1. Origins and Early Influences

Interviewer: Thank you for sitting down with me today. To start, can you introduce yourself? Name, background; whatever you're comfortable sharing.

Indy: Thank you for having me. Happy to do this with you. I'm Indy; that's all anyone really calls me, as I'm not much for titles. Still, my full name, along with some official trimmings... I am Commander Indy Novascend; independent triple Elite pilot, adventurer; honorary rank of Admiral in the Federal Navy, honorary rank of Duke in the Imperial Navy. Various titles for this or that faction, but overall just "Indy".

Interviewer: Commander Indy Novascend; quite the name and quite the résumé. Let's start at the beginning. What first got you into space faring? Were you born into this life, or did something or someone push you toward the stars?

Indy: I wasn't born into piloting, no; but I'm sure it was likely a product of my natural curiosity and desire to learn.

Interviewer: Curiosity and a thirst for knowledge; those are powerful motivators. Was there a defining moment when you knew you belonged among the stars? Perhaps a first flight, a mentor, or an experience that solidified your path?

Indy: I guess you can say that the stars themselves called me. Growing up, I was always curious about everything and wanted to learn everything I could about the universe. The beauty of the universe is all around us, all the time; there's something uniquely awe-inspiring about the scale of things off-world. Looking up at our galaxy from my home planet, I wanted to see more. Besides, I grew up hearing and reading adventures, both past and present, and those definitely captivated me. I craved adventure.

Interviewer: That sense of wonder is something not everyone holds onto, but for those who do, it shapes their entire destiny. When the moment finally came and you first left your home-world behind and took to the void, what was that like?

Indy: I'm not sure I remember my very first flight as a passenger. I was lucky enough to have been brought up in a family that could afford travel around our system. But I definitely remember my first interstellar trip by myself. Still just as a passenger, but amazing nonetheless.

Come to think of it, I hadn't yet adopted my name at that point... I had recently learned about this ancient story about an adventurer named Indiana Jones. Some friends and family noticed the similarity between that fictional character and myself; so the name Indy kind of stuck as a term of endearment when I would go off exploring. And my first solo interstellar trip was definitely an adventure and certainly made that name stick for me.

2. Becoming a Pilot

Interviewer: An explorer at heart, even before you had your own ship. Sounds like the name Indy was well earned. That first interstellar trip must have been exhilarating. When did you finally take the controls for yourself? Was it a careful, calculated step into piloting, or did you just throw yourself into it and learn along the way?

Indy: Oh, ha! [Laughs] Anyone who knows me knows that I rarely do anything that isn't calculated. Now, careful... that is debatable. Anyway, what was your question?

Interviewer: [Laughs] Fair enough; calculated but not necessarily careful. I like that. My question was about when you first took the controls yourself. Was it a slow, deliberate process of training and preparation, or did you just jump in, knowing you'd figure it out as you went?

Indy: Well, like most pilots, I had to train in simulators first. I also had a relative that was a pilot, so I did manage to get some pointers firsthand. Although, any practice with them was in an SRV, not a ship. Close enough though, or so they said.

Anyway, I was quite comfortable in the simulators. Honestly, I didn't feel any discomfort with the concepts of space flight at all. (In fact, it made me wonder if I was in a Dunning-Kruger situation.) So I decided, why not find out? I applied to take the pilot's exam. Not a cheap price tag, let me tell you. Still, I pulled together what I could and got some funding from supportive friends too.

And... well, I thought I'd need to take it more than once, but I managed to pull it off with only one attempt. Barely, but still good. I didn't like the control scheme when I started the test but didn't say anything; it really messed my flow. Once I'd had enough and asked the instructor if I could change it, they said yes. Everything went way better after that.

Interviewer: Sounds like you had the instincts from the start; you just needed the right setup to let them shine. Passing the pilot's exam on the first go, even just barely, is no small feat. Once you had that license in hand, what came next? Did you have a plan for your first ship, or was it a matter of taking whatever opportunity presented itself?

Indy: I had a friend that had recently gotten their license. They took me under their wing. They said I'd have a knack for bounty hunting, so they had me ride co-pilot with them on a couple missions, then had me try some on my own.

