With sov changes coming up, I can no longer hole up in my chosen system and do everything I want without moving around. Indexes need to be raised so we can better defend the space we live in so I'm off flying around to whatever system they need, ratting or mining to help the cause.
This presented a particular problem I had solved long ago in High Sec. Getting ships around.
In High Sec, it annoyed me to have to fly back and forth to pick up ships and move them. They came out with the new Bowhead for moving these ships, but I can't fly one yet. I can, however, fly an Orca that will do the job. I have an Orca in high sec, but i can't get it out here. So what to do? None are on the market.
I'm going to build one.
------------------------------
Doussivitte 0.6<Agiesseson<Sinq Laison
Doussivitte VIII - Moon 20 - Chemical Tech Factory
Gallente Federation
It was going on two weeks now that the girls had really started to dig deep and put some effort into getting pampered, spending a measly amount of ISK in the eyes of a capsuleer. Still, even luxury was starting to get boring, and the three girls were soon reminded of why they became Capsuleers in the first place.
A measly 4 jumps from Dodixie, Osiph had moved operations to a factory in a system with a lower industrial index.
"Why are we here again?" Amalea asked, almost in a whine. The three sat around Osiph's Captain's quarters as Osiph stared at her Neocom, managing industry jobs, research and invention.
"I've never really paid attention to the industry index of systems before. I was getting bored of trying manufacturing in Dodixie station because of the thin margins." Osiph explained without looking away from her terminal.
"If you're that worried about margins, look into a POS." Maya said. Osiph shook her head.
"I've wanted one, but it's not worth the fuel. Plus, there's word that they'll soon be obsolete." Osiph said, "I hear there are new structures available soon that Capsuleers have permission to build."
"You want a Citadel." Maya teased, "How gaudy."
"Just a small one. I think it would be nice to own your own station type structure you can dock in." she said.
"So why this station?" Amalea asked.
"It has invention services. I want to really put some effort into making T2 things." She said, "It's better margins."
"What are you making?" Maya asked. Osiph looked up from her Neocom and glanced between the two, "What, afraid we'll start doing the same and become competitors?"
"Drones, mostly." she said, "I heard the best is to start with Ammunition, drones, scripts and really anything that gets blown up a lot." She paused and hit a button, the holoreel on the table displayed a catalyst, "I was going to start making these, but everyone is doing it and the margins are thin."
"Catalysts?" Amalea asked, "Why?" Both Maya and Osiph glanced at each other and sighed.
"It's the destroyer favored among pirates who gank things in HighSec." Maya said, "They use these because they have enough damage output to kill things before CONCORD shows up to kill them."
"That's horrible!" Amalea gasped.
"That's life." Osiph sighed, "You're a miner and you didn't know that?"
"I just did whatever Sain told me to." She innocently said.
"Well, if you ever see one, or any destroyer on grid with you while mining, get out." Osiph said, "They use them because they do a lot of damage and are cheap."
"If they're so horrible, why are you supplying them with their tools of death?" Amalea questioned.
"Money is money." Osiph said, "I don't know the Catalysts I put on the market will be bought by pirates or some mission runner. There's no way to tell."
"Amalea, you have to get our of this righteous phase. We're Capsuleers. We have to do some shady things now and then to keep going. If you think going industry will keep you from killing people and take the moral high ground, think again. All the minerals you mine from the ore in belts are going to make ships, guns, and bullets that will be used to kill someone. If you aren't firing the gun, you're an arms dealer and supplying them to others to use instead. It's the way of the universe now." Maya lectured. Amalea had shrunk into the couch and was now hugging her knees. Maya leaned back as she noticed she was now leaning forward, almost in an accusatory posture. Relaxing, Maya sighed and leaned back, "You need to watch out for number one, Amalea."
"You need to get laid, girl. You're so uptight and naive" Osiph added with a smile, "It's something weeks of pampering won't fix. You need experience." Osiph laughed at the shade of red Amalea was turning as her face disappeared behind her knees in embarrassment, "What did I say?"
"She has an issue with men, remember?" Maya reminded. Osiph recoiled and smiled.
"She has no issue with Sain." she added. You could almost see steam rise from her ears from behind her knees.
"True, but he's still off in Null sec." Maya said.
"Oh that reminds me. I got a message from him. He wants me to send a set of BPC's for an Orca. He said he's building one." Osiph said.
"Can he build them?" Maya asked.
Osiph smiled, "He wanted me to send the Capital Constuction Skill book too. Oh and some Command Centers. He still hasn't set up PI since he moved."
"It's been forever. Isn't he mad about lost profit or something." Maya asked. Osiph nodded.
"Null sec planets are really good too for PI." She said, "Still, it seems to be a different mentality out there. More flying for the team rather than yourself. He seems to be willing to take a hit in his profit making to help out with things."
"That sounds like him." Maya said nodding. Amalea stayed quiet as she was just grateful the subject had changed. Osiph kept her in mind though and brought them back to point.
"So, anyway." she began, "Amalea, let's get you hooked up with someone. Take it slow, eh? What do you look for in a man?..."
Friday, June 5, 2015
Friday, May 22, 2015
New to Null: Resettling
Word has come across the net that there are changes happening. Rules regarding Sovereignty are changing and Alliances are contracting their area of influence to a more manageable and defendable size. Because of this, our Corporation had moved and switched Alliances to FCON, a member of the CFC, hold on, The Imperium I believe they are calling themselves now. This now means we are no longer a renter corporation and a member of a sov holding Alliance.
That means defending our space.
I joined this corporation for the reason that they do not have any CTA's or make you do anything. This has changed as they now expect you to join defense fleets and fight. I have little experience with PVP, low skill points and less time to undock than before, so it's something I can't really help with. I wish I could but other things have come up (OOC: we adopted a baby).
I sent a message to our CEO explaining my situation and he said that the sort of CTA wasn't really for everyone, but he encouraged people to participate to get our participation level above a certain quota to remain in the alliance. These are new rules we seemed to have adopted from the new Coalition, not something I particularly care for, but I will adapt.
I really need to get a pvp ship fitted. Maybe a few. I've been ratting recently and had to dock up several times to passing hostile gangs, only to hear that someone on Comms has been caught and asking for help. With only PvE ships in my hangar, I wouldn't be much help no matter how much I wanted to fly out and help.
I've debated leaving Null sec to head back to High sec again, pick up where I left off. But now that the money is coming in, it really is peanuts back in empire. The trade off is a weaker market and rules, among other things. I thought of coming back and running missions for a bit, but it takes a while again to get the standings to get good payouts. I'm going to stick it out here though. The people I fly with are great people, there are more opportunities here and I'm committed at this point regardless.
Plus, I've been away from mining for a bit and I hear my fellow miners are reporting changes in the Ores out here as well...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"What in the name of Molok are you doing here?" The agent asked. Chadrick shifted uneasily as he stood on the golden deck plates of the Mabnen IV - Moon 1 - Emperor Family Bureau in the small office of a level 2 combat agent, Marmed Odadi. His thick brow twitched in annoyance.
