Too many farewells
EXPEDITION DAY: 83
LOCATION The Abyss - Ishum’s Reach/Semotus Beacon (Oevasy SG-Y D0)
DISTANCE FROM SOL: 65,678Ly
DESTINATION: The nothingness beyond Semotus Beacon
MISSION OBJECTIVE: The longest distance from Sol
SECURITY LEVEL: Green (all but notorious)
SERVICES: Repair, Refuel, Armoury, Shipyard, Outfitting, Universal Cartographics
SUSPENDED: none
STATUS: https://fleetcarrier.space/carrier/LHL-31Z
EXPEDITION CREW:
SQUADRON: Delta Echo Lima [DEL0]
Cmdr Deluvian Reyes Cruz - Expedition Commander
Cmdr Elroy Santiago - XO onboard DEL-77 "Rocinante"
Cmdr Ellentar - Security & Rescue, Logistics
Cmdr Cassandra Guzman-Vega - XO onboard ELL-77 “Prometheus”
DRAKE-CLASS FLEET CARRIER: "Zodiac" LHL-31Z
Caylee Riddle - Deck Officer
Douglas Daugherty - Commodity Trader
Lamont McFarland - Tritium Dealer
Rafael Hill - Fuel Supervisor
Werner George - Head Mechanic
Ziva Graves - Chief Armourer
Delbert Roy - Shipyard Manager
Hazel Browning - Outfitting Manager
Jaylynn Hodges - Stellar Cartographer
Blaine - Air Traffic Controller
#DeluvianCrew: Cmdr Dracomenda, Cmdr Hazard6s, Cmdr MiscBS, Cmdr Kalidas Acoma, Cmdr Idianeira, Cmdr Dominus Autem Mors
3306-08-20
We were all standing on the bridge looking at our final destination. It was a long journey to get here, but historically incomparable to what it would have taken in the past. Traveling with the Fleet Carrier is just an amazing advantage.
I cleared my throat
- And here we are… - I said to break the silence
I think Dracomenda started clapping as the first one. All those who by any chance were sitting stood up and joined the standing ovation. I smiled and looked around. The ovation, cheering, and whistling finally stopped
- What’s the situation in the system? - I asked
- Does not look like a lot of traffic - responded Ellentar - which is quite understandable so far from “home” but let me check the details because I think I saw already something interesting
Ellentar approached the navigation terminal that Jaelynn was already staring at.
- We have a carrier in the system - said Caylee and Jaelynn almost at the same time
- Yep, Nautilus-Class LFN-58Z “The Black Pearl” - added Ellentar - owned by Cmdr Proixius, squadron “Beyond The Abyss”... that sounds interesting. Like what? Another fool
Ellentar started laughing cordially
- “Another fool”? - I asked, looking at Ellentar - Are you trying to offend him or me? Because none of the two is acceptable in my book
- You know what I mean - responded Ellentar clearly touched
- I know what you mean, just not sure if I like the meaning - I said peacefully - We came here for a reason and if so did he, there is nothing wrong in having dreams and goals…
Ellentar nodded slowly
- I understand - he said - I apologize…
- It’s alright - I said - it just reminds me that I owe you some explanation, as maybe not everybody on the crew is aware of what we are… or what I am destined to do
Another wave of laughter and shaking heads
- You really think that your “classified” mission objective is sooooo “classified” - said Elroy - I guess you are really underestimating your crew
I blushed
- Well… in this case, I would still like to give you some history lesson - I responded slowly - because last time I checked, we lived crazy… and I feel like we and especially you all deserve a lot of respect, not less than any other commander who attempted or is attempting “crazy”
- Agreed - said Ellentar
I looked around, Caylee and Jaelynn were still at the nav panel discussing something
- But now a small surprise - I said turning towards them - Caylee, what’s the distance to Beagle Point?
Everybody looked at me surprised
- 547.52Ly Commander - she responded suspending her response a little
I rubbed my forehead
- I was hoping it would just be one jump… but, what a hell - I said - get us there…
- Aye Sir - she responded and turned to the nav panel
People started cheering again, only Kalidas was clearly unhappy
- So… no Lavian Brandy tonight? - he asked smiling wide
- No my friend, not tonight - I said and smiled back - I want to take the entire crew to the system where it all started. The madness of getting further and further away from Sol
- Not a bad idea - said Dracomenda - there are few of us here that have never been there before
- Indeed - confirmed Hazard6s
- Let’s spend there at least 24 hours and give everybody a chance to roam around in one of the most famous systems of this Galaxy - I said
- I am ok skipping the brandy for that - said Ellentar and started laughing
Caylee was ready with her calculation
- Looks like we can bounce of Ceeckia BE-E D13-0 - she said - and do one more small jump to Beagle Point. Any preference for the anchorage at Beagle Point Commander?
- Yes, if you do not mind please take us to body number 9 - I said - As far as I remember it is landable with some Tungsten content
- That is correct but the content is pretty low - said Jaelynn - not more than 0.9%
- It’s alright - I responded - I just need to do something else and driving SRV sounds like a good relaxation
- And helps you to stay away from me… - I heard Kimora’s whisper behind my back
I turned around and smiled. Well, she wasn’t smiling and just kept looking at me
- Kim, settle down - I said
She did not make any other comment
- So, if I may interrupt - said Caylee - No, I do not mind taking us there
And then she smiled delicately
- To your stations… please - I said looking around - small effort but with some good award at the end
Multiple “Aye Sir” and then people started slowly leaving the bridge area
Kimora was still standing there looking at me. I looked at her and tried to smile again.
- I am going to check “Persera” - I said calmly - would you like to accompany me?
- Yes - she said - and I hope we can talk
- Of course - I responded and turned to Caylee - Caylee, please continue as agreed. If you need anything, we will be in hangar 10
- Aye Sir - she saluted
We walked down to the hangar area. Down the stairs and through the long corridors of the Zodiac. Kimora did not say a word but I could feel the tension “in the air”. We climbed the stairs and entered “Persera’s” cockpit. I took my commander’s chair, Kimora sat next to me in Elroy’s
- I guess you wanted to say something… right? - I started
- Well, I wanted to ask you: why are you avoiding me? - she looked straight into my eyes
- Am I? - I said a bit surprised, but sensed that Kim definitely wanted more than I could offer - I spent with you more time than with anybody else
- True… But I have a feeling that whenever the situation presents an opportunity and our relationship is about to develop into something bigger… you just start distancing yourself, at the same time finding all the possible excuses not to make me feel bad - she said
I spread my arms
- Because I really care about you and indeed, I do not want you to feel bad - I responded
- “I just do not have much to offer” - she said almost impersonating me and paused - would that be your next statement?
- Yes… that would be the next sentence… - I said slowly - I realized, that we are getting closer, but I am not ready, nor I think I ever would be for a true relation
- I gathered… - she looked down - I felt that… I knew it through my skin, that it would not work the way I pictured it
- I am sorry - I said
- Oh, don’t be - she said quickly - in fact, I knew it from the beginning and I always felt that cold barrier between us. You did not do anything wrong… it is… my expectations were a bit too high.
- Kim.... - I wanted to say something positive, but she immediately interrupted me
- Please don’t say how wonderful and/or beautiful I am and how you are always having a great time with me - she said - I get the point… I just had hope… but now I understand and I wanted to ensure you, I will not be pushing. I feel being a part of this crew and I have no intention to give up neither on them nor on you. Zodiac is my home if you’d have me
- I will be honored - I said and I smile as warm as I could - and believe me, you will have much more work in the future and lot more opportunities to show your skills in trading
- With this said though, I have one more request - she said and looked at me again - permission onboard during your attempt beyond Semotus Beacon…
- You know this is not going to be possible - I said calmly - I told you already…
- The time you called me fat? - she said and laughed shortly
I laughed as well
- You know that I cannot take additional escape pods - I responded still giggling a little
- And this is where you are wrong - she said and paused dramatically - Cassandra and me… we did some research. I have to admit that we heavily relayed on Werner’s knowledge… but we figured, that this is not possible to strip any ship from escape pods below the number designated to cockpit seats
She pointed around
- and I see three of them - she finished her sentence and made a funny “smart ass face”
I could hot help myself and started laughing out loud
- You cannot be serious - I concluded after some good laughter - why would that be?