I didn't really like it, honestly. That is ironic, given how much of this [gestures at the fleet carrier surrounding them] is funded by bounties.

So I decided to give pure exploration a try. My first ship was a Sidewinder, named Adventure Begins, by the way. I still have it, believe it or not. That was mostly just for getting comfortable flying. I moved quickly to a Cobra Mark III, named Adventure is Out Here. The Cobra was alright, but didn't have the frameshift jump range I wanted to really explore our galaxy. So I saved up and bought an Asp Explorer. It represented my journey to get to that point and the journey I still had ahead, so I named it Adventure. No special engineering at first, but it definitely worked great for exploring.

Interviewer: A Sidewinder, a Cobra, then an Asp Explorer; seems like a natural progression for an explorer at heart. Did it feel like you'd truly made it, or did it just fuel the desire to go even further?

Indy: Oh, definitely fuel for my desire. I got started with exploration around the Bubble (and nearby) with that AspX. Later, after building up some engineering skill and better finances, I purpose-built an Anaconda and took it out to the Formadine Rift; earned my first Elite rank [in Exploration] that way.

3. Combat and Ethics

Interviewer: The AspX is great for early exploration, but a purpose-built Anaconda seems far better for a major journey like the Formidine Rift. Either way, reaching Elite in exploration clearly didn't satisfy your hunger for adventure; it only made it stronger. After that first major milestone, where did your path take you next? Did you double down on exploration, or did something else catch your attention?

Indy: My published logs recount most of the journey beginning with my earning of Elite Explorer, so I don't want to duplicate them here, at least not the factual timeline stuff. As far as the pathway with Elite ranks... I went from Explorer to Combat. I bought this Fleet Carrier, and named it Fortune & Glory, before reaching that second Elite, mind you. Triple Elite wasn't until much later. ([quietly] I'm really not a fan of hauling.)

Interviewer: So, from the depths of the void to the heat of battle; quite a shift. It's interesting that combat drew you in next rather than trade. What was it that changed your course? Was it necessity, opportunity, or just a challenge you felt compelled to take on?

Indy: I guess that friend had been right after all; in their assessment of my potential with combat. I think it's my comfort in the pilot's seat combined with the calm I feel during high intensity situations. Probably also why people say that I'm very calculated.

Interviewer: A natural talent, then. Combat just fit. That ability to stay calm under pressure and make calculated decisions in the thick of a fight is a rare skill. Did you ease into bounty hunting again, or did you find another way to hone those combat instincts?

Indy: I played with some combat training simulators a little, but only just barely. For the most part, I just got out there and started working.

Interviewer: Straight into the fire; trial by combat. Some would call that reckless, but for you, it sounds like it was just another calculated risk. Was there a particular moment or battle that really solidified your confidence in combat, where you knew beyond doubt that this was something you could master?

Indy: I think it's more all of them combined, rather than any one specifically. I feel "at home" flying, including during combat; it just makes sense. Now, ground mercenary work feels a bit different. That still feels odd, almost wrong, to me. I know I'm good at it as well as space combat, but it feels wrong picking a side and then shooting people for picking a different one. After all, the people doing the actual fighting aren't usually the ones picking the fight in the first place. Whereas with space combat, specifically bounty hunting, the criminals had their choice and made it, then chose to run instead of stand for their crime.

Interviewer: That's an interesting distinction; bounty hunting in space feels justified because the targets made their choices, whereas ground combat feels more morally ambiguous. It says a lot about your principles. So, even though you became an Elite combat pilot, it sounds like your heart was never fully in the fight, at least not in the way some warriors thrive on it. Would you say you see combat more as a means to an end rather than a passion?

Indy:
Don't get me wrong, I quite enjoy combat both in space and on the ground. I mean, otherwise I wouldn't enjoy the Pilot-versus-Pilot CQC Arena as much as I do; the true test of a pilot's instincts and skills, in my opinion.

Then again, I got my start in ground combat by helping defend settlements against raiders and restoring power to settlements which had been shut down due to a raid or cataclysm.