"Looking for work." Chadrick mumbled, "I'm trying to get back in da good graces of da Empire."
"And you come to me?" he asked, skeptical, "Why?"
"Look, I just picked a Corperation in the Empire dat would give good standin's for Amarr." He snapped, "It didn' 'ave ta be you."
"So you're saying I should be honored to be able to employ a mighty Empreyan to do my menial tasks. Am I not worthy of your services?" he asked in a snobbish tone. Marmed sat back in his chair and sneered in a way that just irked Chad in the wrong way. He sighed and spun on his heel towards the door when he was stopped by the agent again, "Oh, how the mighty have fallen? I read that you used to be a big shot in the military, became a Capsuleer and then did a few bad things. Where have you been for the last few months, Chadrick?"
"Inna wormhole." he grunted.
"Off grid I see." the Agent sneered, "Trying to make a comeback then?"
"I'm trying to turn over a new leaf. Tryin' to slow down a bit." Chad said, rubbing his brow, "I'm just sick of getting shot at by Sleepers for the moment. And I know somethin big is happening with them now that all these Drifter ships are popping up. I just want to get out of the way and do my own thing."
"Sleepers? You fought them?" he asked, "Did you fight a Drifter?"
"No, not the Drifters." he said, "But I've take a few Nanoribbons from the normal ones farting around in the hole."
"I see."
"Anyway, I'm not going to waste anymore of your time." Chad grunted. Marmed raised his hand.
"I may have something for you." he said, "Although, you aren't in good standing with the Empire for killing ships for the Caldari and Minmatar around Metropolis."
"I just work where there's money." Chadrick said with a shrug, not really concerned what the Empire thought of him. His social skills were high enough for most Agents to overlook the lowered standings.
"I have a mission. I need a shipment of Silicate Glass delivered to this station as soon as possible. It's currently stored in one of our warehouses; I'll give you the coordinates, of course. Just warp to our outpost, navigate to the warehouse, and pick up the shipment, and then return it here. Simple, ain't it?
Just make sure you keep a lookout for any suspicious activity. You can't be too careful these days."
"You want me ta be a delivery boy?" Chad asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm expecting this mission to be somewhat complicated. You may need a fast ship, or maybe a cruiser. What are you flying?" Marmed said. Chadrick hesitated before answering.
"Battlecruiser. I'm flying a Prophecy." he replied. Marmed's eyes widened for a moment then he smiled.
"You'll do fine."
--------------------------------------------------------
Warping to the supplied coordinates, Chadrick spotted the warehouse he was supposed to pick up the Silicate Glass from and started approaching the location. Halfway there, he got impatient with the speed of his ship and activated a micro warp drive to go faster. Just as he entered transfer range, he quickly scooped the cargo and turned around.
Space quickly filled with red crosses and Blood Raider frigates, destroyers and cruisers barreled towards him, the space around him lighting up with red and white beams of light.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" he muttered to himself, "I figured the bastard wasn't telling me everything."
He suspected the idea was to just grab the loot and run away, but he was so pissed at this point that he decided to mow down everything that was coming his way. Missiles sprayed from his ship and his best drones buzzed around dropping them one by one. Ships exploded so often that every pop gave a little satisfaction to Chadrick, almost enjoying this opportunity to let loose and 'express himself'.
He managed to get down to around five ships when a second wave warped in. A little shot of adrenaline went through his body as he eyed his shield, which was now nearly gone, and the damage started coming off his armor instead. Activating a hardener, he went back to focusing on killing stuff and when the dust settled, they had stripped off half his armor and his salvage drones were off stripping the wrecks of anything useful.
After the attack, Chadrick had a chance to once again think about the bastard Agent who sent him to an expected ambush and didn't tell him. Warping back to the station, he made sure the station crew unloaded the cargo and he paid his repair bill, bringing the data pad with him to Marmed's office.
"I'm here to pass in the goods. Mission complete." Chad snapped as he entered the meager office.
"Splendid! I have already transferred the ninety four thousand ISK to your account." He said taking the Data Pad, "What's this?"
"My repair bill for ma ship." Chadrick stated, his voice thick with hate, "It cost me 'bout a million and a half to fix. I don't think ninety four thousand will cut it."
"I-I'm sorry, sir. But you understand that under the circumstances, any normal person would have just warped away with the cargo and not even get a scratch on their shields." he stammered, "Wait, did you stay and fight them?"
"They pissed me off." Chad said, "Or rather, you pissed me off for sendin' me into a trap."
"You killed them all?" he asked again in disbelief.
"Battlecruiser, remember?" Chad said, "Regardless, you sent me there knowing those pirates would show up. I don't take kindly to misinformation."
"I do apologize, but I had to be sure you would take the mission."
"Be sure I won't be taking any more from you." Chad said, his fists balling at his sides. Chadrick's anger began to boil up and he knew he would get in trouble if he just clocked the guy and stormed out. He had a pistol on him, but even threatening him with it would be useless as everyone knows about the station security system disabling any live firearms on board. He should have worn his Parapistol as Sain kept telling him to do, but he hated knowing that he only had a glorified stun gun as his only weapon. Still, his only option was to just leave and cut his ties to this agent. Maybe find another somewhere else.
Or try something new entirely....
Later that day, Chadrick stood in the Amarr trade hub station, holding his Neocom showing his now maxed trade orders. He waited until his wallet flashed and his available order counter would show one available to use. He would then select another random module from his asset list and sell it off for a little cheaper than the lowest price in the station.
A fire sale if you will. A contract for the Prophecy was up for grabs as well. Odd, He had always wanted to fly one of them as he found the ship design to be esthetically pleasing, however, once he was in one, he found the ship rather bulky and thick. He clearly saw why some capsuleers call it the "Fat Turkey".
A plan was in the works, yet it may take a while to implement.
That means defending our space.
I joined this corporation for the reason that they do not have any CTA's or make you do anything. This has changed as they now expect you to join defense fleets and fight. I have little experience with PVP, low skill points and less time to undock than before, so it's something I can't really help with. I wish I could but other things have come up (OOC: we adopted a baby).
I sent a message to our CEO explaining my situation and he said that the sort of CTA wasn't really for everyone, but he encouraged people to participate to get our participation level above a certain quota to remain in the alliance. These are new rules we seemed to have adopted from the new Coalition, not something I particularly care for, but I will adapt.
I really need to get a pvp ship fitted. Maybe a few. I've been ratting recently and had to dock up several times to passing hostile gangs, only to hear that someone on Comms has been caught and asking for help. With only PvE ships in my hangar, I wouldn't be much help no matter how much I wanted to fly out and help.
