(3303, 3304 and 3305 Logbooks reconstructed from destroyed originals found on scrapped Imperial database.)

27 Jun 3305 - My first log entry since the destruction of several year's worth of entries.  Should have listened to my colleagues when they told me not to reset my data files to a local server.  Unknown glitch in their system and now they're gone.  Not going to try to recreate them now.  Just going to move on, but will renew my account with the Federation's servers.  Safer there it seems.

This has been a lucrative year.  The details of which unfortunately, are lost.  But, lucrative enough that I now own 10 ships.  All docked at Shinrarta Dezhra.  Promoted to Admiral with the Feds and crowned a Prince in Imperial space.  Becoming a Prince wasn't by choice however.  Once the Empire has given you something they keep wanting more from you.  I should have known better.  Now, if I don't check-in periodically, they send bounty hunters out to kill me.  Something about not fulfilling my contract with them.  Must have been on one of my benders when I signed that contract.  Don't remember a thing.

Dual Elite now.  Exploration/Trade.  Have been fortunate regarding Combat.  Have stayed under the radar for the most part.  My experiences have all enabled me to evade most interdiction attempts.  Joined a Wing.  The Big Dam Heroes.  Just three of us now.  Recruiting is active though.  Working on a couple of prospective members.  Experiencing the Verse with friends keeps the monotony at bay.  Being out in the Black can be a very lonely experience.

Lately, have been doing some exploring using various ships like my Cutter and Beluga.  Now, I'm on an expedition to obtain the Blueprints for the Guardian Vessels.  Got the Keys, now working to collect the obelisk data from a Guardian ruin.  Using my new Diamondback Explorer, Galactic Expedition, BDH-13.  Extremely agile ship.  Currently resting in NGC 2451A Sector VJ-R c4-22.  Taking a break.  Those Guardian Sentinels are damaging my calm.

Gonna get back in the pilot's seat shortly to finish collecting the Vessel Blueprints then I'll plot a course to the nearest Technology Broker.

(3303, 3304 and 3305 Logbooks reconstructed from destroyed originals found on scrapped Imperial database.)

It's been a while since my last log entry.  Had to spend some time in the world.  Made a big mistake.  Caused me to part with my ships, Galactic Wander and Galactic Explorer, in order to stay free...not to mention alive.  The whole sad story started right after I was promoted to Ensign.  It went to my head.  Thought I was bigger and better than any pilot in the Verse.  Looked for a way to make credits fast.  Legal or not.  Wanted enough in the bank to purchase a Fed Corvette since I was sure to be a rear admiral soon.  Signed on with an alliance of pilots whose get-rich-quick scheme sounded good.  Wound up being the wrong pilot's alliance to join.  Bunch of inexperienced thugs and mediocre pirates.  We tried to pull one score too many.  Pissed off a very powerful coalition.  My "friends" sold me out to save their skins.  My ships were worth a hundred times more but were barely enough to bribe my way out.  But, I got out. Ever since that day, I've been watching the GalNet, hoping to see a report that they'd all run out of fuel somewhere in the Black and died frozen and gasping for air.

Anyway, now I needed to disappear.

Knew the best way to disappear, to be invisible, was to make my way into Empire controlled space.  Just enough lawlessness.  No one asks, no one tells. Made it to Roed Odegaard City in the CPC 22 212 system.  Took a job installing modules in the shipyard.  Months later I finally made enough to purchase a used Asp,  Galactic Wanderer II, ID: BDH-03.  With her I got a job surveying systems for CPC 22 212 Emperor's Grace, moving through the Black.  Think there's some bad blood between the Empire and Emperor's Grace.   I just needed to stay out of that, continue to lay low, keep adding more credits to my account.  My plan was to stick with it until I had enough to be on my own again.  Emperor's Grace was impressed with my work.  Quick and quiet.   Collected enough system data to earn the use of one of their engineered Pythons.   Got through the Black faster, credits began to pile up.  Time is money, even when flying through the immensity of the Black.

