The Bailey brothers (RP sessions logbook)

[di6turbed]

Hambly Keep
Rainbinan System
Federal Space

I look at Tom and catch myself wondering for the thousandth time when did my younger brother change so much. Sure, the death of our parents took its toll on both of us, but Tom is different now, more mature.. and at the same time full of this almost childish excitement, finally free to do what he - what we - always dreamed about… but couldn’t do. Until now.

“You did what!?” - I ask, even though I heard what he said perfectly well. The surprise is feigned too, because I saw it coming for quite some time.

“I enlisted with Federal Navy Reserve Force” - Tom’s eyes are shining - “I figured it would prove useful. I’ll get proper combat training, access to better ships, missions and backup if necessary.. we’ll need that.”

I nod. Yes, Pilot’s Federation basic combat training leaves a lot to be desired. No wonder that upon completing it one gets the “harmless” rank… which tells a lot. And even though Rainbinan does not have huge problems with pirates, this pest still exists and tries to interfere with our operations. We will have to defend ourselves.

“Fine, you’ll be able to teach me whatever you learn there.” - I say and smile. Now it is my turn for the big news.

“I also have something for you. I registered our company today. Officially.”

Tom’s eyes widen.

“You did? But the fee was 10 million credits…”

“Yep. It is done. Deep Core Mining Incorporated is now officially registered under our name, bro.”

“These are amazing news!” - he says so loud that some people looks in our direction - “so what do we do now?”

“Now we have to start recruiting… continue mining to get more money. Support the Feds in the system, so that we can count on their help if need be. Plus there is the issue with Kumo Crew here.. There are too many of them around and may start causing trouble for the miners. We have plenty to do, bro.”

And so it begins…

OOC

Spoiler

Deep Core Mining Incorporated is recruiting. We are very dedicated to RP, interactions between the commanders and storylines behind them. We prefer to play with voice comms and use the possibility given by the Odyssey add-on to discuss plans and operations in person onboard space stations and settlements. We are looking for like-minded players and hope to welcome you among our ranks! If interested, apply here.

 

[di6turbed]

Raibinan 8 Ring
Raibinan System
Federal Space

I don't know how long I sat there, staring into the vista created by the icy asteroid ripped apart by my missiles. I always find it mesmerising, the ghastly, light - blue mist in the middle of the dark space. Except space is never really completely dark.

Absent - mindedly I monitor the collector limpets as they make their way into the haze and then back, bringing back chunks of precious asteroids. In a moment my onboard refinery will extract low temperature diamonds from each piece of ice. Diamonds some traders will be willing to pay over 300 000 credits for one cargo unit.

Yet... we cannot find people willing to join us in this adventure. To become part of the Deep Core Mining Inc.

I shake my head, not understanding why. We offer the know-how, security, guidance. We have good mining spots with very little pirate activity. We are a friendly lot, especially my little brother Tom. Still, only one commander joined since we started recruitment. The new guys that are fresh from the Pilot Federation Flight Training probably dream about space combat and great adventures and thus look at mining as a mundane and extremely boring task. Which it is everything but.

Besides, we won't ask commanders to only mine with us. Anyone with half a brain would know that running a company, especially one bringing sizeable profits, at certain point will require good diplomatic skills, but also - if need be - strong combat capabilities.

I sigh and release another limpet. We'll keep trying. And we will make the Deep Core Mining Incorporated big.

OOC

Spoiler

Deep Core Mining Incorporated is recruiting. We are very dedicated to RP, interactions between the commanders and storylines behind them. We prefer to play with voice comms and use the possibility given by the Odyssey add-on to discuss plans and operations in person onboard space stations and settlements. We are looking for like-minded players and hope to welcome you among our ranks! If interested, apply here.

 

[di6turbed]

Onboard Grim’s Rest Carrier
Hip 97950
Independent Space

“In exchange, I am willing to pay around 800 million credits to the Deep Core Mining Incorporated.”

I open my mouth, astonished, and look at Tom. He has the same dumbfounded expression as I do. I turn to Commander Parsh, who is sitting there with arms crossed and faint smile on his tattooed face.

“You said.. 800 million credits for 1000 units of low temperature diamonds? Did I hear you right?”

“Yes, James. That is correct. And on top of that, a little extra bonus in the form of grade 5 rare materials that no money can buy. What do you say?”

I want to reply, but Tom is faster.

“How much time do we have to think it over?” - he asks. Before Parsh can respond, I quickly interject:

“What he meant is: how much time will we have to deliver the diamonds?” - I give Tom the look and then turn back to leader of the Ghost Foxes.

“Let’s see.. how about: two weeks?”

“Make it three and you have a deal”

Commander Parsh nods slowly.

“Agreed. I will work on a contract and send it to you for review. In the meantime, make yourself comfortable. In 15 minutes, we will be jumping to Brestla system, as I believe you would require much better ships than you currently have, and I want to enable you to upgrade with a considerable upfront payment… have you ever made a jump onboard the carrier?”

We shake our heads in unison with Tom. Parsh’s grin widens.

“Then you are about to experience something extraordinary…”

OOC - please read

Spoiler

Deep Core Mining Inc. has just received a huge order - and will need to expand. We are looking for people who are into mining, but also commanders who could provide overwatch while we extract the precious resources. We are friendly group focused on RP - and obviously a lot is going on since we met with the Ghost Foxes. If you're interested - PM me or Tom Bailey!