Interviewer: So combat isn't just a means to an end; it's something you genuinely enjoy, at least when it's a test of skill or when there's a clear purpose behind it. CQC Arena, settlement defense, restoring order; there's a pattern there. You seem drawn to situations where you can challenge yourself but also make a difference. Would you say that's a core part of who you are?

Indy:
That's a great observation. I hadn't considered that. Yes, that is probably a core motivation for me. Which is somewhat odd, considering that I also prefer to stay out of the hubbub of humanity, preferring the joy of solitude.

Interviewer: On one hand, you're driven to help and protect; on the other, you seek the quiet and vastness of the void. It's almost like you're most yourself when you're far from the noise, but you're willing to step into the chaos when it truly matters. How do you balance those two sides of yourself: solitude and service?

Indy:
That's a great phrase. I may have to borrow that: balancing solitude and service.

I'm not sure if I can pin down how I balance those two sides, honestly. On the one hand, I just do what I feel is right, whether right for people or just right for me. I don't like making choices that remove the rights of others; so maybe there's an underlying ethos to my method. I'm not sure. I'm just glad to have a chance to explore and experience the universe while allowing others the same opportunity.

Interviewer: Explore and experience the universe while allowing others the same opportunity. That sounds like a guiding principle, whether you consciously define it that way or not. Freedom, both your own and others', seems to be at the heart of your choices. Would you say that's the core of what drives you, more than just adventure or challenge? The pursuit and protection of freedom?

Indy:
I think curiosity and exploration are the foundation; the pursuit of freedom stems from that. As far as protecting freedom... maybe, but only when the need aligns with my ability. I prefer to stay far away from politics and power play. Those in power are just another type of pirate, preying on society and pillaging it for their own gains.

4. War and the Thargoid Invasion

Interviewer: So your path is your own; driven by curiosity, exploration, and a desire to remain free from the entanglements of politics and power struggles. You'll stand up when you need to, but you won't be dragged into the games of those who would manipulate others. The human Bubble has seen its share of conflict, but nothing quite like the recent Thargoid invasion. Entire systems fell, stations were left in ruins, and countless lives were lost or displaced. Where were you when the invasion began, and what was your initial reaction when the first major attacks started?

Indy:
When the Thargoids attacked Shinrarta Dezhra, I hurried to help. I had just finished prepping some AX ships, so I was definitely ready. To start, I evacuated hundreds of people from Jameson Memorial Station. Then, once the evac was complete, I primed weapons and fought back hard alongside other AX pilots.

Later, when the Thargoids did the unthinkable and invaded the Sol system with a Titan, there was no question I would be part of the fight to retake the system. And I did. First thing was again, getting people out of there as quickly as I could. I think I evacuated over a thousand people with just me and my one ship. Then I fought countless interceptors and scouts until we finally made our way back to Sol. I then kitted out a bomber and took my fight directly to the Thargoid mothership, also known as a Titan.

Interviewer: Combat against human pilots is one thing, but Thargoid warships are an entirely different beast. How did you adapt to fighting them? Did it challenge you in a way human combat never did?

Indy:
Oh yes, definitely. Most human pilots are somewhat predictable in combat situations. It's part of the reason combat feels comfortable to me. Thargoids, on the other hand, can be erratic and, when they attack, they hit hard and fast. Now, that's not to say that predictability is true of all human pilots, mind you -- there are definitely human pilots against whom I wouldn't stand a chance -- but there's certainly a difference between the way one has to fight against humans than against Thargoids. There is a nice rhythm to fighting with Thargoids though, a flow that makes it all come together well.

5. Humanity's Future and Your Path Forward

Interviewer: That's a stark contrast and a good reminder of how brutal the war really was. I think many of us are glad that chapter is behind us. With the fighting behind us and the focus shifting toward recovery, how do you reflect on humanity's response to the end of the war? Has it changed the way you view our place in the galaxy or your own path within it?

Indy:
You know, I'm still struggling to get my head around humanity's response to the end of the war. I wrote a bit about it months ago and, even after publishing, I'm still processing my feelings about it all. I just can't believe that the petty powers went immediately back to bickering after we were united in the fight to defend humanity's ancestral home.