I've debated leaving Null sec to head back to High sec again, pick up where I left off. But now that the money is coming in, it really is peanuts back in empire. The trade off is a weaker market and rules, among other things. I thought of coming back and running missions for a bit, but it takes a while again to get the standings to get good payouts. I'm going to stick it out here though. The people I fly with are great people, there are more opportunities here and I'm committed at this point regardless.
Plus, I've been away from mining for a bit and I hear my fellow miners are reporting changes in the Ores out here as well...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"What in the name of Molok are you doing here?" The agent asked. Chadrick shifted uneasily as he stood on the golden deck plates of the Mabnen IV - Moon 1 - Emperor Family Bureau in the small office of a level 2 combat agent, Marmed Odadi. His thick brow twitched in annoyance.
"Looking for work." Chadrick mumbled, "I'm trying to get back in da good graces of da Empire."
"And you come to me?" he asked, skeptical, "Why?"
"Look, I just picked a Corperation in the Empire dat would give good standin's for Amarr." He snapped, "It didn' 'ave ta be you."
"So you're saying I should be honored to be able to employ a mighty Empreyan to do my menial tasks. Am I not worthy of your services?" he asked in a snobbish tone. Marmed sat back in his chair and sneered in a way that just irked Chad in the wrong way. He sighed and spun on his heel towards the door when he was stopped by the agent again, "Oh, how the mighty have fallen? I read that you used to be a big shot in the military, became a Capsuleer and then did a few bad things. Where have you been for the last few months, Chadrick?"
"Inna wormhole." he grunted.
"Off grid I see." the Agent sneered, "Trying to make a comeback then?"
"I'm trying to turn over a new leaf. Tryin' to slow down a bit." Chad said, rubbing his brow, "I'm just sick of getting shot at by Sleepers for the moment. And I know somethin big is happening with them now that all these Drifter ships are popping up. I just want to get out of the way and do my own thing."
"Sleepers? You fought them?" he asked, "Did you fight a Drifter?"
"No, not the Drifters." he said, "But I've take a few Nanoribbons from the normal ones farting around in the hole."
"I see."
"Anyway, I'm not going to waste anymore of your time." Chad grunted. Marmed raised his hand.
"I may have something for you." he said, "Although, you aren't in good standing with the Empire for killing ships for the Caldari and Minmatar around Metropolis."
"I just work where there's money." Chadrick said with a shrug, not really concerned what the Empire thought of him. His social skills were high enough for most Agents to overlook the lowered standings.
"I have a mission. I need a shipment of Silicate Glass delivered to this station as soon as possible. It's currently stored in one of our warehouses; I'll give you the coordinates, of course. Just warp to our outpost, navigate to the warehouse, and pick up the shipment, and then return it here. Simple, ain't it?
Just make sure you keep a lookout for any suspicious activity. You can't be too careful these days."
"You want me ta be a delivery boy?" Chad asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm expecting this mission to be somewhat complicated. You may need a fast ship, or maybe a cruiser. What are you flying?" Marmed said. Chadrick hesitated before answering.
"Battlecruiser. I'm flying a Prophecy." he replied. Marmed's eyes widened for a moment then he smiled.
"You'll do fine."
--------------------------------------------------------
Warping to the supplied coordinates, Chadrick spotted the warehouse he was supposed to pick up the Silicate Glass from and started approaching the location. Halfway there, he got impatient with the speed of his ship and activated a micro warp drive to go faster. Just as he entered transfer range, he quickly scooped the cargo and turned around.
Space quickly filled with red crosses and Blood Raider frigates, destroyers and cruisers barreled towards him, the space around him lighting up with red and white beams of light.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" he muttered to himself, "I figured the bastard wasn't telling me everything."
He suspected the idea was to just grab the loot and run away, but he was so pissed at this point that he decided to mow down everything that was coming his way. Missiles sprayed from his ship and his best drones buzzed around dropping them one by one. Ships exploded so often that every pop gave a little satisfaction to Chadrick, almost enjoying this opportunity to let loose and 'express himself'.
He managed to get down to around five ships when a second wave warped in. A little shot of adrenaline went through his body as he eyed his shield, which was now nearly gone, and the damage started coming off his armor instead. Activating a hardener, he went back to focusing on killing stuff and when the dust settled, they had stripped off half his armor and his salvage drones were off stripping the wrecks of anything useful.
After the attack, Chadrick had a chance to once again think about the bastard Agent who sent him to an expected ambush and didn't tell him. Warping back to the station, he made sure the station crew unloaded the cargo and he paid his repair bill, bringing the data pad with him to Marmed's office.
"I'm here to pass in the goods. Mission complete." Chad snapped as he entered the meager office.
"Splendid! I have already transferred the ninety four thousand ISK to your account." He said taking the Data Pad, "What's this?"
"My repair bill for ma ship." Chadrick stated, his voice thick with hate, "It cost me 'bout a million and a half to fix. I don't think ninety four thousand will cut it."
"I-I'm sorry, sir. But you understand that under the circumstances, any normal person would have just warped away with the cargo and not even get a scratch on their shields." he stammered, "Wait, did you stay and fight them?"
"They pissed me off." Chad said, "Or rather, you pissed me off for sendin' me into a trap."
"You killed them all?" he asked again in disbelief.
"Battlecruiser, remember?" Chad said, "Regardless, you sent me there knowing those pirates would show up. I don't take kindly to misinformation."
"I do apologize, but I had to be sure you would take the mission."
"Be sure I won't be taking any more from you." Chad said, his fists balling at his sides. Chadrick's anger began to boil up and he knew he would get in trouble if he just clocked the guy and stormed out. He had a pistol on him, but even threatening him with it would be useless as everyone knows about the station security system disabling any live firearms on board. He should have worn his Parapistol as Sain kept telling him to do, but he hated knowing that he only had a glorified stun gun as his only weapon. Still, his only option was to just leave and cut his ties to this agent. Maybe find another somewhere else.
Or try something new entirely....
Later that day, Chadrick stood in the Amarr trade hub station, holding his Neocom showing his now maxed trade orders. He waited until his wallet flashed and his available order counter would show one available to use. He would then select another random module from his asset list and sell it off for a little cheaper than the lowest price in the station.
A fire sale if you will. A contract for the Prophecy was up for grabs as well. Odd, He had always wanted to fly one of them as he found the ship design to be esthetically pleasing, however, once he was in one, he found the ship rather bulky and thick. He clearly saw why some capsuleers call it the "Fat Turkey".
A plan was in the works, yet it may take a while to implement.
Friday, April 24, 2015
New to Null: Jumping in the Shallow End
My corp is buzzing regarding a future move. I'm not sure the specifics, but we've been asked to leave our renting systems by the end of the month, I believe. Not a big deal for me as I've just started out here and I don't have much assets. I've already moved my stuff to the system asked of me, ready to move when everything is confirmed.