- It is a safety feature that would not allow the main computer to engage the FSD if any of the designated escape pods diagnosed NOK - she said and smiled innocently
I was very surprised to hear that, but I had to admit I did not have any idea about it
- Apart from anything else… and do not get me wrong here - I said - it worries me, as I was hoping to get rid of the excessive weight and maybe squeeze a bit more out of this ship
- A true Deluvian - she said and rolled her eyes
- Oh, common… you know… - I was trying to excuse myself somehow but she again interrupted
- I know… and there is nothing wrong with it - she responded looking at me - this is what defines you, this is what makes you so focused and great in the things you do
- I would not take it that far… - I said and rubbed my forehead again (stupid nervous habit)
- You are who you are and I admire this in you - she said - … even if it means that there is no space for little Kim
- Kim... I… - she interrupted me again
- Zip it - she said and made a gesture of zipping her lips - I already know where I stand and I want you to be successful
It took me a moment to digest the information
- I am guessing Cassandra and Ellentar are having a very similar conversation right now - I said slowly
- Amazing - she said and laughed - you do recognize feelings of others…
I blushed and reached out to the center console to activate the comms.
[Comms]
- Werner? - I said and waited for a little while before I heard the response
- Aye Sir, sorry Sir, hands dirty… I am still doing some work on Prometheus - he finally responded - How can I help?
- What is this entire conspiracy around my escape pods, huh? - I asked
- Sorry, Sir… I knew you would not be happy, but they asked… - he started
- Just cut the crap and explain the limitations - I said - we will have a separate conversation on how you conspired behind my back some other time… preferably with a glass of good brandy
Werner laughed nervously
- I did not want to disappoint anybody on this team… well, straight to the point: I did try to work around it but this is an internal code that cannot be modified - he said - and there is no way we could remove the three remaining escape pods for the main crew of your ship… any ship for that matter
- Good you are telling me now - I said and could not help not to laugh again - when I nailed you to the wall
- I am sorry Sir - he said a bit more relaxed - I’ve been trying… the good thing is, your current calculation is considering those pods included, this said, it is not going to get worse
- This is really good news - I said sarcastically - Ok, I get it, and please do not feel bad about it. Get back to work and make sure that there is everything on Prometheus that not only Ellentar would need… but also Cassandra
- Yes Sir - he said - Immediately Sir
- Deluvian out
[Comms Out]
- You really do not trust me - she said and started waving her hands - ok, don’t tell me. I get it. I would not trust myself either, that is why we went to Werner in the first place
- You girls are impossible - I said and smiled
- Well, not only girls… Elroy is also a part of the “conspiracy” - she said giggling - If you thought that he would let you fly alone out there, then you are more crazy and oblivious of how much people care about you than I originally thought
I nodded slowly
- It is a great feeling to have you all around… - I said - no matter what you think about me… I do appreciate it
- Then one more answer is still pending - she said
- Which one? - I played stupid
- To the question, if you will allow me to be there with you… - she paused again
I nodded again. I knew she was right, there is no good reason to deny it… she did not even know, how dangerous and catastrophic the space isolation could be for any commander, especially one as crazy as myself
- Kim, the answer is “yes” - I said and I was trying to say something more, but her reaction was quite enthusiastic
Kimora jumped off the chair, ran towards me, hugged me, kissed my cheek like fifteen times, and ran away yelling “I gotta go, I gotta talk to Cass”
I just sat there shocked and surprised… but happy at the same time. Loneliness has its limits, the journey will be much easier having them around.
(...)
We were so absorbed that we did not even realize Zodiac was on its last jump. Finally, when the rumbling noise was over I heard Caylee announcing our arrival through the comms.
At 21:20 ZLT Zodiac was anchored and Beagle Point 9
I really needed a break, so I jumped into “Nostromo” and 10 minutes later landed on the planet surface. Not that I wanted to do some work, collecting Tungsten or whatnot, but I just wanted to do something else and to spend that night alone on the planet… to feel a bit gravity of my own ideas
3306-08-21
The entire next day I drove the SRV scouting for Tungsten and really tried to focus on simple tasks related to it. The crew was either roaming around or busy with some simple chores. I really hoped that Caylee, Ziva, Werner, and others could leave their respective posts, but they were still busy keeping everything “top-notch”.
Beagle Point 9 was just a very cold Ice world planet with a radius of 2,426km and gravity 0.17g, very small and mostly flat… well at least in the area that I landed. I actually managed to collect just a few tons of Tungsten and wasted my time mostly sightseeing. It was a good day. I came back to Zodiac around lunchtime and met most of the crew in the galley. The atmosphere was good and relaxed, some of them eating, some of them just talking and relaxing in their recliners. I grabbed a plate for myself and joined the closest conversation
- I am getting everything ready, but once we push Deluvian “off the cliff” I will be ready for my own long journey - said Dracomenda sipping on some coolant
- Same here - said MiscBS chewing on some dry grapes, cheese, and ham - I also want to see the part of the Galaxy I have never seen before…
- Do you guys mind if I join? - I said
- Sure Commander, do not forget that this is still your vessel - said Draco and winked
I smiled and took a recliner just next to them
- Tensed? - asked MiscBS
- A little… is too little to say - I winked back
- It’s gonna be alright and you will be successful - said MiscBS
- I am a bit superstitious, so let’s maybe NOT talk about it - I said laughing silently
- Understandable - said Dracomenda - get ready for the worst and hope for the best
- More or less this way - I responded and turned towards MiscBS - So… you will be also leaving us?
- Not “leaving” leaving - he said - but I feel like my role here is finished… for now
I nodded slowly
- Y’all have done so much that I don't even know how… - I started
- Yes, we know Commander! - they both said at the same time
- It is time for us to push for our own adventures - said Dracomenda
- I guess you are pretty excited to go back to The Bubble on your own, and as much as I love this idea… I am a bit worried about you - I said looking at him
- I will be fine, plus I need to gain my own experience instead of you carrying my sorry ass around the Galaxy with the Zodiac - he said and took another sip from his cup
- Brandy would be better… I guess - I said
- Well, we said we drink at Semotus Beacon - said Kalidas taking a seat next to us - and “are we there yet?”
- True, technically we are not - I smiled
- We are not going to party too hard - said MiscBS - Ellentar needs to depart and we are trying to make sure that everything is buttoned up. He wants to depart on Monday and set the Refueling Camp. And by the way, Werner is doing an outstanding job… in case you were thinking to punish him for conspiring with the ladies
Everybody started laughing because the surprised look on my face must have been really funny. I started laughing slowly myself
- Looks like I am really the last one on this ship to know things… - I said and shrugged
- Sometimes it is better this way - said Dracomenda - going back to the plan… are we staying one more night here or we are going back to Semotus tonight?
- We are going back tonight - I said and looked at Hazard6s who also approached our little party - you are going to hate me for that, but we need to position Zodiac at the main star… that means roughly 130 thousand light seconds away from the only mineable ring in the system
- Why when it comes to mining I am the only one that is supposed to be concerned? - he asked and started laughing very hard, actually everybody else did
- Sorry, didn’t mean it this way - I said trying to prevent myself from choking with food - I know the Depot is not going to remain half-empty for very long
Hazard6s waved his hand
- Magic... - he said and winked
- This is the best position as I believe you already explained to us - said MiscBS
- Indeed this is what I think - I said - flying out in the straight line beyond Semotus Beacon requires a good alignment of Sol, which is very, very far away, and the star which has a much smaller wobble. SG-Y D0 B has a much bigger orbit and I think it could create interruption. Plus, the difference, if I do it from A or B, is negligent for the final result. 130KLs is not going to matter that much anyways
Guys nodded
- Makes sense - said Draco
- Sort of… - I said and stood up as my plate was already empty - I need to find Ellentar
- Him, Elroy, Werner, and Cassandra are working on Prometheus - said Kalidas
- Thanks - I saluted slowly - roam around as much as you can, we will be departing around 2100 ZLT
- Roger that - they responded
(...)
