolo Hi, I discover to my dismay that a scout ship is exactly the thing I'm going to be tracking. And it's even marginally faster than me. A Boron Octopus. Either way, I manage to hang in behind him, just about (the speed difference is only 2 m/s, so...). And as we get to Black Hole Sun and I'm approaching the south gate, a Pirate Harrier Raider jumps in. This can't be a coincidence.

However, I pass by the Harrier (probably was too fast for him to react) and quickly discover that I'm now too close to my mark. So I veer off a bit - and suddenly I'm almost 23 clicks off. Not good. And I don't have anything even resembling an afterburner. I can only hope that I can catch up to him at the next gate... which I don't.

He's even farther off now. In a desperate attempt to catch up I buy some local sector maps off an Argon who's name I can't recall, I extrapolate the likely course of my mark, I jump ahead... And I get contacted by my employer that I failed the job. Really?!? So, how is being smart bad, tell me?! I'd yell at her over the comm, or even better, in person, but that wouldn't do me any good in the long run, plus, I'm almost ten sectors away. This isn't going to get me anywhere anytime soon. I'd better think of something better... and quick...

[Kehoe]

Nice story Olterin I'm reading and waiting for more.

[Olterin]

Nice story Olterin I'm reading and waiting for more.

Thanks


7 - First Blood

Hmm, scanning asteroids and being paid for it... ok, I'm in need of money, so why not. 9 rocks to scan here in Midnight Star and one more in Wastelands, no problem. Half an hour later, I hand in the data I collected and get paid... with a bonus. Because I scanned a high-yield asteroid. Nice. So... what's next?

"Pilot, this is Jako Fisty, owner of this factory. I'm in urgent need of help!"

"What is it?"

"I've had this call. From shady characters. Told me I better pay for some protection or else... Help me, please..." Shaky voice, too.

"Right, I'll see whether I can persuade them to leave you alone. I'll call back."

So, protection, eh? This sounds like the guy got himself into some trouble with the local maffia or something. Well, since he's paying, I'll do my best to get him out of this one. I just hope I don't have to kill anyone. It seems I was right on time - the moment I close comms I get a hostile signal on the gravidar, and it's... a Discoverer Vanguard. I'm not sure that a scout ship would be even able to scratch the paint of a station, let alone vaporize it, but heh, this guy's paying me, so I better persuade the pirate pilot that it would be in his/her best interests to be somewhere else.

"Go away, I'm not interested!"

"... Err, are you sure? Because, you know, I think you don't really want to be attacking that station."

"I'll just pretend you didn't say that, be grateful!"

Ok, so this pirate 'lady' obviously doesn't think a lot of me. Might have something to do with my 'harmless' combat rating. Well, if she doesn't surrender, then I'm afraid I'll have no choice. I power up my weapons. After matching course and speed, I fire a couple warning shots, quickly taking out her shields. Just as she's coming around, I comm her again.

"Surrender, please. I don't want to kill anyone. I'm just doing my job here..."

"Yeah?! I'd rather die!"

Well... it's her or me at this point. This combat business... I'll tell you, I used to spend a lot of time in flight simulators back home, and I'd rather think I was pretty good at it. But, I've never been in live combat before. Just as I power down two of my three guns, some laser fire hits my shields. Impulse Ray Emitters, these guns of her are called I think. 98% shielding. So she's not even a threat to me. Not a real one, anyway. I'm not sure her laser generators would provide her with enough juice to overcome my shield recharge. So I keep comming her while flying evasively. However, after numerous attempts, she still doesn't see that I'm the better pilot and on top of that in the better ship. I suppose it's time for... aggressive negotiations. It turns out that hitting a scout ship with my weapons is no small feat - however, when I do finally score a hit, and then another one, she lets out a scream on emergency frequencies - "Dammit, my shields are almost gone!" - and... No, she's still reluctant to surrender. I fire another few shots, and it seems that my targeting computers were getting ahead of themselves - the last hit caused a critical overload in her engines.

"Thanks, that was excellent work there! Here's your payment."

"Do be more careful who you're dealing with next time."

-You are being promoted
-You have gained recognition

"Shut up, Betty!" So, I just killed someone. For money. Where is this going to lead me? I mean, I'm not the kind of person I consider being capable of murder. And yet, here I am, with her blood - scratch that, her dissipating particles - on my hands. I... I...

[Olterin]

8 - First Steps on the Plank

I plot a new course. Wastelands. I saw a gate to the south there earlier, but my sensors didn't manage to pick it up. Exploration. Yes, that's what I need right now. Something to clear my mind. Fly through space at high speeds, don't think. Yeah.