In the meantime, I've finished training for that Ishtar and finally fit the thing how I wanted. I had to top up my Afterburner skill to fit a T2 10MN Afterburner, but to my disappointment, The drones I wanted to use will take another 25 or so days. I'll go for them, as they do add quite a bit to my DPS. For now, I'm forced to buy Caldari Navy Wasps, because the price of Geckos are too damn high. I can see why people advised me to get them though. Omni damage and high hit points are very nice.
So there I was, undocked in my shiny new Ishtar, drones loaded and ready to warp to an Anomaly to rat for the first time in Null Sec, and I ended up warping to a safe spot instead.
I was hesitant to jump in. Like getting your trunks on, a life jacket, and floaties, and standing at the edge of a pool, staring into the depths and wondering if you will come back up if you jumped in.
I needed a lifeguard. Well, just until I knew how deep the pool was....
I was asking every question I cloud think of, then someone offered to come with me to my first site. Just what I needed. I warped in and they warped at 50km to me in their Tengu and just sat there to watch as the rats started shooting. Following guidance like a flailing child learning to swim for the first time. I got my feet wet with a sort of safety net in case I started drowning, but as the damage came in, my shields tanked it fine and I was able to float by myself. It's not that I was scared to go off by myself and try a site on my own, but why not take advantage of other people's advice if it's available, right? It turned out perfectly for me in the end. And, on my second ever combat site in null sec, I got an escalation 8 jumps away, which was rare as I understand it.
I think I'm going to like ratting out here. The money is better than mining, well the way I mine at least.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You've never learned to swim?"
Amalea turned pink and directed her gaze downwards at her knees as her legs slowly churned the water. They all sat on the edge of a large, luxurious pool, their legs in the water and sipped their drinks. Amlaea slowly shook her head and Osiph simply smiled. Maya kept quiet.
"I've never been around this much water." she said, "I grew up on a Barren planet."
"I wonder if there's a skill book for it..." Maya muttered.
"I could teach you, I suppose." Osiph said, leaning back on her hands, "Or I could hire one of those handsome pool boys to give you a private lesson..." Amalea's face turned a deep shade of red.
"No, no, no! That's alright. I'm fine like this." she said waving her arms in disapproval.
"You'd rather Sain teach you, right?" Maya said. Amalea spaced out for a moment and simply nodded as the other two girls started to giggle.
"No! I mean! I'd rather someone familiar teach me." she said, "Maya, you know how I am with men."
"Oh right." she sighed, "It might be a while before we see him though."
"Yes. It looks like he's settling down well." Osiph commented, taking another sip of wine.
"What's he up to lately? Did you hear from him?" Amalea asked.
"Recently? I just shipped that Ishtar up to him like he asked. Forgot to send the money though. Oh well, I guess." she sighed.
"He's going to use a combat ship? Missions?" Amalea questioned. Osiph shook her head.
"There are no agents out there. He's going hunting pirates for bounty. Ratting they called it."
"Ratting?"
"You know. Pi-rats. Rats for short." Maya explained, "Just the same, really. They sort of infest areas of space like rats anyway."
"And he's going out alone to kill them?" Amalea asked. The three went quiet for a moment and Osiph finished her glass of wine.
"Amalea, remember we're probably the only ones in a unique position to deal with criminals like that. It's to keep the peace. That's why we get paid to kill them. If we don't kill them, they will kill more innocents." Osiph explained, "Sain can handle it. He may be a little rusty but before he was a Capsuleer, he was, well, you know."
"Yeah. I'm just worried." She sighed.
"He'll be fine..." Maya muttered.
In the meantime, I've finished training for that Ishtar and finally fit the thing how I wanted. I had to top up my Afterburner skill to fit a T2 10MN Afterburner, but to my disappointment, The drones I wanted to use will take another 25 or so days. I'll go for them, as they do add quite a bit to my DPS. For now, I'm forced to buy Caldari Navy Wasps, because the price of Geckos are too damn high. I can see why people advised me to get them though. Omni damage and high hit points are very nice.
So there I was, undocked in my shiny new Ishtar, drones loaded and ready to warp to an Anomaly to rat for the first time in Null Sec, and I ended up warping to a safe spot instead.
I was hesitant to jump in. Like getting your trunks on, a life jacket, and floaties, and standing at the edge of a pool, staring into the depths and wondering if you will come back up if you jumped in.
I needed a lifeguard. Well, just until I knew how deep the pool was....
I was asking every question I cloud think of, then someone offered to come with me to my first site. Just what I needed. I warped in and they warped at 50km to me in their Tengu and just sat there to watch as the rats started shooting. Following guidance like a flailing child learning to swim for the first time. I got my feet wet with a sort of safety net in case I started drowning, but as the damage came in, my shields tanked it fine and I was able to float by myself. It's not that I was scared to go off by myself and try a site on my own, but why not take advantage of other people's advice if it's available, right? It turned out perfectly for me in the end. And, on my second ever combat site in null sec, I got an escalation 8 jumps away, which was rare as I understand it.
I think I'm going to like ratting out here. The money is better than mining, well the way I mine at least.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"You've never learned to swim?"
Amalea turned pink and directed her gaze downwards at her knees as her legs slowly churned the water. They all sat on the edge of a large, luxurious pool, their legs in the water and sipped their drinks. Amlaea slowly shook her head and Osiph simply smiled. Maya kept quiet.
"I've never been around this much water." she said, "I grew up on a Barren planet."
"I wonder if there's a skill book for it..." Maya muttered.
"I could teach you, I suppose." Osiph said, leaning back on her hands, "Or I could hire one of those handsome pool boys to give you a private lesson..." Amalea's face turned a deep shade of red.
"No, no, no! That's alright. I'm fine like this." she said waving her arms in disapproval.
"You'd rather Sain teach you, right?" Maya said. Amalea spaced out for a moment and simply nodded as the other two girls started to giggle.
"No! I mean! I'd rather someone familiar teach me." she said, "Maya, you know how I am with men."
"Oh right." she sighed, "It might be a while before we see him though."
"Yes. It looks like he's settling down well." Osiph commented, taking another sip of wine.
"What's he up to lately? Did you hear from him?" Amalea asked.
"Recently? I just shipped that Ishtar up to him like he asked. Forgot to send the money though. Oh well, I guess." she sighed.
"He's going to use a combat ship? Missions?" Amalea questioned. Osiph shook her head.
"There are no agents out there. He's going hunting pirates for bounty. Ratting they called it."
"Ratting?"
"You know. Pi-rats. Rats for short." Maya explained, "Just the same, really. They sort of infest areas of space like rats anyway."
"And he's going out alone to kill them?" Amalea asked. The three went quiet for a moment and Osiph finished her glass of wine.
"Amalea, remember we're probably the only ones in a unique position to deal with criminals like that. It's to keep the peace. That's why we get paid to kill them. If we don't kill them, they will kill more innocents." Osiph explained, "Sain can handle it. He may be a little rusty but before he was a Capsuleer, he was, well, you know."
"Yeah. I'm just worried." She sighed.
"He'll be fine..." Maya muttered.