I found them all in the hangar. They were not even on the ship but at the diagnostic station focused on all of the instruments
- Hello there - I said approaching
Werner saluted quickly, Cassandra smiled, Ellentar just waved at me friendly
- Looks like I am ready lad… - said Ellentar and immediately received a kick to his ankle from Cassandra standing just right next to him - … I meant to say… We are ready!
- Heard about it - I nodded slowly - you guys are just unbelievable
- And what would you do without us? - said Cassandra clearly amused
I just spread my arms
- No idea - I responded and asked pointing at Prometheus - how is the ship?
- Looks optimal to me - said Werner before Ellentar even managed to react - sorry Ellentar, you were about to say…?
- No worries young man - Ellentar’s face became serious - Yes, she is ready and I need to chill the f… down. I believe we are going back to Semotus tonight right? In this case, I am going to sleep like a rock, party hard tomorrow, heal my hangover on Sunday and depart on Monday. Does it sound like a good plan lad?
- Heck yeah - I said and patted his arm - and I will do all of the same together with y’all… maybe except for departing on Monday…
They started laughing. I was so glad to see everybody in such a great mood. Indeed by refusing the “passengers” in the first place I introduced an unnecessary tension. I had to admit, sometimes you just need to revisit your decisions, because if it was for saving a fraction of a ton of fuel, allowing Cassandra flying with Ellentar and Elroy… and Kimora joining me later brings so much more value to this entire thing. “I guess you never stop learning Deluvian” - I thought and nodded slowly.
At 20:32 ZLT Caylee took us over to Iorant IO-Z D13-0 to subsequently jump to Semotus Beacon. At 20:54 ZLT Drake-Class LHL-31Z “Zodiac” arrived and anchored at her final destination - Star A, the entry point of the system, the star that many of us will never forget, and never mix that view with any other
3306-08-22
I did not want to wait too long for that. I gave everybody time to sleep well, wake up and get up on their own, take a shower, get ready, and then when I knew that everybody was ready I made my announcement
[Comms]
- Zodiac Crew, Zodiac Crew - I said - this is your Commander speaking. Please abandon all of the current tasks and show up at The Sanctuary at 11:30 ZLT. This is not a drill, I repeat: THIS IS NOT A DRILL… we have a party to make and some brandy to drink. Deluvian Out!
[Comms Out]
I came sharp on time, but everybody was already there. The entire crew was standing, leaning against the walls or galley counters, but nobody was sitting. When I entered the room everybody stood up straight and saluted slowly. I stopped and saluted back. This is how I envisioned it to be… everybody was here, there was no remote chance that we had to man any posts tonight. The Delta Echo Lima squadron pilots were a bit in the back of the room and the Zodiac regular crew was upfront. Caylee, Cassandra, Kimora, Elroy, and Ellentar were standing the closest. Ellentar was holding a big bottle of the Lavian Brandy
- I think and I hope, that this is the last moment that we are all so darn serious - said Ellentar and looked around - but we all wanted to say “Thank you for making us a part of this adventure”... and now, take this bottle and open it because it is getting warm in my hands
Ellentar handed to bottle to me
- I hope you knew, that sipping brandy should not be chilled actually… - I was a bit embarrassed by the entire situation - We already said so many “thank yous”, then maybe better let us just have a drink and chill a little. Enjoy, eat and drink and let’s worry tomorrow about how to push Ellentar “off the cliff” as Draco probably would say…
Laughter...
I realized that everybody was already holding a cup, so I popped the bottle open and started going around pouring everybody a handful of the brandy. When I made a full circle around the room Kimora came to me and held a cup for me.
- Here is your tumbler - she said and smiled gently
I poured this one, put the bottle on the table, and raised my cup
- Cheers! - I said loudly
- Cheers - everybody responded
Everybody relaxed and started laughing and talking. People started grabbing snacks and taking comfortable seats. I sat at the top of the table with Kimora, Cassandra, Ellentar, and Elroy right next to me. After a couple of hours, everybody was already a bit tipsy and much more open but I really did like it this way. The uptight type atmosphere is really not my thing, and even in the critical and risky situation I prefer to introduce some humor to blow the steam and release the tension
- I forgot to tell you - said Ellentar probably more drunk than anybody else - that I am an idiot…
Cassandra immediately smacked his shoulder
- What??? - he continued - I have a big mouth and I should be more mindful when I open it…
- What are you talking about? - I asked
- I didn't mean to call Cmdr Proixius an idiot - said Ellentar slowly
- And you didn’t - I reminded him and started laughing - you called him a fool, and in my book fool is a synonym of a dreamer… not that you shouldn’t have some more respect but at least you were not that much offensive old man
- Bla, bla, bla - said Ellentar - I know what I know and you better tell us some stories about the other… dreamers
He was loud so this sentence caught the attention of the entire room. People started cheering “Yes, tell us more about this place and the commanders as crazy as you are”. I looked around confused, but Kimora just smiled and handed over my tablet that was on a shelf under the table
- Alright, alright - I raised my hand - and thank you, Kim…
- You’re welcome - she responded
- Ok, this is not going to be a big story but for you to understand how it all began for me, let me just show you my small list of records - I said and opened my documents, then pushed the record sheet to the big screen on the wall
- Ever since I realized how many significant discoveries were made before I even found the courage to leave The Bubble, I was fascinated with all those stories and wanted to do something that nobody has ever done before. To be honest, I just learned in the process of “discovering” the limits of the Galaxy that all of this has been done already long before me and there is not much left to do in this field. I was still hoping that the “northern limits” still presented an opportunity and then I came across the “65K Club” and really wanted to try my luck.
I sipped on my brandy and continued
- Learning about the history of Beagle Point and later discovery of Semotus Beacon by Cmdr Sam Ishum I realized that there is none - I took a short pause - I still had hope, so I started to study a very long list of records of the 65K Club just to check if 65,647.34Ly from Sol is truly the longest distance… And guess what? I found an entry by Cmdr Schumy that on 24th September 3302 claimed 65,649.00Ly…
- Bless his poor lile heart... - said Ellentar raising his cup
- Oh, shut your pie hole - said Cassandra punching Ellentar in a chest
Everybody started laughing out loud
- Bless his heart… Cmdr Schumy’s achievement was not fully understood by me back then - I said - I did have a suspicion and I wanted to prove it immediately. I did not have more fuel than a standard Anaconda, which is 32t but I still departed super cruising towards the darkness and guess what was my surprise, when after one light year I realized that my distance from Sol was reflected and I passed the point of 65,648.00Ly
- I can imagine, it was an “eye-opener” - said Jaelynn
- Let me put it this way: my eyes were never that big - I said and started laughing out loud
- Awww, even more, handsome than now... - said Kimora and started giggling
- Shush… - I waved my hand quickly and smiled - Going back to the story, I guess you can all imagine what happened next. Actually two things: number one - I went back to the bubble to prepare Rocinante for a long supercruise run. Number two - I realized very quickly that I was not the only one thinking in the same way as Schumy. And that is why I have a lot of respect for any other commander who challenged themselves and their ships to stretch that distance from Sol even more. That essentially proves that I am not the only “fool” as our good old friend called us
I looked at Ellentar
- Give me two things - he said making a face like he was really offended by my teasing - Give me a holy peace and another glass of brandy…
Everybody started laughing again
- Can somebody pour a glass for Ellentar? - I asked - By the way, I do not know how many bottles you stashed in the hangar but looks like we have more than enough for ten trips like this
- That indeed - he responded with full confidence
- Ok, But to finish the story, I just wanted to show you my records of all the attempts that I know of - I said - some of them successful, some of them… not so much. Commander Proixius is most probably on his way to glory. Is he going to stretch Kenneth’s record? Is it just him or any other fellow commanders trying to stretch it by refueling? We do not know any of that. I hope my plan is good. I know I will definitely go beyond my last result and maybe beyond Kenneth’s. More important for me is to return successfully, because knowing my history…
I rubbed my forehead again surrounded by jokes and laughter
- This is quite a story Commander - said Cassandra - I have to admit when Ellentar asked me to join the expedition I did not know much about it. When the rumors were made about its “classified objective”, I thought you were crazy… Now I understand, and you sold me on it. I and Ell will do everything in our power to make this attempt a success. And if this is not going to be the longest distance from Sol, then we will be back with some better idea to beat it
Everybody was cheering and laughing and there was definitely too much brandy on the table, but the overwhelming positive energy and the support from my crew made me feel really good.