-Entering system: Interworlds

Woah, that's one asteroid field! Time for manual flying, and to practice some evasive maneuvers. And this is just the place. Decelerate, bank left, just around that asteroid, accelerate, decelerate, bank right, boost away, decelerate...

I kept at it for five minutes, and was now quite sure that my maneuvering skills haven't deteriorated. I was so confident that I tested it by flying right through the small gap in the superstructure of the local Argon Trading Station. You know, the one between the spinning part and the stationary part. Ok, now what. Is that a south gate? Sacred Relic? Sounds like a sector of those Paranid... I wonder who they are, time to pull up the encyclopedia and head that way. As I'm reading more and more about the denizens of this 'Commonwealth', I approach the west gate in Sacred Relic. Just then I notice a symbol representing a destroyer on my gravidar. Curious about it, I lock my scanners on it.

-Teladi. Military. Phoenix.

Wow, the Teladi sure know how to build large ships, with large cargo holds. And intimidating ones at that. I haven't quite gotten to reading about them in the encyclopedia, but I am looking forward to it. Time to reset my autopilot to safely take me through the gate.

"Unholy one, leave this sector immediately. You have one mizura to comply."

Wow, that is a warm welcome. Lots and lots of hostile contacts on the gravidar. It seems the Paranid don't like us humans. Suits me fine, I don't like their attitude either. However, I'm not leaving this sector the way I just came, that would mean I wasted my time. And no amount of such arrogant aliens is going to stop me. As I'm approaching what appears to be the north gate (sensors still can't lock onto it in this nebula), I get a missile warning. So, they want to shoot me? Fine, I won't forget that.

-Alert. Missile closing.
-Alert. Missile closing.

"You have failed to comply the order to leave all Paranid prime sectors. Lethal force will be directed against you."

No kidding. Just be glad I'm in no position to return fire right now. I don't take kindly to ... things ... taking potshots at me. Even ... things ... as advanced as the Paranid are supposed to be. I'm sure their tech is years behind current Terran tech. I'll be back... and I'll be back with a vengeance...

-Entering sector: Moo-Kye's Revenge

Ah, yes. A pirate sector. Bordering Paranid space. Perfect. I need to blow off some steam, and this Paranid flying an Argon ship is just perfect for it. Seconds later, the Disco is space dust.

-Entering Sector: Desecrated Skies

Hmm... there's a Pirate Carrack preying on the trade lanes, but it seems that pirates tolerate me, just about. Fine. I don't want any trouble with them, and that one... well... she asked for it. And I hope I don't have to do that again. Kill humans, I mean. I have absolutely no trouble blowing anything else up. In fact... this gives me an idea here. I need money, right? I hate the Paranid, and they don't take very kindly to me. So, how about I relieve them of their goods?

And surprise surprise, just as the thought of piracy crosses my mind, my scanners pick up a Paranid high tech transporter. A scan reveals some nice goodies, so I decide to try my hand at it and see just how 'superior' their tech is. I lay into him with all three of my guns... and they barely scratch his shields. Not good. And then I get hit by what seems to be giant space flamethrowers. Even less good. And then... the ship shakes violently...





-Video Enhancement Goggles. Destroyed.

Rats. I'm due a repair session. Again. And those goggles, I'll have to replace them. First things first though. This collision brought my hull strength down to 43% (and my shields to 0). And I'm still in combat, not good. Time for plan B. I run for the cover of that Carrack. Luckily, even though my hull is damaged and I can't risk going at full speed (my nav computer won't allow it), I still outrun that Paranid by a good margin. And just as I pass the Carrack's engines, I hear shots hitting a ship behind me. Well, I don't hear the actual shots, but I hear the simulation my computer provides me with. I quickly check the monitors just in time to notice the Paranid being vaporized by the Carrack's main battery. Phew. That was closer than I'd have liked it. On the other hand, the Paranid obliged and dropped his freight before engaging me, so now I'm the proud new owner of 7 5MJ shields and ... a nuke which I can't fire (a Hammerhead). Well, it seems piracy does pay for itself, provided one is sufficiently well-armed and careful... And since I'm not engaging humans, I don't even mind. Curious, if you think about it. But that's me.

[Kirlack]

I totally missed this when it first started, glad I gave it a look! Congratz Olterin, I think you've snagged another regular reader, this is good Are there going to be any screenies? (I aways find they help break up the story a little).

[Olterin]

I totally missed this when it first started, glad I gave it a look! Congratz Olterin, I think you've snagged another regular reader, this is good Very Happy Are there going to be any screenies? (I aways find they help break up the story a little).