Continued to survey for a few more months.  Discovered hundreds of new worlds,  Finally though, aching to be on my own, be my own man, I told my boss I'd only be on the job until I had enough for my own ship.  That ended up being sooner than later.  Turns out they were planning to mothball the Python I'd been flying.  Convinced them to let me make an offer.  She only had about 50,000 light years on her.  Named her Galactic Explorer II, ID: BDH-04.  Yeah, yeah.  So I have a soft side when it comes to ships I fly.

First trip on my own was just 1,000ly out and back.  Made some more first discoveries.  Made some credits.  Took a break.  Kept thinking I was falling behind on my inebriation quota.   Met a guy at the pub on Goonan Beacon, down on the second planet in CPC 22 212.  Said he was a Duke or something.  He had an Imperial Clipper.  Gave me a tour.  Gutamaya ship.  Strong engines.  Told me, in order to purchase one, a pilot had to work their way up the ranks of the Empire.  Me and promotions have had issues in the past.  Still, when I want something I go for it.  After taking a couple days to dry out, I hooked up with a few factions allied with the Empire in Roed Odegaard City.  Working for the Empire isn't for the weak.  Not my best days.  Not proud of what I had to do.  But, earning respect in the Empire requires a certain suppression of  a person's morals.   Through trade, combat, murder and bribery, I worked my way up and was finally dubbed a Baron.   Didn't have to look far.  The shipyard at Roed Odegaard City just happened to have what I wanted in stock.  The Clipper was mine.  Named her Emperor's Sabre, ID: BDH-05.  I believe the Empire is trying to brainwash me.  I gotta get out of CPC 22 212.  Next stop, Sol.

(3303, 3304 and 3305 Logbooks reconstructed from destroyed originals found on scrapped Imperial database.)

Was just about to put down a pile of credits on an almost-new Viper MkIII when I overheard two pilots, or should I say 'space ship drivers' having a conversation in the corner of the shipyard.  Something about Pleiades Resource Enterprise needing to track down a black box near one of the T-Tauri type stars in HR 1185.  Seems one of their ships, a capital ship I think, was attacked by “they don’t know who” and they want answers quick.  Thought I heard them say 4 Mil to the pilot who collects the booty and delivers it back to Hudson Observatory in HIP 17694.  Boy could I use a score like that.  Could keep a guy flying in style for a good long time.  So an idea started coming together in my head.  Why take a Viper out and risk my life collecting bounties for a few credits when I could take one trip, two hops at the most, pick up a small, non-lethal, black box and rake in 4 Million credits?  Thinking about the non-lethal part helped me make up my mind pretty fast.  Now I just needed to find the box before anyone else did.

So, I waited for the two pilots to leave, acting like I hadn’t heard a thing, then slipped out of the shipyard with all but 1000 credits.  Had to pay the contract cancellation fee to the Viper dealer.  Went back to my Type-6 Transporter, Galactic Wanderer, BDH-01.  Best Type-6 in the Verse!  Ain’t got no weapons on her but she’ll get me there and back in time to collect.  Quick stop at the pub though.  Never know when it’ll be your last taste.

Finished the checklist, requested departure vector, and left Blackmount Habitation in HIP 17692.  Headed for HR 1185.  Made it to System in two hops like I thought.  Quick system scan.  There's a funny looking anomaly near HR 1185 A 14.  Just happened to be the most distant body of the B-Type main star of HR 1185.  Yep, it’s a T Tauri alright.  If the anomaly was the Black box I knew I would need to get dangerously close the star to scan it clearly.  Moved Galactic Wanderer to almost 1 ls out,  Temps rising.  56 c.  Then the ship’s computer came alive confirming that I had found the black box.  Broke out of supercruise and lowered the cargo hatch as quick as I could.  30 seconds later I’ve got the box aboard.  Now to make it back to HIP 17694 without detection or interdiction.  Sweating multi-cannon rounds by now.  Engage!!

Two days later.  Sitting in my brand new Asp Explorer.  Man is she nice!  Calling her Galactic Explorer.  I know, not very original.  But I'm working on a theme for my fleet.  Okay, it helps if you've had a couple.  Anyway, Ship ID is BDH-02.  Can't wait to take her out.  Make sure everything's bolted down and all.  Wouldn't want the buffer panel to fall off.  Keep Flyin'!