“I could not have asked for a better team” - I thought, I looked around slowly - “Who's the more foolish, the fool or the fool who follows him?”
| Commander | vessel type | vessel name | refueled | date | LY from Sol | LY into the void |
| Sam Ishum | Anaconda | Deep Thrust | | 2-Jun-3302 | 65,647.34 | -- |
| Schumy | Anaconda | Odyesseus II | | 24-Sep-3302 | 65,649.00 | 1.66 |
| Darivs Architectvs | Anaconda | Galactic Horizon | | 3-Jan-3303 | 65,652.02 | 4.68 |
| Deluvian Reyes Cruz | Anaconda | DEL-77 Rocinante | | 25-Oct-3303 | 65,652.44 | 5.10 |
| Persera | Anaconda | The Rough Landing | rescued | 22-Dec-3303 | 65,659.04 | 11.70 |
| Ian Baristan | ASP Explorer | -- | | 11-Jan-3304 | 65,661.60 | 14.26 |
| Deluvian Reyes Cruz | Anaconda | DEL-77 Rocinante | | 13-Jan-3304 | 65,705.60 | 58.26 |
| Keef Drow | Anaconda | Condoleezza | yes | 1-Jun-3304 | 65,713.73 | 66.39 |
| Deluvian Reyes Cruz | Anaconda | DEL-77 Rocinante | crashed | 13-Oct-3304 | 65,739.44 | 92.10 |
| Darivs Architectvs | Anaconda | Galactic Horizon | yes | 15-Oct-3304 | 65,768.34 | 121.00 |
| Kenneth Mcgrew | Imperial Cutter | Lemon | | 29-Oct-3304 | 65,804.40 | 157.06 |
| Spallboy | T9 Heavy | Exploration Station | | 17-Nov-3304 | 65,775.00 | 127.66 |
| Deluvian Reyes Cruz | Imperial Cutter | DEL-13 Soledad | rescued | 24-Nov-3304 | 65,788.34 | 141.00 |
3306-08-24
Saturday was good and we all enjoyed a complete lack of discipline. As we started quite early, the party did not last long. The crew is eventually a bunch of super professionals, you do not get that far in your career and become a part of the fleet carrier crew if you do not know what you do and most of all, if you do not have your own self-discipline. I do not think that anybody was really drunk… maybe except for Ellentar, who really wanted to knock himself out. Cassandra took care of him and he was in bed much earlier than anybody else. Cassandra came back to The Sanctuary and we had a long and very interesting conversation about her and my adventures. In a meanwhile, I realized that Kimora was still here… somewhere around, but she definitely distanced herself from me. I guess it was a better "move" and I respected her decision. She also disappeared quite early and I did not even think twice, I knew I had to let it go. Going and looking for her could have been “fatal” and would have given a wrong impression. That I did not care but I did not want to jump into a serious relationship. “It clearly already went too far” - I thought.
On Sunday Zodiac was very quiet. Not that anybody actually suffered from a hangover, but indeed everybody wanted to rest and relax. Monday was coming, and we all knew it was going to be a stressful day. And then finally, Monday it is… silent, but more because of the tension. Tonight Ellentar and Cassandra were about to depart in fully loaded Prometheus and fly more than 30Ly beyond Semotus Beacon to establish a Refueling Camp.
Around lunchtime, I met MiscBS in the galley. It was surprisingly empty, and he was apparently the only who decided to eat something that day
- Yo - he said with his mouth full of some goodies - hungry huh?
- Nah, not really - I responded - but lack of energy can be dangerous, I know better to eat something
- True - he said - Hey, I have an idea… How about checking The Black Pearl? I will sip on something while you improve your nutrition and then we can fly together
- That is a good plan - I was really glad the there can be some distraction - I am not going to take long, just some snacks
- I have to tell you, that I managed to fly there already when we first arrived - said MiscBS pretty excited - I know, we had more important topics but I was about to tell you, their outfitting department is full of modules. I am going to stock up on some mining stuff that I missed in Colonia
- You gotta be kidding me… - I was really surprised - out here? A carrier with a shop?
- With a shop and 0% tariffs - said MiscBS smiling - Looks like Cmdr Proixius is some rich guy
- I cannot complain about my bank account - I said - but you guys convinced me that setting up 100% tariffs will help you to contribute to the upkeep cost… which reminds me that I need to change it. It is so insignificant, no offense because the idea sounded noble, but it looks terrible to have a carrier out here and 100% tariffs
- None taken - said MiscBS - we really wanted to help, but indeed it is like a drop in the ocean of costs. Hey, it’s your ship. Do whatever your heart tells you
I finished my meal quickly and then we jumped into our recon vessels. 130,000Ls distance takes some time but it is not unbearable. The Black Pearl was a beauty. Nautilus is probably the most suitable class for deep space exploration. For sure it looks like one. Do not get me wrong, because I love Drake-Class but I have a lot of appreciation for others as well. The vessel seemed abandoned and there was no traffic around it. We landed and started going through all the modules. There was a lot, not really top-notch, but definitely a lot of useful stuff that could help any explorer who wandered that far and forgot a “little something”. I followed the advice of Hazard6s and Dracomenda and bought an additional Sub-Surface Displacement Missile rack. Truth be told, this is a much better way of subsurface mining and will save you from synthesizing the ammunition for it. The ammo requires Tungsten, and this thing as we know is not necessarily the most common material in The Galaxy.
We spent some good time on The Black Pearl and moved back to Zodiac.
(...)
Early evening Cassandra and Ellentar were already in Hangar #7. Ell was already in the cockpit and Cassandra was still on the ground walking around the vessel and checking it thoroughly.
- Hello there - I said - how do you feel about it?
- Excited? - she said and smiled beautifully - I told you, I am sold
- Yeah ok, but how is the ship - I responded and smiled back
- Oh, Prometheus? - she said - It is a hell of a build you came up with
- I had some very good mentors - I responded - and Ell’s experience speaks volumes
- Volumes may be… usually too loud though - he started laughing erratically
- Heh, you know what I mean - I waved my hand
- All I know is that you love him like a father that you never had - she said looking at me carefully - and he loves you like a son that he never had
I nodded
- That is true… at least on my part - I said and laughed
Out of sudden, I heard Ellentar just behind me
- What part, which part? - he said looking around - are we missing any parts?
I just really loved the old man
- Nothing Ell - I said and hugged him cordially
He pretended as he was pushing me away, but I could tell that he was very happy
- Hey lad!! Careful there, you are not going to get rid of me that easily - he said - I am not saying goodbye yet. We are not going to see each other only for give or take 130 hours… how is this for all the years that you were wandering around the galaxy and clearly forgot about the old man, huh?