And then there's the Anti-Xeno groups.... I mean, I get it that we needed to defend ourselves, our civilians, against these brutal Thargoid attacks, but some of the post-war retaliation just seemed a bit much. The war is over and few -- if any -- aggressive Thargoid vessels remain. Let them be.

Interviewer: It's clear the war left deep marks. And while some have turned to fear or division, others seem to have channeled their energy into expansion. In the aftermath of the war, we've seen a noticeable increase in colonization efforts; new stations, new settlements, even entire system expansions. What are your thoughts on this post-war surge into the frontier?

Indy:
This whole Colonization thing feels just as strange to me. The human powers are never satisfied. Expand, expand, expand. It's just more "take" and not very much "learn". Now, admittedly, I have a couple stations I've sponsored as well, but they remain outposts for outfitting and refueling, not this build-a-shop-on-every-corner mentality that I'm seeing.

Interviewer: Despite everything -- the patterns, the politics -- you haven't stopped moving, exploring, or building in your own way. That drive is clearly still there. Given everything you've seen, all the places you've been, and the people you've encountered, what keeps you going? What's the next great horizon that calls to you?

Indy:
[Looking out the windows at the vastness of space beyond] Everything. There are untold mysteries out there; an infinity of knowledge and exploration.

Interviewer: [Glancing out the window as well] Spoken like a true explorer. Infinity doesn't intimidate you; it inspires you. Final question, Indy: If someone were to read your logs centuries from now, what do you hope they'd understand about who you were and why you flew among the stars?

Indy:
I'm not the first explorer, nor will I be the last. I hope my story inspires you to let your curiosity drive you, and that it motivates you to always reach for the stars.

During my adventures, I have come across scattered references to something called "Raxxla". Whether hidden in scanned logs, whispered through encrypted messages, or as a passing mention in obscure memorial beacons, its name lingers. At first, I dismissed it as just another legend, the kind that pilots tell each other over drinks in distant outposts. But the more I encountered its mention, the more my curiosity grew.

I began reading everything I could find in historical records, myths, and even some conspiracy theories. (Though I prefer to avoid the less... rational... "theories".) Some sources speak of it as a paradise, a gateway to something beyond human understanding; others claim it is merely a cautionary tale, a ghost story kept alive by those chasing shadows. What is clear is that Raxxla is more than just a word; it is a puzzle with pieces scattered across time and space. Rumors abound of hidden organizations and pilots who know more than they are willing to say. That is understandable; it is said that speaking too freely, even in idle speculation, can bring unwanted attention.

Before deciding how to approach this mystery, I spent time brainstorming with like-minded pilots, notably a pilot named Rawnu, with whom I have collaborated before. We combed through logs, debated theories, and speculated on the significance of its scattered references. Every new clue seemed to raise more questions than answers. Still, even in uncertainty, the search itself became compelling.

To widen my perspective, I sought out Canonn Research, the largest and most active scientific community in the Bubble. Founded in April 3301 by Dr. Arcanonn, Canonn has been a leader in unraveling mysteries across the galaxy, from Thargoid signals to Guardian artifacts. I have always valued my independence, preferring to follow my own path rather than align with the powers that shape the Bubble, so I was glad to find that Canonn operates as a loose collective rather than a rigid hierarchy. There are no orders, no obligations; simply knowledge freely shared among those who seek it.

The search continues, as it always has, and perhaps that is the real question: Is Raxxla something to be found or something to always seek?

Today, I fly with the title of Triple Elite, having reached Elite rank in Exploration, Combat, and Trade. Technically, I hold four Elite ranks, as I have also achieved Elite in Mercenary; however, only the core three count toward this commendation. Soon, I will reach Elite in Exobiology as well. My training in the CQC Arena continues, a challenge of its own and separate from the journey of these ranks.

I first earned Elite in Exploration, venturing to the edge of the galaxy to discover distant worlds, map the unknown, and immerse myself in the beauty of space. Next, I achieved Elite in Combat, honing my skills against pirates and defending both Shinrarta Dezhra and Sol against the Thargoids in battles that shaped the fate of the Bubble. Lastly, I earned Elite in Trade, though I had never considered myself a trader. I found purpose in transporting food and supplies to famine-stricken stations, using commerce as a tool to help those in need rather than for mere profit.

