Thanks!

It's not really all that far, if you take it bit by bit. Assuming 50ly range, which is easy to get these days, 1000LY takes 20 jumps, or about 20 minutes (if you don't stop or look at anything!). Even without neutron boosts or anything, you can reach Colonia in 7 or 8 hours.
Of course I can never not look at anything, lol.
Last time I was out here I decided not to stay long. I was much more into credits at that point, and wanted to get back to the bubble because there was very little earning potential around Colonia (or so I thought).
Now, though, there are lots of missions here. And mining is exceptional. I did a quick price check, and there are places to sell that have good prices for many of the 'core' materials, like void opals.
I don't actually need cash, but I still might do some mining for the fun of it, and I do like getting paid. Somehow that never gets old.
Most of my stuff is already Engineered pretty well, so I shouldn't need too much from those folks. I did get an invite from one when I landed at Jacques, though.
I'll see how it goes. If I get to hankering for something only the bubble has, I'll just fly on back. I got no strings on me. *sing it loud!*