- Oh, I was young and stupid - I responded pretty embarrassed
- And now what? Only the “and” remains I see - he laughed again and I could clearly tell that he is trying to cover his stress and overcome the tension of the situation
- Getting ready? - I asked
- Good that you already hugged me, so I do not have to do this anymore… check - he said - But yes, we are sealing the airlock and will be departing soon to warm up the FSD
- Break your leg, Old Wolf - I said, stood at attention and saluted slowly to both of them
- No way, I would have to patch it and I am not a medic - said Cassandra and saluted back
I saw them going up the ladder and then I heard the door hydraulics closing the airlock. Prometheus was ready to fly. I stood there for a couple of minutes thinking and contemplating the situation. I was warned by the hangar buzzers that the ship is getting ready for departure and the hangar is ready for the isolation. I left rapidly and went to Hangar #10 where “Nostromo” was held. Jumped into my seat and realized that I was not alone in the cockpit. The co-pilot seat was occupied by Kimora
- And what are you doing here? - I smiled
- Traded the spot with Elroy - he responded quickly - I wanted to wave goodbye
- And what did you trade for the privilege - I asked
- A big, warm, wet kiss! - she said sarcastically - Jealous already?
I threatened her with the index finger
- Careful there - I said - Elroy is a very handsome… and single man
- Pfff.. - she shrugged - I thought, you would say that I broke your heart… but I guess, you would need to have one first
- Hey, that is unfair - I said looking at her
- Oh common, get this ship ready already and let’s get out of here, instead of analyzing who said what - she responded clearly annoyed
- Aye captain! - I said and started the pre-flight procedure
(...)
Ellentar warmed up Prometheus pretty good, burning almost all reservoir fuel. We knew it would be necessary to top Prometheus up just before hitting the supercruise, hence why Nostromo was equipped with 30 limpets… Way too many, as he actually needed just one. But I wanted to make sure that I hit him with the last one when he spools up his FSD. He aligned Prometheus beautifully and flipped the ship ready for departure. Very close to the main star, but not close enough to introduce a risk for any of us hitting the exclusion zone, and I am saying any of us because MiscBS was also on standby. In case something went wrong, his Beluga was loaded with limpets to alleviate the critical situation.
Around 21:00 ZLT everybody was in the position and we were ready to push Ellentar “off that cliff”. Prometheus filled with 340t of fuel and 160 limpets, should be able to travel 30.4Ly beyond Semotus Beacon, and then once I catch up, transfer to me around 168-171t of fuel to top my Persera. All that provided that the entire calculation is correct.
[Comms]
- Zodiac, this is Ellentar. We are ready, we may need 20 plus minutes to burn that reservoir fuel and then Deluvian will hit me with 2-3 limpets to top the main tank up
- I hear you loud and clear - responded Caylee - I will let you talk to Commander Deluvian. The Zodiac crew wishes you a safe trip… and good luck. Zodiac Out!
- Thank you Caylee - I said - Ellentar, all readings nominal?
- Aye, nominal - he said
- All unnecessary modules offline? - yet another question
- We still keep everything hot - this time Cassandra responded - I will disable them once we burn the surplus of fuel and sip from the main tank
- Do not forget about the hatch - I said - you know we forgot about it
- No, we all good - she said - I have a sticky note here on my panel
We all laughed for a moment
- MiscBS? Are you with us? - I asked
- Aye Sir - he responded immediately - standing by
- Good! - I said - Ellentar, what’s your ETD now?
- About one a half minutes… listen - he said but I interrupted him quickly
- Do not waste your time and energy on saying things that you do not have to say! - I said - Get ready for the transition
- Aye Sir - this time Ellentar sounded like a soldier - ready for the transition and counting down
(...)
- Obsolete modules offline, we keep the comms till the last second - said Cassandra - counting down from 20
- Good luck! - I said
- 10… 9… 8… - Cass was counting down
- Firing the last limpet... transfer complete - I said
- 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… - Cassandra’s voice was calm and steady
- Engaging FSD - said Ellentar and I saw Prometheus moving already rapidly
- 21:37 ZLT, next communication attempt in 132 hours. Prometheus Out!
[Comms Out]
I watched the flares of their engines for a good moment and then... Bang! Supercruise jump. Prometheus disappeared. It went well, but who knows what the future brings… Kimora did not even say a word. It must have been overwhelming for her.
“Break your leg Old Wolf” - I thought - ”Farewell”
3306-08-30
All we knew was the calculation. I spent most of my time on the Zodiac’s bridge. The crew was coming and going trying to live some normal life - if anything could be normal in this situation. I do not even remember which day it was when Lamont McFarland came on the bridge when a few of us were sitting there and said
- I went to take a shower, had some food, and went back to my station… and then I see, the depot is full
- Tada! - said Hazard6s who seemed to be napping in the corner
I just shook my head
- You are impossible! - I said and laughed silently
- My pleasure! - said Hazard6s - I believe, you said, Caylee was not allowed on the bridge… So my only question is: what is she still doing here?
I was too deep in my thoughts and I did not even register who was there with me and who wasn’t. I looked around like a person coming out of a very deep dream
- I just wanted to check… - Caylee started defending herself
- No excuses! - I said calmly but firmly - both of you, get the hell out of here!
- I would rather… - she started saying again
Hazard7s stood up, approached her, and grabbed her arm gently
- Common, let’s not him off - he said - let’s play some video games downstairs
I laughed. Hazard6s was such a good soul.
- I guess I do not need to stay either - said Lamont
- Affirmative - I said - take some good rest, nobody has as much Tritium in the entire Galaxy as we have.
- Indeed - said Lamont, turned around and walked away happily
- I am staying - said Jaelynn and it was clear he did not expect any resistance
“Right… hybrid, like she does not need to sleep at all” - I thought - “Sometimes it feels though like Caylee is less human than Jaelynn… interesting”
- You can stay - I said
- Can I? - said Kimora clearly unhappy, as she did not understand the exception. In a matter of fact, nobody but Dominus and me knew the truth about Jaelynn… and I think it was better this way
- Are you ok? - I asked politely looking at Kim
- Am I ok? - she sounded irritated - No, I am not as much as I would love to be. Cassandra and Ellentar are supposed to establish the first contact after such a long time and my almighty commander is about to send me to bed…
- I did not say that - I smiled and looked at her peacefully - I really wanted to know how you are handling it
She paused for a bit noticeably embarrassed
- I am sorry… - she said - I am just impatient and anxious, but definitely not tired
- Stay then and do not act like a teenager - I said calmly
- Now, this is too much… - she was about to blow but I did not let her
- Kimora Lindsay, I am dead serious! Calm the heck down, otherwise, I am indeed going to send you to your cabin - I said firmly - We do not need more drama here. They will establish communication as expected but we need to be able to hear it in the first place, so please take a seat and show some patience
She did not expect that, but clearly, she understood the chain of command, and no matter what, she would not disobey a direct order
- Aye Sir - she responded firmly - No more drama. Permission to stay on the bridge
- Permission granted - I said calmly, I stood up, approached her and kissed her forehead and then changed my voice to the softest possible I said - we all really care about them, there is no reason to lose control and panic.... Everything will be just fine
She nodded eagerly and I pointed at one of the command chairs
- Take a seat and try to relax and rest - I said
(...)
At 20:36 ZLT we started hearing some noise on the comms and out of sudden we heard Cassandra’s voice
[Comms]
- Zodiac, this is Prometheus. Do you read me?
- Prometheus, this is Commander Deluvian, we hear you loud and clear - it was almost a relief, but I just wasn’t sure why Cassandra is the one speaking as the first one - Is everything alright? Where is Ellentar?
- Yes, everything is fine except for the temperature - she responded - I guess we did not fully test this scenario
- Damned lad, our windshield is frozen and the interior temperature dropped below bearable - Ellentar sounded like a normal Ellentar - I went to find some thermal blankets and Cass decided to talk to you already? What an insubordination!! Unacceptable!
- Stop whining Old Wolf - I said and laughed - good to hear your voice again. What is your position?
- We are 30.4Ly from the Zodiac - he said - to be fancier, it is 65,678Ly from Sol. It seems like we have more fuel than we needed. Should I fly some more?
- Nope, all good... I incorporated a safety buffer in the calculation - I was very happy about the entire situation - I think the deviation is not going to be greater than 2-3 tons. Negligent and not worth the risk
- Aye, I hear you - he said - I guess we are going to settle here and wait for you
- Roger that - I said - keep the modules off. I am going to depart tomorrow evening sharp at 20:00 hundred ZLT. Calculate 120 hours from that moment and then try to establish radio contact every 2 hours. Do you copy?