Earning Triple Elite is not the end; it is a milestone in the journey of growth and learning as a pilot. A journey into the vast expanse of possibilities ahead.

Frameshift Drive Charging. 4... 3... 2... 1... Engage.

Advancing my rank in Trade has been a slog. Hauling cargo between stations and chasing market trends was never as fulfilling as action and exploration. I had experience with passenger transport from running evacuations during the Thargoid invasions, so I tried passenger transport. Group transport felt as dull as cargo hauling while being less profitable. Luxury tours were more engaging but didn’t contribute to Trade rank. So, I put aside my reluctance and turned back to cargo runs in order to make a final push to Elite rank in Trade. I searched for a station with reliable trade routes and found one in an independent system positioned between several major powers. It looked like it would be an ideal hub. In reality, it was a system in crisis.

The system was under the rule of an oppressive dictatorship, its stations tightly controlled by an administration that operated less like a government and more like a crime syndicate. Speaking with the locals, I learned that the system was suffering through a famine. The initial shortages had been caused by poor crop yields, but what should have been a manageable crisis had been exacerbated by greed. The ruling class had turned food into a tool of control, restricting supplies to maintain their power. Security forces patrolled the concourses, not to protect civilians, but to suppress dissent. Nearby major powers had sent aid, but relief shipments were either turned away or seized for the privileged few.

Lucky for me, as an independent pilot, I was all but ignored at the blockades. And it occurred to me that I could use that as an opportunity. Under the guise of commerce, I started ferrying local resources to a nearby system in exchange for food supplies. I was able to deliver thousands of tons into the hands of the people, using the pretense of simple trade to slip through the grip of the dictatorship. I also donated credits directly to the factions working against the dictatorship, funding their efforts for change. Given the politics of the system, my efforts may have been a bit risky, but I wanted to use my skills and resources to undermine a corrupt government and provide food to neglected citizens.

Trade had always seemed dull to me, a profession driven by profit, but perhaps I misjudged the potential. Perhaps, in the right hands with the right intentions, the goal of trade can be purpose instead of profit. I set out thinking I'd be mindlessly transporting commodities; instead, I found myself carrying a cargo bay full of hope. As I near Elite in Trade, I find myself seeking out more systems in need. I may not enjoy space trucking, but I do enjoy circumventing the bickering factions and petty powers to free people from oppression and suffering.

The defeat of the Titan Cocijo, the last known Thargoid mothership, was an event worth celebrating. After Cocijo exploded into debris orbiting Earth, I spent several days with friends and family, reflecting on the war with the Thargoids and looking hopefully toward the future. But as the celebrations quieted, I began to notice the disappointing reality that the factions and powers of humanity, now free from the looming threat of annihilation, had resumed their petty squabbling. I had hoped the AX war might lead us to something greater; a chance for humanity to ascend to new heights. Instead, it seems to have created more space for the same old struggles.

Unwilling to choose a side in these endless conflicts, I decided it was time to step away. Aboard the Vastbound, my purpose-built extreme jump-range Anaconda, I charted a course far from the Bubble, traveling over 22,000 lightyears to Colonia. The journey was long, but it would have been even longer had Aegis not rewarded pilots with a collection of specially engineered SCO frameshift drives for their contribution to the defeat of Cocijo. The new FSD boosted the Vastbound's jump range to just over 90 lightyears, or nearly 400 lightyears with additional modifications and supercharged at a neutron star. Even with these upgrades, the trip to Colonia required no small number of jumps, giving me plenty of time to reflect.

This trip marked the first time I had ventured so close to the center of the galaxy. While I had taken long journeys beyond the Bubble before, this was something entirely new. The sheer number of stars was awe-inspiring; it was a reminder of just how vast and varied the galaxy truly is.