 

[di6turbed]

Onboard Grim’s Rest Carrier
Hip 97950
Independent Space

The countdowns reaches 3 minutes and a robotic voice announces that all crew members should immediately go to their stations or strap themselves in jump chairs. I look at Tom and see pure excitement on his face. I realise this is a first carrier jump for me as well. How is this gargantuan ship going to traverse almost 500 years in mere seconds is beyond me, but then I don’t really understand how it happens for the smaller ships either, so who cares. Still, there is an air of uneasiness all around us as the ship grows quiet…

“Bro, can you believe it? 400 millions credits each?” - Tom’s eyes are wide as he looks at me. To be honest, I can’t really believe it either, but as the older brother I have to play my part and pretend I am totally cool with everything that happens all around us.

“Yeah.. but we’ll need to bring 1000 tonnes of LTDs. That’s no small feat.”

“We’ll manage. But we’ll need to be on our A-game when it comes to recruitment.”

“Uh-uh. Though we don’t even know where we are going. We…” - I pause, as the void around the carrier changes its colour. In short order, a series of lightning bolts strikes the hull.

“Holy …” - Tom shakes his head and I sub-consciously check my safety belts. This is one hell of a sight to behold…

Onboard Grim’s Rest Carrier
Brestla System
Imperial Space
Two days later

Commander Parsh welcomes us at the entrance to his office.

“Gentlemen.. I’ve advanced my research and I have two news for you. One good, one not so good. Which one do you want first?”

“Let’s go with the good one for a change” - I reply.

“The good news is that I will not need 1000 tonnes of Low Temperature Diamonds anymore, but only 800. Of course the negotiated fee that you get will not change”.

That is a kind of good news I like to get.

“And the not-so-good ones?” - asks Tom.

“Well… the LTDs won’t do anymore. I need something more precious. Either Void Diamonds or Alexandrite I am afraid.”

We exchange glances with my brother.

“Hm.. potentially that may change a lot...” - I say cautiously - “both are much more difficult to find. Especially the Alexandrite.”

Our host opens his mouth to speak, but I interrupt him.

“However, we’re called Deep Core Mining for a reason. We’ll do a survey on a site and see which one is more feasible. If Alexandrite can be found in enough quantities in this system, we will get it for you.”

“Now, that is what I like to hear. But I am not ungrateful- if you succeed, I am willing to throw an extra 500 million credits. You see, I don’t need this material to make profits. I need it for…” - he pauses - “other reasons.”

“And you will get it, commander” - I say and I extend my hand. He has a firm handshake.

OOC - please read

Spoiler

Deep Core Mining Inc. has just received a huge order - and will need to expand. We are looking for people who are into mining, but also commanders who could provide overwatch while we extract the precious resources. We are friendly group focused on RP - and obviously a lot is going on since we met with the Ghost Foxes. If you're interested - PM me or Tom Bailey! Note that we now offer an entry bonus of 50 million credits if you prove yourself as a worthy employee!

 

[di6turbed]

i Sola Prospect
Brestla System
Imperial Space

I stand next to the brand new Python, freshly painted with the colours of the Deep Core Mining Inc, gaping at her with awe. Just a few months ago me and Tom were spending boring, repetitive and completely uneventful life on one of the planets in HiP 97950 system. Working 9 to 5, getting a modest salary and dreaming that one day, one beautiful day, this all may change.

And here I am, amazed by my - MY - new ship. A Python, sporting class A upgrades, capable of hauling over 170 tonnes of cargo or minerals, armed well enough to fend off all but the largest pirate ships, even with my limited dogfighting skills. Bought just like that, with the credits sent to us as advance payment for 800 tonnes of Alexandrite we now have to deliver to The Ghost Foxes.

I hear a beep and look down to check my datapad. A message from commander Antraeon, representing The Holy Ken'Tarii Imperium faction. Apparently they heard about us from the leader of the Ghost Foxes and would have another contract to offer. I furrow my brows and enable commlink with Tom.

"Hey, bro, what's going on?" - it is funny how he always sounds happy the hear or see me. Like if we didn't spend almost every day together for the last 30 years or so.

"How is your mining ops going?" - I ask - "Because we have another possible contract on our hands..."

"Going well, I've got another 70 tonnes... what contract?"

"Don't know the details yet, but guess we'll need to hurry up with the first one. I'm going to take that new Python for a spin and see how she fares".

"Sure! I am very happy with the Krait Mk2 I got. Big, yet quite nimble. Ideal for deep core mining. Are you going to join me here?"

"Yea. On my way. Any news on potential recruits?"

"Yes! There is one commander fresh from the flight training. I am planning to show him the ropes in the next few days. On your end?"

"Silence. It's funny how people think that mining is boring."

Tom chuckles.

"But it is! That is why they pay so much for the minerals! Anyway, talk to you when you get here, sending you my coordinates."

"Roger. Be there soon".

I cut the connection and take another look at the Python. She is so beautiful... I grin and make it for the ramp.

OOC - please read

Spoiler

Deep Core Mining Inc. has just received a huge order - and will need to expand. We are looking for people who are into mining, but also commanders who could provide overwatch while we extract the precious resources. We are friendly group focused on RP - and obviously a lot is going on since we met with the Ghost Foxes. If you're interested - PM me or Tom Bailey! Note that we now offer an entry bonus of 50 million credits if you prove yourself as a worthy employee!