- Roger! - he responded - 120 hours from tomorrow 20:00 hundred ZLT, communication attempts every 2 hours
- Take good care of each other - I said - I will talk to you as soon as possible
- I will take good care of him, don’t you worry - said Cassandra and laughed - Good luck on your departure! No bearing check earlier?
- Nope, I will try to do my best with alignment and we will do the first bearing once we establish the communication - said
- Roger that! - said Ellentar - Prometheus Out!
[Comms Out]
I just dropped on my chair and panted deeply a few times. Everything as planned so far, conservative approach, but the fate was heavy on me
- Permission to leave the deck - said Kimora standing up from her chair
- Granted - I looked at her - everything alright?
- Just hoped to say hello, but it wasn’t important… I get it - she said calmly - I am so glad that they are safe. I will sleep now till our departure
- Do not sleep over if you do not want to miss it - I laughed - … I am kidding. If you do, I will come and knock at your cabin door to wake you up
- I will be ready - she said, saluted, turned around, and walked away
I stared at the door for a moment and Jaelynn got me out of my reverie
- As we are alone now, I can tell you that hybrids do not develop feelings… Watching you two though, I have no regrets whatsoever - she said and giggled
- Very funny - I said - you still giggle like a young lass
- Camouflage - she winked - Go and get some rest, I will vigil
- Thank you, you are amazing… person I guess - I wasn’t really sure
- Well, I am not a robot if this is what you meant - she said - be gone, Commander!
- Aye! - I said and went to my quarters
3306-08-31
“Knock, knock… knock, knock”... well, I thought it was a dream but it wasn’t anymore. I just realized it was very real. I was still on my bunk so I checked the clock quickly…. Hmmm, I slept too long but it is just 16:00 ZLT. We have at least four hours to the departure
- Come in - I yelled and covered myself with a blanket
The door opened and Elroy entered my cabin. His face was calm, so I did not anticipate any “emergency”.
- What’s up? - I asked
- Not much, just checking if you are getting ready - he said
- I am about to… I guess - I looked around - did you sleep well?
- Yep, I am alright - he said - I'm a bit worried about Kimora, she got up at 6 in the morning and dragged Wener into the Hangar #4, ever since they’ve been checking every inch of Persera
- Oh my… - I said - this is what adrenaline can do to you. She will have plenty of time to sleep after 8 in the evening
Elroy laughed
- I don’t think so - he said - her adrenaline is like amphetamine, she will not stop for the next 5 days
- I know - I said
- You know… but you are not doing anything about it… - he said slowly
- Are you some kind of a couple council now? - I laughed
- Just saying… - he spread his arms helplessly
- Let me get ready and I will meet you in the hangar
- Aye! On my way - he said and left the cabin
(...)
It took me probably less than 45 minutes to get refreshed and fully dressed. I put on my favorite warm spacesuit that I got ready in my cabin already a good couple of days ago. It is time for all the arrangements. I went to The Sanctuary and met a couple of crew members there. All seemed to be a bit concerned, but wished me luck and ensured me that they would take care of the Zodiac till my return. I had no doubts, it is a great crew. I grabbed a small snack and went to the bridge. All core officers were over there.
- You are looking good Commander - said Caylee - ready as you can be
- I feel ready - I smiled - I guess I do not need to really say anything
- No, you don’t - said Hazard6s and stepped forward - focus on your task and do not worry
- Glad to hear that - I said looking at him - Keep in mind that with Ellentar and me being out there, you are the highest-ranking officer on this vessel
It might have been a surprise, but it looked like Cmdr Hazard6s never realized that a burden like this might be placed on his shoulders
- I see - he responded and saluted - Everything will be up to your standards Commander
- It is enough when it is up to yours - I said - and I mean the entire crew, as those standards are very high anyway
I looked at Dracomenda and MiscBS
- I believe we will not see each other soon - I said - I wish to welcome you back as soon as it is possible. You know how to find us
- I should be back before your return… I think - said Draco
I raised my hand
- Do not rush anything, commanders - I said - your path is always going to be yours. I just hope that our paths will cross again
- For sure - said MiscBS and saluted - I will be probably gone after your departure Commander, but that’s not yet determined… I’d better get going and get my ship ready for refueling operation
- You like that badge “Refueled Cmdr Deluvian”, don’t you? - I laughed
- I do - he said and laughed as well
MiscBS hugged me quickly and walked away towards the hangars.
- Shoot… I did not know it would be so difficult - said Dracomenda slowly
- Everything is good, what ends good Draco - I said philosophically - and this is not the end yet… let’s make sure that this is how this story ends. Please wait for Ellentar to come back and support him as much as you supported me
- Absolutely Commander! - said Draco and could not help himself not to hug me as well
- Alright, alright - I started laughing nervously - Caylee, please take a good rest and let others take care of the Zodiac
Caylee saluted silently
- And… Commander Idianeira? Is he still in the cryogenic chamber? - I asked
- Yes Sir, he would wake up every now and then, run some procedures and then hibernate again - said Draco - seems he is going through some rough patch
- Please make sure that he gets good care - I responded - he is with us, that’s what matters the most
Dracomenda and Hazard6s nodded
[Comms]
- Bridge, this is Hangar #4 - Elroy’s voice sounded a bit concerned - could you localize Commander Deluvian?
- He is here with us - said Caylee
- Oh, good… - said Elroy - can somebody tell him that we may need a pilot for this mission?
I giggled
- Calm down Elroy, I am on my way - I said
- You better be - he said - Kimora is ready to depart without you
- Roger!
[Comms Out]
“That girl...” - I thought and smiled
(...)
I entered the hangar and went straight to the diagnostic station. Everybody was gathered there, no different than the time Ellentar was about to depart. And then I saw her… Kimora was wearing a very tight but still warm spacesuit. The entire thing was black with red stripes here and there, emphasizing her perfect body. “Oh my...” I thought. My face must have looked really stunned and stupid as Elroy started giggling silently and winked at me behind Kim’s back
- Are you ready or not Commander - Kim’s voice was very firm and persuasive - or we cancel the entire thing?
- Ready? I guess… Well, depends on ready for what… - I stuttered
- You look like you’ve seen a ghost… - she looked at me carefully - are you feeling ok?
- I am alright - I said and cleared my throat - I just… ok, what’s our ship status?
- She is ideal - said Werner, smiling gently - if I may say so…
“That she is...” - I thought
- Yes, you may! - I said - I hope she is not running out of fuel
- 858t as designed - said Werner - you’re gonna get that record
- I wish… - I said and nodded slowly
(...)
Same procedure, just one hour before the departure the airlock was sealed and the ship was pressurized. I was even a little surprised but Kimora did not ask to sit next to me. That was a very good indication that her emotions were not blinding her. I turned around and looked at her sitting comfortably in a chair in front of our radio/nav and peripherals station.
- You alright there? - I asked
- Yes Sir - she responded - just excited. Can I ask for permission to carry out the module shutdown procedure? I studied it with Cassandra for some time
I looked briefly at Elroy, who nodded unnoticeably
- I do not see why not - I said calmly - let us know if anything confuses you before you pull the plug though
- Will do - she said - thank you
- Ok crew, let’s go to the surface - I said and initiated the lift procedure
Persera was brought to the surface and we realized that MiscBS’ Beluga was just right next to us.
- Navigator! Pre-flight check - I said officially - follow me on those steps and repeat after me as confirmed
- Aye! - Kimora responded
Next 15 minutes we went through all the modules and software instances like this was about to be our first... And the last flight ever. Everything looked absolutely perfect and Kim was really very quickly picking up all the jargon and becoming a valuable deck officer. Elroy was very focused and stopped being funny. He analyzed each and every sentence and order and checked it at least once after us both. “What a pressure” - I thought - “Being alone is difficult but sometimes so much easier”
- Let’s scrabble - I said
Elroy and Kim confirmed… we took off from the Zodiac. I saw MiscBS following us almost immediately. We looked at the Zodiac for the last time tonight and we jumped into the supercruise. I took Persera a good 3000Ls from the main star and then flipped back to find the best possible alignment. It took a little while but I finally got it right. Persera was pointing at the main star and Sol marker was just at the center of the big and bright Semotus Beacon A. Another flip and realignment, this time very slowly and carefully. Now, Sol marker was exactly behind us and so was the main star.