My time in Colonia was calm and refreshing. I spent my days meeting the local engineers, learning their specialties, and dabbling in asteroid mining. Mining is a far cry from the thrill of combat, but there is something peaceful about the slow rhythm of extracting resources from the stillness of space. It offers a satisfaction of its own, one I found surprisingly enjoyable... at least in measured shifts. Besides, when I crave the thrill of combat, I could easily fire up the CQC Arena simulator no matter where I was in the galaxy.

As my business in Colonia came to a close, I began the journey back to my Fleet Carrier in the Bubble. With each jump, the density of stars gradually diminished; the familiar patterns of the Bubble’s skies returned. That familiarity had been comforting in the past, but it felt bleak and empty now. The thinning stars seemed to echo the politicking and bickering I had sought to leave behind.

I immediately noticed the rumors circulating as I returned: Many factions, it seemed, were planning to use the end of the war as an opportunity to expand the Bubble. While some may find that prospect exciting, it feels mundane to me. The real excitement lies on the frontier, far from the grind of human power and politics. The squabbles of humanity are weighing heavily on my mind. It feels empty and meaningless to fight over imagined distinctions and differences. Perhaps I'll find true ascension out there, among the stars. I feel the call within for another adventure, this time one self-made.

The rumors were true. The Thargoid Titan Cocijo had diverted to Sol, arriving in orbit of Earth. Luckily, its trajectory had been detected in time. Much of humanity united in a monumental effort to evacuate the system. I joined that effort with a ship I had already purpose-built for the sole purpose of ferrying thousands of people to safety.

The evacuation continued until the Titan arrived. With it came the inevitable fight. The time for rescue was over, and it was time to defend humanity’s home. Jumping back into the cockpit of the Chieftain I had flown during the defense of Shinrarta Dezhra felt natural; this was the action I had craved during the quiet month before.

It didn’t take long to see how far I had come as a pilot. My time in the CQC Arena had sharpened my reflexes and instincts; AX combat which once felt like a desperate struggle now seemed almost second nature. For the first time, I felt truly in control of the battlefield.

Encouraged by my successes, I decided to experiment with other ships and weapons. Using my connections and resources, I secured a collection of modified Guardian Shard Cannons, known as “modShards” in the AX community. These weapons pack an incredible punch, and I devised a plan to turn that punch into a wallop. I outfitted a new Anaconda with not one, not two, not even four, but six modShards. I named the ship Don’t Want None because I wasn’t going to waste time or ammo on anything except the most formidable Thargoid ships¹. Scouts and smaller interceptors were barely worth the effort of targeting them.

I also set up a Python II for AX skirmishes near stations. This build, recommended by a like-minded friend, was thrilling to fly. With a pair of modShards and a complement of AX multi-cannons, it shredded most Thargoid opponents. However, the Python II was far from indestructible. I quickly learned to keep it close to stations for quick repairs and rearming. On the rare occasions I ventured too far, I found myself limping back to my Fleet Carrier, the canopy shattered and the timer on my RemLock ticking down.

Despite the challenges, our collective efforts paid off. We drove the Thargoids out of the systems surrounding Sol, clearing a path to the Titan itself. It was then that we brought the fight directly to Cocijo. Following the Anti-Xeno Initiative’s instructions, I had already built a Krait Mk II for Titan bombing missions.

Seeing Cocijo up close for the first time was unforgettable and also the first time I'd ever seen a Titan up close; its sheer size was incomprehensible, a monolithic threat that seemed invincible. But humanity was determined. Equipped with specialized weaponry, I joined the attack, delivering payload after payload to weaken the massive vessel. I even brought along a few new pilots, helping them test their skills in AX combat and sharing its rewards with them.

The combined efforts of AX pilots finally sent Cocijo into meltdown. I was there when the Titan succumbed; the moment was surreal. Its explosion was like the birth of a new star, illuminating the darkness with a brilliance that was both beautiful and terrifying. It is a sight I will remember for a long time to come.

¹ "My anaconda don't want none unless you got buns, hun." -- Nicki Minaj, music artist of ancient Earth

Returning to Shinrarta Dezhra after my time doing mercenary work and pirate deterrence was a breath of fresh air. Things are a bit too stuffy for my taste in the Empire. Besides, I was fortunate enough to acquire one of the newly released Mandalay ships before they went into wide production, and I was eager to try it out.