Monday, April 13, 2015
New to Null: Finding a Rythm
TO: Maya Nao; Amalea Nao; Osiph Darkwing;
Subject: News from Null
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry everyone. It's been a while. I've attached my last log I've made since arriving in Null sec to let you know my first impressions of living out here. It's not bad and I do see great potential for earning money, but it's really the social aspect that's starting to appeal to me. Group comms are most enjoyable to be on. It's mandatory to be on, which kind of forces people to be there in the first place, but it also makes them available for questions or just to talk to. It's also much faster to report intel as well, rather than watching for text messages to appear on the intel channel. Also, it makes mining a lot less boring to do when you're talking to other people.
It hasn't been too bad for hostile activity here as I thought it would be. Intel is what makes it safe. As long as you're paying attention, you should be fine. It's hard to find replacement stuff here and it costs a lot more than back there. Oh, P.S. Osiph, please send money. My old gear should have sold by now. I haven't seen anything from you since I gave it all to you. It's fine if you need it, but I may need some shortly. I'm currently skilling to fly an Ishtar and will need one. You could just send one up to me with a good fit for Guristas Pirates if you like. Oh, I need the skill book for it as well.
Yeah, so I figured the trick to making it here is to diversify. I'm going to try the most popular form of income here, Anomaly ratting. Hence the need for the Ishtar. I've tried a few data sites and relic sites, but my lack of skills in that area caused me to lose some valuable containers. I almost want to remove the cargo scanner from my ship, in case I lose the container then at least I didn't know how much isk just exploded in my face. Ignorance is bliss, as they say. I think after I get in an Ishtar, I will skill up scanning skills for exploration and try that. Need to keep moving around to keep things interesting I suppose.
On the bright side, I haven't died yet or lost a ship. That could change quickly when I start ratting. Osiph, can you also ship up an Ishtar and fittings? Buying local is way too expensive, not to mention you have my money.
And now I'm starting to sound like a loan shark or something. Osiph, I don't really care about the money, I just need a little help to settle in a bit more. I could do it on my own, given time, but I'm kind of getting antsy just able to mine so far.
All the best,
Sain Darkwing
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Osiph put down her Neocom and smiled as her ruby red lipstick left a smear on her wine glass. Setting the glass back down beside the large bathtub she was currently immersed in, she sighed and sunk a little lower in the exfoliating mud that covered her to her shoulders. The towel on her head only slightly smeared by the mud as she rested her head on the edge of the tub.
"Osiph, are you sure it's fine to use Sain's money like this?" Amalea asked. She was sitting across from Osiph in the same situation, with Maya silently snoring beside her. An eye mask covered half her face.
"Relax! Amalea, darling! You need to understand that a woman needs to spoil herself at times!" She teased, "Besides. Do you have any idea how much this spa day costs? Sain has you two worrying over money too much!"
"H-How much is it?" Amalea nervously asked. She hugged her knees to her chest.
"Let's see. With the conversion rate from InterStellar Kredits to local Credits, It's probably five thousand for all three of us." she said.
"That doesn't seem like much." she said, "Five thousand ISK is peanuts."
"No, that's five thousand local credits." she said, raising a muddy finger, "Translates to about a hundred ISK, maybe? The exchange rate is rather high here."
"That's it?" Amalea gasped, "You mean to tell me, that all this time we've been spending in dirty bars and eating in station cafeterias, we could have been living the good life in elegance?!" He outburst woke Maya and she finally took her arms off the edge of the massive bathtub to put them in the mud.
"We talking about money again?" She asked, "Oh, did you also book the massage and interface cleaning, Osiph? I'd expect our implants for interfacing with the capsule may not take kindly to this mud."
"I have the entire weekend planned out. Don't you worry." Osiph said with a wink, "Sain won't even notice his money gone. I'm using a rather sizable chunk of it in manufacturing with decent profit and mining a bit on the side. I'm telling you. Don't worry about a thing. Let's enjoy ourselves and relax!"
Subject: News from Null
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry everyone. It's been a while. I've attached my last log I've made since arriving in Null sec to let you know my first impressions of living out here. It's not bad and I do see great potential for earning money, but it's really the social aspect that's starting to appeal to me. Group comms are most enjoyable to be on. It's mandatory to be on, which kind of forces people to be there in the first place, but it also makes them available for questions or just to talk to. It's also much faster to report intel as well, rather than watching for text messages to appear on the intel channel. Also, it makes mining a lot less boring to do when you're talking to other people.
It hasn't been too bad for hostile activity here as I thought it would be. Intel is what makes it safe. As long as you're paying attention, you should be fine. It's hard to find replacement stuff here and it costs a lot more than back there. Oh, P.S. Osiph, please send money. My old gear should have sold by now. I haven't seen anything from you since I gave it all to you. It's fine if you need it, but I may need some shortly. I'm currently skilling to fly an Ishtar and will need one. You could just send one up to me with a good fit for Guristas Pirates if you like. Oh, I need the skill book for it as well.
Yeah, so I figured the trick to making it here is to diversify. I'm going to try the most popular form of income here, Anomaly ratting. Hence the need for the Ishtar. I've tried a few data sites and relic sites, but my lack of skills in that area caused me to lose some valuable containers. I almost want to remove the cargo scanner from my ship, in case I lose the container then at least I didn't know how much isk just exploded in my face. Ignorance is bliss, as they say. I think after I get in an Ishtar, I will skill up scanning skills for exploration and try that. Need to keep moving around to keep things interesting I suppose.
On the bright side, I haven't died yet or lost a ship. That could change quickly when I start ratting. Osiph, can you also ship up an Ishtar and fittings? Buying local is way too expensive, not to mention you have my money.
And now I'm starting to sound like a loan shark or something. Osiph, I don't really care about the money, I just need a little help to settle in a bit more. I could do it on my own, given time, but I'm kind of getting antsy just able to mine so far.
All the best,
Sain Darkwing
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Osiph put down her Neocom and smiled as her ruby red lipstick left a smear on her wine glass. Setting the glass back down beside the large bathtub she was currently immersed in, she sighed and sunk a little lower in the exfoliating mud that covered her to her shoulders. The towel on her head only slightly smeared by the mud as she rested her head on the edge of the tub.
"Osiph, are you sure it's fine to use Sain's money like this?" Amalea asked. She was sitting across from Osiph in the same situation, with Maya silently snoring beside her. An eye mask covered half her face.
"Relax! Amalea, darling! You need to understand that a woman needs to spoil herself at times!" She teased, "Besides. Do you have any idea how much this spa day costs? Sain has you two worrying over money too much!"
"H-How much is it?" Amalea nervously asked. She hugged her knees to her chest.
"Let's see. With the conversion rate from InterStellar Kredits to local Credits, It's probably five thousand for all three of us." she said.
"That doesn't seem like much." she said, "Five thousand ISK is peanuts."