Glad you're enjoying it No screenies for the time being - I'll consider taking the occasional one from now on though. The problem with them is, the last time I tried that, I ended up taking more screenshots than doing actual writing, so the story... well, didn't go anywhere. And I forgot what happened after a while. At any rate, here's another chapter:


9 - Journey Back and the Kha'ak

After having finished welding my hull plating back together, I reembark on my journey back to Sol (I already miss those goggles... the Paranid will pay). And when I enter Perdition's End... Well, I see a Pirate Brigantine-class Destroyer laying into the local Paranid Equipment dock. I'm beginning to seriously like these guys, they seem to hate the Paranid as much as I do right now. So, I decide to stick around and watch the fireworks. I even grab a few snapshots (which, for some reason, turn out to be ... well, completely blurred, you can't see a thing). And then, since the dock doesn't leave anything worthwhile behind (just debris), I proceed back to Sol. The manual way. I'm not sure my jumpdrive is entirely undamaged. Last time the ship diagnostic didn't pick anything up, and then it kinda malfunctioned. Ok, I'll agree, this one is newer, but still. I prefer to have it checked. And I'll also get a new set of vid enhancement goggles on the way.

Upon entering Gunne's Crusade, my scanners pick up something new. A purple ship made up of tetrahedron shapes. The ship's computer identifies it as a "Kha'ak Scout" and automatically sets it as hostile. I wonder why... and decide to investigate. Upon closing into comms range, I attempt to open a channel.. but get no response. Bar a very warm reception upon closing into weapons range. Or should I say, a bright one? It would seem that the Kha'ak are using beam weapons. That. Is what I call advanced. I mean, as far as I know, even we don't have that kind of technology. However, being this advanced seems to not be a requisite for being smart, as again, it is merely a scout laying into my shields. And this time I gladly evaporate it. This will have to be reported to the ATF though - this scout was certainly not coming from any of the gates in the system. Gateless jumpdrive? I know we attempted something like that before, before the Xenon even, but ... Well, you see why this might be interesting.

And as I approach the north gate, I get commed by a Boron. Squid-like creature. Ugh. But, they're allies of our allies. And as the saying goes, a friend of my friend is my friend, or was it something else? Anyway, I figure I better stay on their good side. But anyway. This one's asking me to take out a trade convoy right in this sector. So I'm guessing it's a Paranid one. Fine by me, blow up some Paranid and get paid for it? What more could I ask for? Turns out I was wrong though, it's a Boron convoy the guy wanted to not see again. So I abort, as the trouble I'd get isn't worth the money I'd be paid for it.

So, once I arrive in Light of Heart, I decide it's time to sell my loot, which means I should head for the equipment dock. Good enough, I may as well ask for directions to Omicron Lyrae while there. Time to dock for the night...

...Or not. Hmm, so no-one here knows the way. And I don't want to go back through Paranid sectors right now. So I risk the jumpdrive. Only as far as Omicron Lyrae though, the shorter the jump, the better my chances of staying in one piece. Amazingly, nothing malfunctions this time. I shouldn't push my luck too much though.
So I set the autopilot to take me to the Moon where I intend to pick up a new set of vid goggles and engage SETA.

***

"Yeah, a new set of vid goggles, please."

"If you don't mind my asking, what happened to the last set you had?"

"Actually, I do mind your asking. Just hand me the new goggles already." I'm not necessarily in a very good mood right now. Certainly not for a nosy shopkeeper asking me what I did to my last set of vid goggles.

"Alright, alright... Here, and your bank account's been charged."

"Goodbye."

Ok, now to the Torus.

***

"Pilot, this is USC Command. Use docking bay five."

"Roger that, Command."

Same as before, I manually dock, still not trusting the autopilot to be able to handle it in here. You know, it's kinda weird. I didn't think I'd be back here so soon, and certainly not in this mood. And I'm not quite sure I'm ready to talk to Fiona again. Not yet. But well, my ship's been somewhat damaged and... Actually, why am I here again and not somewhere, say, in Mars? It's a standard Terran-issue jumpdrive, any technician should be able to check it. Then again, I do need someone to talk to... about... About that pirate. Yeah, I said it. And I don't really know anyone here except for her. Hmm... Oh well then.

[kgkosio]

Glad to see you have been able to keep up the weekly updates.

More please.

[Olterin]

General note - it is getting progressively harder to keep writing this due to the amount of strain life is putting on me right now. I haven't played in two weeks, and only have writing material for one more chapter right now (after this one). So, there'll be another one next week, but after that there's probably going to be a longer break again. Just wanted to let you, my readers, know. Now I only hope I didnt mess this chapter up in any way, shape or form


10 - The Talk

"Hey."

"Hi. Look, I'm a bit busy right now. So, please be brief."

"Ok. Two things: one - my jumpdrive has been shot at and needs a serious looking into, two - I need to talk to someone I know."

"The jumpdrive I'll get to in about an hour. That talk though... How about we meet in the same cantina as last time this evening?"