(3303, 3304 and 3305 Logbooks reconstructed from destroyed originals found on scrapped Imperial database.)

Headed out into the Black yesterday on a 77 jump trip from Hudson Observatory in HIP 17694. Stopped along the way to explore each system, collecting system and planetary data. Hoping to sell the data collected once I arrive at my destination. After about 20 jumps or so I needed to take a break (6 hours flight time) so decided to land on the nearest uninhabited moon I could find. Found a decent landing zone and was just about to set the Galactic Wanderer down for a rest when, out of nowhere, a wing of 3 Goram pirates attacked. Gave me 15 seconds to drop my cargo or they'd commence firing. I immediately brought the gear up for an attempt to Moon them but was promptly destroyed...don't even know who they were or what kind of ships they were flying.

Back at Hudson Observatory, paid my insurance, got my ship back. Think I'll check out some short cargo runs between Maia and Merope for a while. Take it easy. Keep up my flight hours. Make a little cash then store Galactic Wanderer and purchase a Viper, or maybe a Vulture. Track down those Goram pirates and blow them out of my sky forever. Can't take the Sky from Me!

Personal Log February 3308 - Two years ago Arissa Lavigny-Duva fingered me as a spy to cover her regime’s missteps regarding the botched delivery of a female human asset to Derekas Station, Taevaisa. My selection for the assignment was very odd. Should have known I would wind up being her patsy. Never trust the Empire. Today, finally, the day has come. My release date. Two grueling years below ground on Achenar 1. Breaking rock. Ruthenium and Cadmium for the Empiric Penal Colony administered by the Achenar Empire League. Managed to remain amoung the living just barely. Physically damaged, mind broken. First thing I need to do is forget what I had to do to achieve this freedom. Gotta get to the nearest low security sector. Find some descreet lodging, find a way to take my sky back then find a back ally pub serving whatever will stop the horrors that consume my mind, day and night. Of course, the one I look to do first is obvious. As was said on Earth that was - Slainte!

6 February 3306 - After Action Log (cont.)

Arrived at the Taevaisa system 26 August 3305.  Initiated a quick system scan.  Roque and Derekas Installation located 232ls from Class F host star.  Checked for any lurking adversaries.  Scanner showed several ships near my position.  Mostly small fighters.  Friend or foe I was soon to discover.  Selected the station in the NavPanel, positioned the ship to navcomputer vector and eased into the throttle trying not to look too suspicious.  Admittedly, that's a bit hard to do in a FDL.

Speed gradually increased to about 1.5c and could see that one of the ships broke off, taking position high and left on the same course.  A Viper MK IV.  I braced for the interdiction attempt I knew was coming.  I was thinking that I might be able to handle a Viper.  Depending on the experience of the pilot of course.

The viper pilot tried to intimidate me via local comms at first but I kept radio silence as ordered.  Just about to break supercruise near the station, hoping to get to the no-fire zone as fast as possible, when the interdiction began.  Now was the time to use those evasion techniques I studied minutes earlier while jumping into the system from Achenar.  But, is was quickly obvious this pilot had studied the same techniques and knew how to counter them.  Before my FSD broke I submitted and immediately deployed the Pike's hardpoints.  Power to shields and weapons I targeted the Viper, weapons leading and locked.  Simultaneous fire from the Pike's engineered pulse lasers and multi-cannons hit the ship hard, crushing his shields.  His fire ineffective on the first pass against the Galactic Pike's shields.  While I prepared for the next pass, hoping to kill or be killed, battle rage intensifying, I heard the Pike's computer announce, "Surge detected."  The Viper was preparing to run away via high wake.  I let off the throttle pointing my nose back in the direction of Derekas.  10ls to go.  Didn't see any more ships nearby.  I was sure we were in the clear finally.  1k from the station I broke out of supercruise.  When within range, we were given the  go-ahead to enter and dock.  Gear down, ship's engine shutdown.  I got up to find my "cargo" and escort her to the VIP exit hatch.  She wasn't there.  No sign of her onboard or at station receiving.  I began to wonder.  Was she ever here?