Though the name "Mandalay" feels a bit awkward compared to other common ship names, the ship itself more than makes up for it. I named mine Adventure Nova, a tribute to the Adventure, my trusty Asp Explorer which I had flown for much of my time as a pilot. The name Adventure Nova also represents a new beginning in my journey as a pilot.

I outfitted the Adventure Nova with fully engineered components; my work with engineering had paid off well. From the moment I took the controls, I was amazed. Its versatility aligns perfectly with my approach to flying, adapting to almost any situation. The jump range, in particular, is outstanding; it surpasses all my previous long-range ships except my purpose-built Anaconda. For the next month, I simply enjoyed flying the Mandalay around The Bubble, revisiting old locations and discovering new ones.

I also lent a hand to friends who were working toward developing their skills and connections with various engineers. While they may not share my enthusiasm for meeting every engineer in the galaxy, they are starting to see the benefits of a finely tuned ship. Watching their progress brought back memories, and I was glad to share my experience to help them along; I also took the opportunity to tune up a few of my ship components while revisiting those locations.

I can’t say it was an action-packed month, nor did I need it to be. I was enjoying the achievements I had earned and the smoothness of this new ship. That said, the month wasn’t without new accomplishments. I continued my training in the CQC Arena, which has become a passion of mine. By the end of the month, I had earned a notable rank among the regulars. The simulator has sharpened my reflexes and instincts, and I have come to appreciate the fierce competition it offers; it is arguably more challenging than some Thargoid encounters and certainly more demanding than a common pirate skirmish.

The relative quiet did not last, though, as news began to spread about another potential Thargoid invasion. Tensions grew throughout The Bubble, with many fearing a repeat of the attack on Shinrarta Dezhra. Rumors circulated that a Thargoid Titan was heading directly for Sol. Sol is not just another system among the thousands humanity has spread to; it is the cradle of humanity. If the Thargoids were to bring the war there, I would stand ready to defend it.

My reputation as a mercenary and bounty hunter has apparently traveled far, even reaching certain ears in the Court of the Empire. While doing other things, not even in Empire space, I received an invitation to lend my services to Imperial factions. Furthermore, the Empire sweetened the deal with an offer of a fast track to Baron. So, I accepted, curious to see what challenges the Empire had to offer.

Once there, I quickly learned that things in the Empire's systems weren't as straightforward as those I had encountered elsewhere in the Federation, Alliance, and many Independent systems. Distinguishing between pirates and corrupt officials proved harder than expected. The Imperials and the Imperial military are unmistakable with their titles, dress, and formality, but the lines blur in the systems farther from the center of the Empire. In some systems, I might face an outlaw with a price on their head; and in the next system I'm the client of a "respected" official with an equally questionable history. One thing seemed clear, it was more about who you know than what you do in this place.

Still, I managed to find a few systems in need of assistance that weren't as complicated in their dealings. For example, there was one system which was grappling with rampant piracy, while a neighboring system struggled to defend against a violent takeover of their settlements. I could have found work elsewhere, to advance my standing in the Empire more quickly, but I was glad to fight for people who weren't so entangled in Imperial intrigue.

I slowly climbed the ranks of the Empire, eventually earning the title of Count. There was something amusing about earning that title on the last day of October, so it felt like the right moment to close this chapter and conclude my work in the Empire. Besides, I didn't intend to be a permanent fixture within the Empire; just a quick visit here and there to trick a few pirates and gather treats from well-paying factions.

I'm sure I'll do more work for the Empire in the future, but I prefer to be a free spirit. I set my course back to Shinrarta Dezhra, eager to see if I might try out this new ship I had heard about. More on that, next time.

After acquiring my Fleet Carrier, Fortune & Glory, I wasted no time making it my true home among the stars. Wanting the carrier to match the versatility I had achieved as a pilot, I transferred all of my ships and modules aboard as well as installing nearly every service available; everything from outfitting gear to running ExoBiology labs could be an option. I even made sure to provide facilities for my fellow pilots, so friends and visitors could store and modify their ships while aboard. Fortune & Glory was designed to be more than a personal base. It was a mobile hub of potential.