[Comms]
- Misc, I do not think refueling makes sense - I said - I do not think I burned more than 10% of my reservoir and I do not want to wait here for one more hour until it burns
- Roger that! - he responded - It is up to you, but I think you are right, there is no real point to wait and refuel that 10%
- Navigator! Count us down from 20 - I said
- Aye! - Kimora was on it
- I will still shoot at you a limpet or two just in case - said MiscBS
- Ok, just in case - I responded
- All systems nominal, ready for FSD spool - Elroy’s voice was calm and steady - awaiting the countdown
- Based on your comment Commander Deluvian I started module shutdown sequence - said Kimora - comms stay on till the clear “Comms Out” command
- Very good - I said - countdown?
- In three… - she said and then started counting
- 20… 15… 10… 9… 8…
- Last limpets - said MiscBS - Good luck and farewell!
- Thank you… for everything - I said
- 4… 3… 2… 1… - Kimora finished
- Engaging FSD - I said and pushed the throttle - Zodiac, we are away. Comms Out!
[Comms Out]
The cutter rumbled with her regular roar, all those tons moved and started getting speed very rapidly. Finally the bang, and then supercruise… we were away… yet another farewell
- All systems still nominal, fuel consumption down to 1.3t/h, radio communication off - said Kimora
- Affirmative - said Elroy clearly impressed with Kim’s efficiency - except the radio… but I trust that you turned it off
And then we all started laughing finally
At 20:00 ZLT (Midnight Sol Time) the Imperial Cutter D-3303 “Persera” started her longest journey. After one hour she reached her maximum cruising speed of 2001c. 120-130 hours before we could do any communication or bearing check with Cmdr Ellentar. Better my alignment be accurate, the future will show
3306-09-06
An offline message indicator popped on my comms screen. Funny that those were going through even if the actual radio was down…
“Thanks for the ride Cmdr Deluvian. Time for me to head towards Asterope to work on or maybe even finish Elite in combat. Then on to the home port for this beluga in Colonia. First leg plotted.”
MiscBS
Yet another farewell...
3306-09-10
After days of blazing through space (roughly 128 hours of pure cruising), we crossed the limit of 30Ly beyond Semotus Beacon. It was the time for the comms and bearing check. First of all, the radio...
- Kim, give me the radio - I said
- Aye! - she was ready and waiting for this moment - radio is on
I pressed the comms button...
[Comms]
- Ellentar, Cassandra, Prometheus, can you hear us? - I called, but it was silence. Looked at my watch… “Darn, two minutes to early” - I thought
- Zodiac do you read us - I tried the mothership
- Loud and clear, loud and clear Commander - said Jaelynn - Good to see your voice. Is everything alright?
- Yep, we are good - I said - we could not cruise all the time, but that’s a part for another story. How is the crew?
- All well - she said - Everybody antsy to hear from you, they are already very happy and send their regards
- How did you get rid of Caylee? - I laughed
- Cmdr Hazrd6s here has some good influence on her - she said - Caylee finally let go and literally keeps on playing video games with him, day in and day out
- Good to hear - I said - Let me try Prometheus again, I guess now is the time
- Finally, lad - Ellentar sounded very happy - we just hopped in and we heard you talking. Greetings to Zodiac as well
- Great! - I said - Let’s focus and do it as quickly as we can. I need your wing and your beacon, that consumes minimum power, I do not think you have to turn on your sensors… so don’t
- Roger that! - said Ellentar
- Kim, give me sensors on my mark… - I watched the comms and the moment I acknowledged the wing invite I said - Mark!
- Sensors on - said Kimora
- We are 0.5Ly from you Prometheus - I said watching my instruments - we have a deviation of 7-10 degrees, I need to do a correction, stand by
I grabbed the grip and gently adjusted my trajectory to perfectly catch Prometheus in the center of my target indicator
- Ok, done - I said - Navigator, Sensors Off!
- Sensors offline - said Kim
- Prometheus, how are you on fuel in your reservoir? - I asked
- We are at 80-90% - this time Cassandra responded - we should be able to refuel you before we have to sip from the main tank
- Good, next contact in one hour from now… mark - I said - radio silence from now on!
- Roger, Prometheus Out! - said Cassandra
[Comms Out]
- Not bad, not bad - Elroy was truly impressed - I did not know that you can align so well and not screw it up on a distance of 30 light years
- It’s more luck than wisdom Elroy - I said
- Always modest - said Kimora and smiled charmingly
- Hey, you did well - I said and laughed - but you sound better when you feel a sense of duty. Stop making fun of me
- I wouldn’t dare, Sir - Kim responded and giggled in her own special way
The last couple of days were actually idyllic. Elroy usually disappeared somewhere inside of the big Persera’s belly leaving me and Kimora alone. We spent all this time together but she did not introduce any pressure and did not push for anything more than answering her neverending questions about the ship, the instruments, the calculations, the galaxy, the stars… and then over and over again. And it wasn’t annoying at all, her questions were intelligent and more complex every single time. She’s been learning and absorbing knowledge like a sponge. “It’s a trap” - I thought - “It is definitely a trap”... but her actions were completely innocent, but I have to admit that spending so much time with here in “close quarters” helped me realize not only how smart and intelligent she was, but also the fact that she was one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen… “What are you so afraid of” - I kept asking myself this question, but the mission took priority, so I did not even bother to answer it.
(...)
Around 21:00 ZLT it was time to do another check
[Comms]
- Prometheus? Please respond - I called
- This is Prometheus - Cassandra responded - Wing invite resent, the beacon is on
- Sensors? - I acknowledged the invite and looked at Kimora
- On it… - Kim responded - Sensors Online!
- Prometheus, we are right on target - I said - the distance is 0.1Ly, let’s stay online, we should be there in 20, maybe 25 minutes
- Roger that! - said Cassandra
- Good to see you are on top of everything lad - said Ellentar - I am freezing here, so you better hurry because I need a vacation on some nice volcanic planet
- And you deserve it - I said - …once the mission is done
- Yeah, yeah, yeah… I know - he said - just being old and grumpy, nothing new
- And it never gets old - I laughed
- It does… with me - Ellentar responded - and trust me, lad, I feel old… especially after this exercise
- Get your fuel limpet controller ready - I said - we will have some time to talk and blow some kisses once the refueling begins
- On it - said Cassandra - One finger on the “enable module” button, another on the trigger
- Alrighty, we will actually see you in a few - I said - Persera Out!
[Comms Out]
Indeed it took us like 25 minutes. I engaged the NavLock but either I did something wrong or approaching the wake with the speed of 2001c caused a malfunction and we did not drop right on target
- Loop of shame? - asked Elroy
- Surprised? - I cackled
I did a small loop and this time did not take chances with the NavLock, I just simply dropped on Prometheus wake manually. And there she was, beat up almost no paint on her glowing in the dark with her contour lights
[Comms]
- 21:27:43 ZLT vessel in range, the first limpet fired - said Cassandra - and by the way… good to see y’all
- Excellent Cass - I said and turned around - Kim, modules?
