Multiple starports in the core systems have suffered tremendous damage. At this time the culprit is still unknown.

CSS ASTRID originally hails from the Sol system so it was natural we returned there to lend our help. More specifically the Li Qing Jao in the Sol system is burning. The inhabitants requires evacuation.

CSS ASTRID was quickly refitted for Economy Passenger modules and turned into a rescue ship. Despite several commanders advising us to choose another ship, the Beluga Liner will have to do. I quickly realized that without the aid of a docking computer, the Beluga is difficult to fit into the station in a timely manner.

When you first don't succeed, try, try again.

After a few passes, I could slide the Beluga into the burning station, land and evacuate a full load of passengers. Heat sinks proved critical.

Some commanders advise folding the Beluga fins by deploying the landing gear before passing through the mail slot. Don't. Just slide with the belly against the slot and be quick to avoid getting snagged by the rotation. I do this super quick and it is easy.

Urgent message from the core systems. Multiple starports under attack including Sol, Rhea and more. Something is afoot and CSS ASTRID is currently 18.000 light years from home. We are turning the ship back. I've plotted a route using neturon stars. Estimated 200 jumps excluding refueling side treks.

We are leaving immediately.

CSS ASTRID arrived earlier today at PRUNGOA EF-A E5. The super cruise safety hit and we dropped out of super cruise before slamming right into a Black Hole. It is my first experienced Black Hole and is slightly eerie in nature.

Most planets and gas giants orbiting the black hole are desolate and not really worth further exploration. Yet I do plan to set CSS ASTRID down on one of the moons to initiate all the necessary repairs from neutron highway wear and tear.

We are now 18,122.97 light years away from Sol. We will continue northeastward up(?) the Centaurus Reach.

The CSS ASTRID reached the PLAA AEC RY-B B41-1 System where she landed to visit an old abandoned settlement. Eerier and desolate. I spent some time in the SRV scavenging equipment from the base but at some point I detected two ships circling above, an adder and an asp. I figured it was time to return to the mothership swiftly in case something would develop.

Oddly enough I found myself unable to target the ships and before investigating deeper we ordered the CSS ASTRID to leave orbit and enter super cruise.

Nearby the DSSA IRONSIDE was stationed, open to all pilots and I figured it would be a good opportunity to sell some exploration data and go through basic maintenance. Ship internal integrity was down to 80% and the paint job had flaked to a similar rate. We authorized the expensive repairs while plotting our next star.

Curious though that the integrity of the ship had fallen so low. Must be accumulated heat damage. Will be interesting to see how this plays out as the CSS ASTRID traverses Hawkins Gap.

New course plotted - this time we are heading to PRUNGOA EF-A E5, a whooping 8,400 LY away. This will take us deep into the Hawkins Gap and into a scarlet planet nebula.

Today the CSS ASTRID arrived at Qeajo CZ-N c20-15 and after quickly scanning down the system discovered the two planets named David and Goliath. I navigated CSS ASTRID to enter orbit around David and then proceed down below the drop zone making sure we would bask in the stars light.

The mountains are truly impressive. I deployed the F63 CONDOR making sure that my second in command would keep the mothership stable and still while exploring the nearby ravines and canyons.

AMAZING

Every pilot should make sure to find a planet like this and take a small fighter along for a blitzing race.

Getting back to the CSS ASTRID new coordinates have been entered and we are turning eastward towards the Plaa Aec IZ-N c20-1 where several abandoned settlements have been found. The system is almost 3000 light years east or in the case of CSS ASTRID 60 frame shifts away. We make the trip slowly, exploring as we go.

Another 3000 light years out and I am seeing a pattern in my exploration. I tend to go heavy on the signal scanning early and late after setting out for a waypoint. In the middle I focus on getting light years behind me, thus barely completing a D-scan or "honk" before shifting to next star.

Currently CSS ASTRID is 2500 light years from her next destination, David and Goliath - a topographical marvel with enormous mountains to drive around with the SRV.

Yesterday I docked CSS ASTRID at Morgan's Rock a small asteroid outpost about 4000 LY away from Sol.

Entering the system, I was immediately greeted by an interdiction attempt by a low-ranked Cobra Mk.III and with CSS ASTRID being unarmed, I did have to dodge the interdiction. Easy.

It did set the expectation for the system. A quick glance at the scanner told the rest, several piracy signals in the threat levels between 5-7 as well as one station, Morgan's Rock. The station is located in the icy rings around a gas giant and engages in piracy and mining.

I was able to upload my cartography data for a nice profit and also claim a few first discoveries. A full refuel and some quick minor repairs later and I discovered that there are no missions available except donations and transporting material here. Without an available shipyard, I could not order any of my other ships to the station.

Disappointed I will stay the night and then leave next morning. My next destination will be eastward into Hawkins Gap before turning northward towards the Twin Mountains.

Sitting in the bubble trying to make more credits from mining, missioning, trading or bounty hunting makes me itch. So I flew back to CUBEO where CSS ASTRD, my Great Beluga was waiting for me.

CSS ASTRID was already equipped for long-range deep survey trip, including fighter and SRV bay. I just needed to stock her with half a dozen limpets just in case.

We are now roughly 1500 LY out from the bubble heading towards our first port of call NGC 6188 Sector LC-V c2-28 in the NGC 6188 Nebula. There is a small colony out there where we'll stop for supplies and plan our next leg of the journey eastward into Hawkin's Gap.

The trip from CUBEO to the Nebula is estimated to take 92 jumps. Should be doable in a jiffy.