My original plans centered around exploration, with dreams of taking my carrier to the distant edges of the galaxy. However, as it often goes, fate had other plans. Without warning, the Thargoids launched a devastating attack on human space, and the unthinkable happened... they struck at Shinrarta Dezhra itself. The home of the Pilots Federation. Jameson Memorial, the nest from which I learned to really take flight, was suddenly under siege.

I knew immediately that exploration would have to wait. The call to action was clear and I wasn’t about to stand idly by. I was fortunate that Fortune & Glory housed all of my ships because, when Jameson Memorial went offline, many pilots’ lost access to their assets. I tuned up several of my vessels for Anti-Xeno (AX) combat. Originally, I had planned to hone my skills in quieter systems on the fringes of The Bubble, but -- with the Thargoids threatening the heart of human space -- duty had a new priority.

The galaxy responded in force. Pilots from every corner of space mobilized to protect Shinrarta Dezhra. Our combined efforts pushed the Thargoids back. It was a monumental victory for humanity and a testament to what we can achieve when united against a common threat. (You can read more about the victory in the GalNet article.)

For me, this was just the beginning. AX combat had given me a new challenge. So, I decided to seek out more. Not out of revenge, but a desire to sharpen my skills and protect humanity from the relentless threat of the Thargoids. With my carrier by my side, I went in search of systems under siege. I dedicated myself to the fight. Every battle with the Thargoids pushed my limits, forcing me to adapt and improve me as a combat pilot. The bounties I collected for destroying Thargoid vessels were unlike anything I'd ever seen, more credits than any bounty for human ships I had ever pursued.

Eventually, my efforts brought me to a personal milestone that I had long worked toward: I achieved the rank of Elite in Combat. A moment of immense pride that marked, not only my dedication to the art of combat, but also my ability to rise to the challenge when humanity needed it most.

It’s been months since I last logged a detailed entry like this. Months since I first set foot on Jameson Memorial. And in that time, the journey has been nothing short of productive and rewarding in ways I could hardly imagine.

After settling into Jameson Memorial in Shinrarta Dezhra, I dedicated myself to mastering the expertise of the engineers scattered throughout The Bubble. For about a month, I traveled to meet each noted engineer, trading knowledge and building my reputation. Eventually, I earned their trust to the fullest. My hope was that building my reputation with them would ensure that -- no matter the ship or system -- their doors would always be open to me for future improvements. It was amazing watching my ships transform under their expert hands.

While I honed my technical knowledge, I couldn’t resist the thrill of space combat, especially as it gave me an excuse to test all the new engineering. I dabbled in bounty hunting, testing my ships' capabilities against pirates and wanted criminals. The rewards were more than just credits; I sharpened my instincts, learning to adapt to different combat scenarios. Hearing the chatter in various systems, I was pleased to hear my name begin to spread.

Eventually, I turned my attention planetside, where mercenary work in ground combat zones offered a new kind of challenge. The boots-on-the-ground nature of those battles gave me an appreciation for strategy and endurance in a way that space combat couldn’t. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from storming a battlefield, knowing that every move could mean the difference between victory and defeat.

I invested in ships specifically suited for different tasks, expanding my fleet. One ship, in particular, became essential for bounty hunting, allowing me to rack up impressive victories over pirates in several systems. Another ship meant for more resourceful tasks and getting me quickly to surface missions; restoring power to settlements and bringing life back to abandoned outposts for various factions.

With credits flowing in from these successful ventures, I decided it was time for a monumental leap. In celebration of my birthday, I purchased a Fleet Carrier, naming it "Fortune & Glory." This was more than just a megaship, it was a symbol of the next phase of my journey and a gateway to the wider galaxy. (See attached.)

But this is just part of the story. There’s much more to tell from these last few months. As one might imagine, commanding a Fleet Carrier opens up a whole new realm of opportunities... and challenges. There's an exciting event only days away, so I hope I can find the time to catch these logs up to where things are now, so I can put my full attention toward the future.