I am now safely berthed in one of the handful of systems in the Colonial area which remains free from carrier presence at this time.
I had noted a system with a bio sign on my last trip down from Sag A*, and being at that time in need of repair decided not to risk the data i had onboard in a possibly disastrous high G landing, instead dropping a marker and continuing on.
Leaving Elle Cyd to the tender ministrations of an experienced and trusted repair crew, I hopped into the seat of Fancy Free and we made our way back to Odins Hold.
Arriving back in the system, i headed for the marked planet, expecting to find the bark mounds which predominate in this region, but i was instead presented with a field of glittering pumpkins who sparkled in the waning starlight as the heavens turned.
Following a peaceful slumber i set about mapping the other 43 planetary bodies my scan had revealed. These included a further pumpkin site , three ringed Y class stars, various geo's , 11 barkmound planets and a triple platinum hotspot. Chump change to today's go-ahead miner, i know, but maybe something a learner might get into to keep him out of trouble,perhaps.
Full system map completed, i returned via the neutron superhighway,encountering one system with twin ringed water worlds, and one close encounter
with a pair of ferocious beasts, who came close to finishing me off when i came out of Hyperspace between them.
Fortunately,i was able to slam on the anchors before gingerly picking my way around to get a better view.
I arrived back to find that two more systems from my paltry stock of safe harbours now host carriers, limiting my options for a carrier-free experience further, but this was to be expected.It's really only a matter of time before i encounter them, but i prefer to do so when i have made my peace with their existence.Until then, i intend to stay out of their way as much as possible.