During this conversation I was having with myself, the ship's COVAS, Celeste, calmly requested that I return to the bridge.  We were being threatened with annihilation if we didn't leave immediately.  What?!!  The engines would take a minute to start.  I needed at least 5 minutes to prepare for departure.  Got back to the bridge and contacted station ops to inform them I was preparing the ship and would lift off as soon as I could.  Engines at 95% when the first volley of laser fire hit the ship.  Just a warning they said.  But the energy drain from the shields delayed the engine prep by another minute.  Come on baby, don't fail me now.  Notified station ops I was ready to launch at 97%.  Gear up, throttle up, nose to the mail slot.  The station gave me a parting shot aft as I departed the station.  Whew, I made it, just need to boost away and jump to the nearest low security system I could find.  Was about to check the NavPanel when I notice the scanner had lit up with about ten fighters and one Anaconda.  All blocking my departure.  Throttled back, trying not to ram any of them.  I opened local comms to let them know I just wanted to leave the system peacefully.  No response.  Well not through the comms anyway.  A short minute later shields were down and hull was at 50%.  I had no way to escape.  I didn't dare bring up my hardpoints. Finally got a response on comms.  "Prepare for boarding."

After shutting everything down I moved to the hatch to confront whoever came through. But, all I remember was the door beginning to open.  All began to fade to black.  I knew I was falling to the floor but didn't feel anything.  My last memory was a large shiny black boot stepping onto my ship.

31 January 3306 - After Action Log as not able to access daily log during my most recent assignment.

Has been a while, again. Here's the story so far.

Arrived at Wilson Vision, Achenar System, 25 August 3305. The station is quite small and nondescript with a refinery based economy. I reported to the station's admin head wearing my Class B Empire regalia and checked in at a common data console. After a quick bio scan to verify by IDENT, I was escorted into another area of the station for a brief on the faction's current status. My handlers knew me as only a Prince and treated with the highest respect. No one at this station knew I was also an Admiral with the Federation. Inwardly I was worried the assignment they were about give me would highlight my inexperience as a fighter pilot. Princes of the Empire are well known for their deadly fighter ranks. But, you don't make it to the rank of Admiral in the Federation without being able to go all in even when you don't have the cards.

The brief was given by an intelligence officer of the Achenar Empire Party (AEP). He was small in stature, thin lipped, grey hair and steely beady eyes. When he looked at me it felt like a Thargoid scan to the brain. He introduced himself; "Junatan Kineko, Ministry of State, Achenar Empire Party" while my handlers showed me to a vary nice chair at the head of a small table. "Your Eminence," Kineko began, "thank you for arriving early to assist us in the matter that currently confronts our party in Achenar." He continued telling me of the schism taking place between the AEP and the Taevaisa Imperial Society (TIS) in the neighboring system of Taevaisa. Governing practices of the AEP are 'to' the people while practices of the TIS are 'by' the people. This seems to be creating financial and political losses for their investments in the Taevaisa system. The pending assignment, issued by Arissa Lavigny-Duval herself, is to deliver an AEP operative into a planetary outpost called Derekas Installation on Roque, a high metal content world. I struggled not to show my relief in learning this would be a delivery mission and not actual combat. As the meeting closed and my handlers led me to the door, Minister Kineko left me with the warning, "This operative is a high priority target for our adversaries. You will most likely be attacked many times before reaching your destination. If you fail, don't bother using your escape pod. Death in the Black would be much less painful than death at the hands of the Empire."

Next morning, I began preparing Galactic Pike, my Fer-de-Lance, BDH-30, for the trip to Taevaisa. Minister Kineko came to the pad about 10 minutes before my scheduled departure window. He informed me that the operative was already on board. No need for introductions. Orders were that I was not to see or speak with her during the flight. After my acknowledgement, we said our farewells, I completed the Pike's pre-flight checks, entered the coordinates into the NavPanel, requested departure clearance, and boosted away from the station at max throttle, all power to engines. Positioned the ship toward the vector indicated the NavComputer and engaged the FSD as soon as we were out of mass lock.

During the jump, I practiced some evasive maneuver techniques I found in the Codex.