"Fine. Do take good care of my jumpdrive please."

"See you."

"See you."

This is awkward. And not the usual "I just overheard half the conversation and thought it was directed at me" kind of awkward. More like the seriously unsettling kind of awkward. I mean, I'm back here on the Torus even though I don't necessarily have to be, and I'm asking a woman I don't really know to listen to me. And she actually agrees. Ah what the hell. So, it seems I have a sort of a date this evening. And I have a feeling I look like a mess right now. That collision did send chunks of the inner ship plating flying, and some power conduits did erupt in showers of sparks. It's all fixed now, but... Well, you know. That's fixed now. I just didn't exactly have the time to clean myself up afterwards. Might have wanted to think about that before going straight to Ms Hawke, too. Oh well. So, since the evening is still some hours away, the first stop is guest quarters. I need a shower, and a few hours of sleep. And something to eat. Ideally.

***

Blast, I almost missed the alarm clock! I'm more tired than I thought, apparently. Well, I best get over to the cantina and wait.

***

Again, the beauty of that sunset... Soothing, so soothing... I had gotten myself a glass of water. No point in getting drunk today.

"David?"

"Huh?" I responded almost reflexively, still being lost in my thoughts. And partly asleep. The ideal mix of circumstances to have your attention at a minimum.

"We had an appointment in the evening, remember? It's me, Fiona."

I looked up. She stood there, with a somewhat worried expression on her face.

"Oh. Hi. Please, take a seat."

She sat down and looked me straight in the eyes. I looked back. And then we just sat there for a few moments. Felt like hours though. Finally, I looked away, into the sunset.

"So, tell me, what's wrong?" I guess she read it in my eyes. And now I suddenly wasn't sure I wanted to talk to anyone at all.

"Oh... it's a somewhat long story..."

"And it doesn't happen to have something to do with a barely functioning jumpdrive?"

"No, not exactly."

I looked back at her again.

"You look wonderful." She blushed a bit and smiled.

"Thanks. So, you said you needed to talk to someone you know?"

"Yeah. I did. I'm just no longer sure I want to talk about he- about it."

"Oh." She giggled.

"It's not what you think. Not at all."

"Oh really?" She giggled some more. This was going to be a long, long explanation...

"No, not in the least."

"Indulge me then." She cocked her head slightly and smiled faintly.

"You do have your ways of persuasion... Alright. It's about a pirate." More giggling, though she did her best to suppress it. "A dead pirate, to be more precise." I let my eyes wander off into the distance, just where they wanted to be, and just where my thoughts were.

"You see, after you gave my ship a serious looking over a couple days ago, I headed out to explore the gate network and look for some work. Not at first, but that first part is very boring, so I'm skipping it. Then there was this Argon who wanted me to map some asteroids for him. And was willing to pay handily. So I took on the mission, and even scored a bonus." Out of the corner of my eye I noticed that she kept looking at me. "Anyway, that's when I received a distress signal from a station nearby. Apparently, the owner had gotten himself into some trouble and needed someone to help him out. I thought I might help. And just as I agreed, my gravidar alerted me to a Pirate Discoverer Vanguard. The pilot was a woman. I commed her to break off the assault. She refused. She kept refusing after several warning shots and went right after me."

Fiona took my hand, and consequently me by surprise - "It's okay."

"I-"

"I know the specs of that Spitfyre of yours. An M5 like the Disco doesn't stand a chance. So, what did you do?"

"I kept doing evasive maneuvers for about five minutes. Five minutes! She was so stubborn, she didn't want to surrender... I..."

"It's okay, David. You did what you had to."

"And you know, the worst part of it is, I got paid for it. Paid! For what essentially is murder!"

"David, look at me. Look at me." I did. "It's okay. She was a pirate, one threatening a hundred lives aboard that station. Piracy is still a criminal offense."

"And that's not the end of it..."

"Look. I have a feeling I don't want to know the rest of it." She smiled crookedly. "The point is, you killed in self-defense. You would be dead yourself if you hadn't."

We then sat there, me staring out into the sunset again, and her holding my hand and looking at me. I don't know how long. Then I got her a drink. And then we parted. She had a long day ahead of her, and I have some plans of my own. What I need now is more sleep. The little talk we had helped ease my conscience. She was right, of course. In all of what she said.

[Master of the Blade]

Can't begrudge you time you need for job/education/family/whatever. No matter what we'd like to say, RL takes priority pretty much always.

So, looking forward to the next chapter where your character's conscience isn't going haywire, and then, well, just do what you can.

[Tormbo]

Just got around to reading it now, it reads away nicely, especially when one can read multiple chapters at a time.

I do hope you get to find the time to finish this, I do enjoy it.