"No, that's five thousand local credits." she said, raising a muddy finger, "Translates to about a hundred ISK, maybe? The exchange rate is rather high here."
"That's it?" Amalea gasped, "You mean to tell me, that all this time we've been spending in dirty bars and eating in station cafeterias, we could have been living the good life in elegance?!" He outburst woke Maya and she finally took her arms off the edge of the massive bathtub to put them in the mud.
"We talking about money again?" She asked, "Oh, did you also book the massage and interface cleaning, Osiph? I'd expect our implants for interfacing with the capsule may not take kindly to this mud."
"I have the entire weekend planned out. Don't you worry." Osiph said with a wink, "Sain won't even notice his money gone. I'm using a rather sizable chunk of it in manufacturing with decent profit and mining a bit on the side. I'm telling you. Don't worry about a thing. Let's enjoy ourselves and relax!"
Thursday, March 12, 2015
New to Null: Settling down
Getting set up in Null Sec is expensive. Not only are things like ships and fittings scarce up here, it costs money to have the things you need shipped out to where you are. Our corporation has an arrangement with a shipping company so that's fine, but it can still be pricey. I was told I'd make money when I came out here, yet I ended up spending more to get set up. I think I just need to spend more time mining, or start skilling to be able to rat up here, but my income is very slow right now.
It's been over a month since I moved and I do like it up here. I can see how people say it's safer than low sec because of intel channels and open comms. The only mandatory rules are to be in fleet and on voice comms which makes total sense to me. The people up here are great and friendly, however, neutral pilots coming and going tend to disrupt activities in our systems.
If you were ever thinking of coming out here, here are the pro's and cons' that I have seen so far in my opinion:
Pros:
- Rocks are huge. I think I mined one out so far, the rest I've only dented. The asteroids are several times bigger than your ship.
- Mine in anomalies. I've never been to a belt as our Industrial Index is such that large asteroid anomalies are always present and sometimes offer upgraded ores.
- All ores are present. You can build anything you want without buying from market if you want to mine yourself.
- Always a fleet. Most of the time there are Rorqual boosts. They put max Orca boosts to shame.
- Bigger rat bounties. If they do show up, you get a little coin for killing them. Their loot is also upgraded somewhat.
- PI is amazing. Get your PI set up and manage frequently. Way better than low or high sec. All POCO's are owned my your corp/alliance with low export fees.
- Intel channels offer notice to dock up if hostiles are incoming.
- Stations/Outposts are privately owned and great manufacturing facilities/ reprocessing.
- Jump bridge network at POS'
- Can fly any ship you want. Not limited to Dreadnought and below like in High Sec.
- Warp Bubbles!
Cons:
- Activities can be disrupted for long periods of time due to neutral/hostile activity.
- High corporation tax to help pay for rental fees of space, (Still not bad as it's more profitable to be there)
- Rats are a lot bigger. Battleship sized pirates show up, maybe six at a time. Need good defense and drone skills to survive.
- There are Corporation/Alliance rules you need to follow depending on the one you join. These may vary from mandatory CTA's (Call to Arms), restricted activities in certain systems, and asset use like jump bridge, ship types allowed, etc.
- Market is smaller than empire space. Things may not be available or overpriced compared to High Sec. Will need to use shipping corporations to bring things in. No BPO's or skill books on Market, (or very few).
- Activities may be disrupted or relocation needed should Sovereignty of the system change.
- Higher Skill Points are needed to survive. May be limiting for new capsuleers. It is possible, but risky.
- Warp Bubbles!
I'm probably missing a bunch but as I said, I'm only out here a little more than a month. I picked up a Skiff because I was told the rats were big and it worked fine for a while, but I found I was filling it up way too fast and I was annoyed with all the warping to the corp's compression array. So, I ended up getting a Mackinaw and it was a lot better, but I was worried about the tank on it to survive the rats. The first time they showed up, I started to warp out but as their missiles started hitting, I realized I would be fine. It took a little longer for the drones to take them down because of the bonus on the Skiff to drone damage that the Mackinaw didn't have. I also find it best to mine with other people so there are more targets for them to shoot at and even out the damage between us all.
Null sec seems like a place where you need to work and build everything you need, rather than having it all available to you from the start. It's now a game of survival, rather than trying to be the best. It was a refreshing change and one that I needed to break the monotony of it all.
Osiph had sent a message to me, saying she finally sold off most of my things. One of them being my Charon for quite a bit. She asked if she could send up the ISK, but I told her to wait for now until I needed it. She ended up buying a PLEX but is holding on to it. She bought it just because the price had dipped a bit just to hold on to, but had offered it to one of the Nao sisters to come and join me if I wanted. Right now, I think it would be best to build up my wallet a bit first before I start expanding again. For now at least....
It's been over a month since I moved and I do like it up here. I can see how people say it's safer than low sec because of intel channels and open comms. The only mandatory rules are to be in fleet and on voice comms which makes total sense to me. The people up here are great and friendly, however, neutral pilots coming and going tend to disrupt activities in our systems.
If you were ever thinking of coming out here, here are the pro's and cons' that I have seen so far in my opinion:
Pros:
- Rocks are huge. I think I mined one out so far, the rest I've only dented. The asteroids are several times bigger than your ship.
- Mine in anomalies. I've never been to a belt as our Industrial Index is such that large asteroid anomalies are always present and sometimes offer upgraded ores.
- All ores are present. You can build anything you want without buying from market if you want to mine yourself.
- Always a fleet. Most of the time there are Rorqual boosts. They put max Orca boosts to shame.
- Bigger rat bounties. If they do show up, you get a little coin for killing them. Their loot is also upgraded somewhat.
- PI is amazing. Get your PI set up and manage frequently. Way better than low or high sec. All POCO's are owned my your corp/alliance with low export fees.
- Intel channels offer notice to dock up if hostiles are incoming.
- Stations/Outposts are privately owned and great manufacturing facilities/ reprocessing.
- Jump bridge network at POS'
- Can fly any ship you want. Not limited to Dreadnought and below like in High Sec.
- Warp Bubbles!
Cons:
- Activities can be disrupted for long periods of time due to neutral/hostile activity.
- High corporation tax to help pay for rental fees of space, (Still not bad as it's more profitable to be there)
- Rats are a lot bigger. Battleship sized pirates show up, maybe six at a time. Need good defense and drone skills to survive.
- There are Corporation/Alliance rules you need to follow depending on the one you join. These may vary from mandatory CTA's (Call to Arms), restricted activities in certain systems, and asset use like jump bridge, ship types allowed, etc.
- Market is smaller than empire space. Things may not be available or overpriced compared to High Sec. Will need to use shipping corporations to bring things in. No BPO's or skill books on Market, (or very few).
- Activities may be disrupted or relocation needed should Sovereignty of the system change.
- Higher Skill Points are needed to survive. May be limiting for new capsuleers. It is possible, but risky.
- Warp Bubbles!