21 August 3305 – You’d think a Federation Admiral or a Prince of the Empire could afford a proper vessel to explore this wondrous galaxy. You’d think an Admiral or a Prince would have amassed the experience it takes to command said proper vessel. A vessel, by sight, that proclaims superiority within the Universe. Well, not this Admiral…not this Prince… It all began with my attempt to collect the credits I needed for such a vessel, but my delusions of grandeur just about ended my career, almost killed me to be more precise. First by taking on the Thargoid after completing Guardian Tech engineering then, drinking myself into oblivion because of the nightmares I had from the experience. Despite my preparations, I failed. Lost two ships. Engineering Improvements made just weren’t enough to keep me flyin’. Thank God for my escape pod, and the courage of my wing mates, I made it back to Shinrarta Dezhra. After recovering from my wounds the second time, I couldn’t face the black again. Couldn’t face the fact that victory was so far out of reach. Couldn’t face the fact that I, Admiral, Prince, could not defeat them. Lavian Brandy had become my companion, my wing mate, these last two, three months. I’ve lost count. Kept it up. Until it finally hit me…”Damnit, I can’t let them take the sky from me! I gotta get back out there!” Woke up to someone pounding on my door not knowing what day it is. The pounding in my head matched what was happening at the door. Getting there was a struggle. Had to stop the pounding. Opened it to find Lieutenant Scanlon, Admiral Funari’s aide there. He handed me an envelope, then with a disgusted look on his face, turned and walked back to the station lift. Not a word. Confused, I closed the door and looked at the envelope. TOP SECRET and CONFIDENTIAL stamped onto it. My name hand written on one corner. Stumbled back to my chair and opened it. Second sentence in I had to stop. Hangovers and reading do not work hand in hand. Had to hydrate and medicate first. An hour later, I was able to read the complete message; I sat uncomprehending for what must have been another hour. As my mind cleared, I still couldn’t believe the order “Leave for Achenar immediately.” Why would the Federation want me to fight for the Empire? The orders are to take my best fighter to Wilson Vision. An outpost in the Achenar system and report to CMDR Wagar, a member of the Achenar Empire Party, for duty as Flight Leader. Looks to be a lengthy assignment…I hate packing….

11/28/3304 - Haulage missions become more than my T-7 could handle. Ended up getting a T-9 sooner than I thought. Galactic Carrier (BDH-11). With her I've been able to keep up with the workload for Mother Gaia. However, after my recent promotion to Vice Admiral, I've been reassigned. There's been an increase in data and courier missions. Parked my T-9 and cleaned up my Viper in preparation. Not sure why, but have been quite successful so far. Only one unsuccessful interdiction attempt. Mother Gaia is pleased with my efforts and dicussions of my progress toward one final promotion are being held with her staff. Will continue to move data until reassigned.

11/21/3304 - Has been an exhausting couple of months. Still working with Mother Gaia. Promotion to Rear Admiral has required more work than I thought. Although, during my efforts I did make Explorer Elite a month ago and Trade Entrepreneur last weekend. I picked up a T-7 Transporter to keep up with the amounts of cargo Mother Gaia needs to be moved. Named her Galactic Transport (BDH-07). Great ship in my opinion. Fantastic fuel/jump range. Great view out of the canopy. And of course, plenty of cargo space. Think I'll eventually pick up a T-9 just to keep up. Mother Gaia expects a lot from her rear admirals. Been getting a lot of grief from the fighter pilots. They tell me I haven't flown enough combat missions. Maybe, once I've fulfilled my cargo transfer requirements with Mother Gaia, I'll pick up a Viper IV or a Vulture and try my hand at combat. I have a Viper IV now. Galactic Data Courier (BDH-00). Use her as a fast courier transfering boom data, internal reports, etc. and to collect materials in the various signal sources in system. She might work as a fighter. I'll have to double check her stats with the other fighter pilots in the squadron. Got to go, Mother Gaia has another assignment for me. Wants me to report tomorrow morning, 0630. There's an old Earth tradition that takes place tomorrow. It's called Thanksgiving. I have taken part in the past. Doesn't look like Mother Gaia plans to celebrate it though. Space is huge and so is the workload needed to keep it running.