- All offline, fuel consumption dropped to 0.06t/h, we are 65,678Ly from Sol - she responded immediately - I think... that Prometheus is a bit too far
- You are right - she was of course right - give me sensors and let’s do a quick check
- Let me do it, lad, I have enough fuel and do not need to preserve anything anymore - said Ellentar
- Even better… - I said and for the first time I felt quite ok with not being “the smartest guy in the room” - Kim, disregard sensors request
- Roger - she said - I thought the same as Ellentar, so I did not activate it
- My girl - said Ellentar
- Hey smarties - I laughed - gimme a break
- Ok, I am 1.2km away - said Ellentar - let me get to 0.5km, that would do the trick and still be safe. Cass, give me my thrusters, please
- Couldn’t you do it yourself? I am firing limpets here - said Cassandra
- Alright, alright - responded Ellentar - no need to get aggravated, I will do it myself
Prometheus moved majestically towards us and came close enough that the refueling time per limpet was much more acceptable
- So… how is everybody doing? - Cassandra asked potentially an innocent question but I knew where it was going
- We are great, thanks for asking - I said - Kim is learning a lot and picking astronavigation very quickly, Elroy is just being himself and disappears for entire days
- Hey, what am I supposed to do? - said Elroy - you do not give me much work, so I find something by myself. This is not my fault that it is mostly under the main deck
- Good to know - she said - people who are forced into confined spaces and spend so much time so close together have a wonderful opportunity to get to know each other very well…
- … and either kill one another or fall in love, right? - I said - let’s not be melodramatic here
- Just saying…. - said Cassandra and laughed
(...)
- Ok. I am out of limpets as predicted - said Cassandra - let me synthesize a few more
- Yep, keep it coming - I said - I am still short of 8-10 tons
- Just a moment - she responded - Ok, firing next
- Commander? - said Kim - How about realignment? Should I activate the thrusters
Now I felt like a rookie… but she knew it
- What would I do without you? - I said and blushed - yes please activate thrusters
- Thrusters on - said Kimora - as these are the last few limpets we can keep the thrusters on, correct?
- That is correct - I said, looked at Elroy and we both burst with laughter
- Did I say anything funny? - Kimora was disoriented
- Nope, you are just doing very well… surprisingly well - I said and at the same time started rotating my ship and aligning the Sol indicator right behind us. A few seconds later it was ideal
- Cass, I need like one more - I said watching the instruments
- You got it - she responded and fired another one - 22:55:32 ZLT the last limpet fired, it was 171 total
The last limpet filled the main tank
- Ok, I am topped - I said - ready to deploy. Thank you so much
- Spool that FSD lad - yelled Ellentar - Do not burn any fuel idle… Go, go, go!
- Are you guys good to jump back? - I asked quickly
- We are going to be fine - said Cassandra and her voice sounded very calm - Good luck and Commander… I do not know how about Elroy, but bring me that girl back!!
Everybody laughed
- Very funny - said Elroy
- Farewell Prometheus - I said - Kim…
- FSD ready to spool Commander - she was on top of it
- My girl - said Ellentar again
- No, my girl!! - said Cassandra - Farewell the crew of Persera, we will see you… in a month I guess
- 10:56:54 ZLT, engaging FSD - I said - obsolete modules offline, radio silence from now on! Deluvian Out!
[Comms Out]
A standard roar of the thrusters filled our ears and D-3303 Persera was again on her way… and her fuel tank was full again, all 858t
- All systems nominal, fuel consumption at 1.3t/h, comms offline - said Kimora
- Affirmative - said Elroy - Good job!
(...)
- Ok, I think I got this - said Ellentar
- You think? - Cassandra looked at him slowly
- I have enough of this cold madness out here - he said - I am just supercharging and taking us back to the Zodiac
- I know you are… - she smiled
[Comms]
- Zodiac, this is Prometheus - said Ellentar - can I ask for assistance?
- Of course, Prometheus - Jaelynn responded instantaneously - do you need assistance in the rescue system?
- I would rather… I am not even checking my levels, I wanna jump, just need somebody there in case I cannot make it from RG-Y D0 to SG-Y D0 - said Ellentar quickly
- Prometheus, please stand by - said Jaelynn
(...)
- Both commanders Hazard6s and Dracomenda are ready to assist - Jaelynn responded calmly after a minute - do you have any preference?
- Preference? You gotta be freakin’ kiddin’ me - Ellentar was not happy with the procedure - just get me one of them into RG-Y D0 before I lose my mind. Prometheus Out!
- Roger that! - said Jaelynn
[Comms Out]
Ellentar checked and in the meanwhile of his conversation with Jaelynn, Prometheus’ FSD boost charged 100%. He pressed a couple of buttons and engaged his hyperspace jump. The anaconda trembled and shook, but it did engage the FSD and started spooling for the jump.
- Now I understand why the lad loves the Witch Space so much - he said slowly
The jump was over and they just arrived at Oevasy RG-Y D0
- I have a feeling, that I understand even more of his reasoning - Cassandra nodded slowly - you got drunk too soon and then I had a very nice and long conversation with Deluvian… he’s got a good soul
- And I almost said: “after daddy” - said Ellentar slowly - but all I did, was to adopt a boy out of the cryogenic chamber that nobody wanted after his 1200 years of hibernation
- Say what now!? - Cassandra was shocked and moved at the same time - You have never told me this part of the story… I knew you adopted him but this? Is he one of the “Hibernati”? I am not even sure if this is a correct term as it is Latin masculine plural for Hibernatus
- Technically you are right and as cruel as it is going to sound, it is also quite accurate - said Ellentar - Apparently, none of the infected girls survived the BDV (Brain Damage Virus) of the 22nd century, and the few that were alive did not survive the treatment with the Thargoid based s... But this is a story for another day, I wanna get back home
- And home is? - she nodded slowly and looked at him
- Zodiac - said Ellentar
Cassandra smiled.
Ellentar had no patience to wait for Draco who was one of the two commanders ready to assist him if the help was needed. He engaged his FSD again and it actually started spooling without any boost
- That’s nice - he said - I didn't even have to supercharge it. Zodiac here we come!
- You didn't even wait for Dracomenda or Hazard6s - she shook her head
- Don’t worry - he said - they will find their way home
At 23:14:33 ZLT Prometheus requested docking at the Zodiac. Ellentar was right, Cmdr Dracomenda very quickly realized that he just missed them at RG-Y D0 and came back to the Zodiac right on time before Prometheus was brought down to the hangar
photo: Cmdr Dracomenda
Draco landed so quickly and was so much faster, that he was actually first at the main corridor in front of the door to Hangar #3 waiting for Cassandra and Ellentar to come out once the hangar was pressurized
- I guess I missed you at Oevasy RG-Y D0 - said Draco smiling wide
- I know, I am sorry - said Ellentar being friendly for once, but he did like young Dracomenda - we just talked and I engaged my FSD and it did not even require a boost to come back here
- It’s ok, I am glad I could have been of service - said Draco
- Why do you look like you are only missing a backpack? - Ellentar looked at Dracommenda suspiciously
- Deluvian didn’t tell you? I guess there was no time to do it - he said - I am leaving for The Bubble
- Yet another farewell… - said Ellentar - I hate darn farewells… but seriously boy, are you going to come back to the Zodiac?
- You know, you are the only person I would ever allow to call me a “boy”? - said Dracomenda and laughed - And I do not mind. You lost almost all of your hair, and teeth and overall beauty gaining that wonderful experience of yours... but to answer your question: Yes, I will be back… hopefully before Deluvian is back. If not, I know how to find you
- Being snappy huh? You do not like my hairstyle? - he said and started laughing cordially - and by the way, my teeth are ok
Dracomenda smiled. He also liked Ellentar a lot and respected him for his qualities and most of all, for always being himself.
- I will miss you all - he said and it was noticeable that the words did not come easy
- Blaze your own trail lad - said Ellentar while putting his hand on Draco’s shoulder - our trails will cross again
- Funny you say that - said Draco surprised - Deluvian said almost exactly the same, he just used the word “path”
- Deluvian is a smart man - said Ellentar - and his tongue is much smoother than mine. I know how he feels about you, darn I know how I feel about you… we will meet again
- We will meet again, farewell commander - Dracomenda saluted, turned around, and walked towards his hangar. Minutes after his ship departed
“Farewell… I freakin’ hate this word already” - thought Ellentar
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#EliteDangerous #EliteExploration #DeluvianCrew #FuelRats
Expedition photo-report: Expedition "Zodiac"