I'm probably missing a bunch but as I said, I'm only out here a little more than a month. I picked up a Skiff because I was told the rats were big and it worked fine for a while, but I found I was filling it up way too fast and I was annoyed with all the warping to the corp's compression array. So, I ended up getting a Mackinaw and it was a lot better, but I was worried about the tank on it to survive the rats. The first time they showed up, I started to warp out but as their missiles started hitting, I realized I would be fine. It took a little longer for the drones to take them down because of the bonus on the Skiff to drone damage that the Mackinaw didn't have. I also find it best to mine with other people so there are more targets for them to shoot at and even out the damage between us all.
Null sec seems like a place where you need to work and build everything you need, rather than having it all available to you from the start. It's now a game of survival, rather than trying to be the best. It was a refreshing change and one that I needed to break the monotony of it all.
Osiph had sent a message to me, saying she finally sold off most of my things. One of them being my Charon for quite a bit. She asked if she could send up the ISK, but I told her to wait for now until I needed it. She ended up buying a PLEX but is holding on to it. She bought it just because the price had dipped a bit just to hold on to, but had offered it to one of the Nao sisters to come and join me if I wanted. Right now, I think it would be best to build up my wallet a bit first before I start expanding again. For now at least....
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Death, and a New Beginning
I was getting bored.
My goal was to make money, make a difference, and make friends. Be a part of something big, you know? I understand I was supposed to start off small, work my way up and make it big. I was looking forward to the journey, yet progress seemed to plateau for me lately. My wallet has broken a billion isk twice that I know of, and hasn't stayed up there long before it went down again. I needed a change or I would go stir crazy. Something different besides this constant cycle of wardecs and sitting on my hands, then try and rush out to make enough isk to keep one or both of the girls flying so I could keep income up. The plan seemed to work for a while, but with the wardecs and whatnot, I was clearly wasting money.
"Watcha thinkin?" Amalea asked. I jumped as I was staring out the window into space. I had finished my breakfast of bacon and eggs and was now sipping coffee while watching the ships dock and leave from the cafeteria. I did notice this morning that everyone seemed to pick seats far from my spot, besides Amalea and Maya, of course. They've been here a while without me noticing because Maya was halfway through her cereal.
"I was thinking of a change." I reply, setting my cup on the table.
"Changing what?" Maya asked.
"Everything. I was thinking of moving out to Null Sec. I would make much more money and the lifestyle is different." Amalea seemed to turn white. Maya didn't flinch and continued to eat. Only when she finished did she speak.
"What are your plans?" she asked, "It's going to be hard to get your stuff out there."
"Yes. I'm planning on leaving my corp to join one up there. I was thinking of selling most of my stuff and buying new stuff up there, but some of it has some sentimental value. I think I'm going to just give everything to Osiph and have her sell it for me or use it herself."
"How will you get up there though?" Maya asked, "I'm pretty sure you can't fly an interceptor. You will probably get caught in a bubble on the way and lose your ship and your life."
"Not to mention your impants." Amalea chimed in.
"I'm already in a clean clone." I said. It did feel odd to be in a different body. This one had the same upgrades as the last, but no implants. Those were still safely installed in my old body. I could clearly tell the difference. I felt kind of slow and dull than I was used to. Like I was half asleep compared to when I had implants. Maybe this is how normal people feel...
"So how are you going to go up there?" Maya asked.
"I'm going to die."
-------------------------------------------------
This is what I have done. I'm staring at the self destruct option while sitting in my pod inside a station. I had contracted all my things over to Osiph, along with an explanation of what I was doing. She was happy for me, yet she was a little disappointed that I was leaving just as our relationship was getting better. Maya and Amalea were at odds with how they felt about it. I had assured them that I would be making much more money and would have them come up with me as soon as I could if they wanted to. They both agreed after a lengthy private conversation.
I thought about Sister Alitura and her ongoing investigation, however, I directed her to Osiph who agreed to take up the investigation on my behalf. She told me she knew I wasn't happy here and understood why I was going, gladly helping anyway she could.
So now, all of my things were in her hands, my market orders canceled, all my industry jobs done, my PI has been pulled up, I've said my goodbyes and now I sit in my pod, my mind was kind of hesitant to activate my self destruct.
"You've remembered to set your medical clone to your new null sec station, right?" Maya asked over comms. My camera drone swiveled to view the balcony of my Captain's quarters where her and Amalea were standing.
"Of course. That's the whole point of me doing this." I scoffed, "I blow up here and my consciousness goes to my new medical clone in Null Sec."
"Then what's the hold up. Get to the explodey part!" She teased.
"It's just...." I trail off.
"What?"
"I've never died before. Not since becoming a Capsuleer." I confessed. It was true. I lost only a handful of ships, but no pod losses up to this point. I've never died."
"Is this why you asked all those questions about it before? You did just clone jump, didn't you?"
"Yeah, but this is dying." I say, "It's different."
"Are you scared?" Maya asked after a pause.
"No. It's just more like I have a decent living streak going here that I'm about to break." I say. I can see her shoulders shaking as she starts to laugh. The camera drone can't zoom in so far to see her face, but I can see this at least.
"Sain, have a good trip." She just said, "I'm sure it won't be long before we see you again."
"Thanks." I say, smiling. I tried to close my eyes but they were already closed in the pod. Still a little hesitant, I reached out with my mind and activated the self destruct.....
*.......BANG!*
It was a delayed reaction. There wasn't even an option to abort or to ask if I was sure. I pressed the button and there was a flash of light. I remember feeling cold and in the dark. Maybe it was the lack of implants that delayed the reaction, but before I realized it, I came to my senses and realized nothing happened.
Or I thought nothing had happened. The inside of the station was slightly different now. It seemed darker than before. The system indicator was showing those red numbers of Null Sec. I had made it and died doing so.
Taking a moment to calm myself from the jolt of a new clone, I start thinking of what to do next. I buy a Skiff and fit it out, then I was about to undock but my new corp's comms and Intel channels light up with warnings. I refrain from undocking and adrenaline rushes when I see local spike with twenty six new pilots, all red to me. The enemy had just jumped into my new home and I was forced to stay inside.
Within a few minutes, they had moved on, and I was able to undock for the first time, in a rookie ship to be sure. I had to fetch some rigs for my Skiff in the neighboring system, but as I warped back to the gate, again Intel flared up saying they were on the way back. I made it back in station and docked with my gear, but they didn't end up coming into the system.
I was told it was quiet up here. It does have it's moments though. I just happened to jump right into one of those moments. A lot more exciting than High sec, that's for sure. I'm looking forward to getting out into the belts and making some good money for once. For now, the trip and excitement had worn me out, and I ended up falling asleep in my pod for the night.
My goal was to make money, make a difference, and make friends. Be a part of something big, you know? I understand I was supposed to start off small, work my way up and make it big. I was looking forward to the journey, yet progress seemed to plateau for me lately. My wallet has broken a billion isk twice that I know of, and hasn't stayed up there long before it went down again. I needed a change or I would go stir crazy. Something different besides this constant cycle of wardecs and sitting on my hands, then try and rush out to make enough isk to keep one or both of the girls flying so I could keep income up. The plan seemed to work for a while, but with the wardecs and whatnot, I was clearly wasting money.
"Watcha thinkin?" Amalea asked. I jumped as I was staring out the window into space. I had finished my breakfast of bacon and eggs and was now sipping coffee while watching the ships dock and leave from the cafeteria. I did notice this morning that everyone seemed to pick seats far from my spot, besides Amalea and Maya, of course. They've been here a while without me noticing because Maya was halfway through her cereal.
"I was thinking of a change." I reply, setting my cup on the table.
"Changing what?" Maya asked.
"Everything. I was thinking of moving out to Null Sec. I would make much more money and the lifestyle is different." Amalea seemed to turn white. Maya didn't flinch and continued to eat. Only when she finished did she speak.
"What are your plans?" she asked, "It's going to be hard to get your stuff out there."
"Yes. I'm planning on leaving my corp to join one up there. I was thinking of selling most of my stuff and buying new stuff up there, but some of it has some sentimental value. I think I'm going to just give everything to Osiph and have her sell it for me or use it herself."
"How will you get up there though?" Maya asked, "I'm pretty sure you can't fly an interceptor. You will probably get caught in a bubble on the way and lose your ship and your life."
"Not to mention your impants." Amalea chimed in.
"I'm already in a clean clone." I said. It did feel odd to be in a different body. This one had the same upgrades as the last, but no implants. Those were still safely installed in my old body. I could clearly tell the difference. I felt kind of slow and dull than I was used to. Like I was half asleep compared to when I had implants. Maybe this is how normal people feel...
"So how are you going to go up there?" Maya asked.
"I'm going to die."
-------------------------------------------------
This is what I have done. I'm staring at the self destruct option while sitting in my pod inside a station. I had contracted all my things over to Osiph, along with an explanation of what I was doing. She was happy for me, yet she was a little disappointed that I was leaving just as our relationship was getting better. Maya and Amalea were at odds with how they felt about it. I had assured them that I would be making much more money and would have them come up with me as soon as I could if they wanted to. They both agreed after a lengthy private conversation.
I thought about Sister Alitura and her ongoing investigation, however, I directed her to Osiph who agreed to take up the investigation on my behalf. She told me she knew I wasn't happy here and understood why I was going, gladly helping anyway she could.
So now, all of my things were in her hands, my market orders canceled, all my industry jobs done, my PI has been pulled up, I've said my goodbyes and now I sit in my pod, my mind was kind of hesitant to activate my self destruct.
"You've remembered to set your medical clone to your new null sec station, right?" Maya asked over comms. My camera drone swiveled to view the balcony of my Captain's quarters where her and Amalea were standing.
"Of course. That's the whole point of me doing this." I scoffed, "I blow up here and my consciousness goes to my new medical clone in Null Sec."
"Then what's the hold up. Get to the explodey part!" She teased.
"It's just...." I trail off.
"What?"
"I've never died before. Not since becoming a Capsuleer." I confessed. It was true. I lost only a handful of ships, but no pod losses up to this point. I've never died."
"Is this why you asked all those questions about it before? You did just clone jump, didn't you?"
"Yeah, but this is dying." I say, "It's different."
"Are you scared?" Maya asked after a pause.
"No. It's just more like I have a decent living streak going here that I'm about to break." I say. I can see her shoulders shaking as she starts to laugh. The camera drone can't zoom in so far to see her face, but I can see this at least.
"Sain, have a good trip." She just said, "I'm sure it won't be long before we see you again."
"Thanks." I say, smiling. I tried to close my eyes but they were already closed in the pod. Still a little hesitant, I reached out with my mind and activated the self destruct.....
*.......BANG!*
It was a delayed reaction. There wasn't even an option to abort or to ask if I was sure. I pressed the button and there was a flash of light. I remember feeling cold and in the dark. Maybe it was the lack of implants that delayed the reaction, but before I realized it, I came to my senses and realized nothing happened.
Or I thought nothing had happened. The inside of the station was slightly different now. It seemed darker than before. The system indicator was showing those red numbers of Null Sec. I had made it and died doing so.
Taking a moment to calm myself from the jolt of a new clone, I start thinking of what to do next. I buy a Skiff and fit it out, then I was about to undock but my new corp's comms and Intel channels light up with warnings. I refrain from undocking and adrenaline rushes when I see local spike with twenty six new pilots, all red to me. The enemy had just jumped into my new home and I was forced to stay inside.
Within a few minutes, they had moved on, and I was able to undock for the first time, in a rookie ship to be sure. I had to fetch some rigs for my Skiff in the neighboring system, but as I warped back to the gate, again Intel flared up saying they were on the way back. I made it back in station and docked with my gear, but they didn't end up coming into the system.
I was told it was quiet up here. It does have it's moments though. I just happened to jump right into one of those moments. A lot more exciting than High sec, that's for sure. I'm looking forward to getting out into the belts and making some good money for once. For now, the trip and excitement had worn me out, and I ended up falling asleep in my pod for the night.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Standstill
It was an odd return to Arnon to see Sister Alitura. The investigation hit a standstill and she seemed too busy to talk to me when I docked. It was a good thing I didn't bother to get out of my ship this time as when I contacted her, that nervous looking receptionist answered my call.
"I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Darkwing, but Sister Alitura is out at the moment. She left me with authorization to complete your current mission and issue payment." She said. I saw my wallet icon flash in my mind but I didn't really care about the money.
"I was to ask for more leads on survivors of the Damsel." I replied. The receptionist seemed confused. Perhaps she was not privy to that information.
"I was told to tell you that she would contact you again when she had more leads." she replied.
I thanked the young woman and undocked, returning to the SOE station where our Corp had settled down. I spent a few weeks mining and building things, trying to make money but always waiting for answers to a mystery that kept bugging me in the back of my mind.
-------------------------------------------------------
*THUNK*.........*THUNK*..........*THUNK*.......
"Fifty four." the announcer said, rather dully. He sort of spat the current score and I sighed as I lumbered up to the board to retrieve my darts. Another wardec had me sort of confined to the station, however, since I could now go anywhere, there were better places I could be than here. Somehow, the same bar we always attended seemed like the best place to be right now. Besides, there was a dart tournament!
*THUNK*.........*THUNK*..........*THUNK*.......
"ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY!" the announcer yelled, the excitement suddenly bursting forth in the small room. Cheers erupted and glasses clinked together. Maya sheepishly grinned as she sauntered to the board to get her darts. On the way back I saw the redness in her face.
"Why the hell are you so good at Darts?" I ask as she leans on the bar beside me. She took a sip of her ale and huffed.
"I used to own one when I was a teenager and played alot." She said, "Now, as a Capsuleer, My ocular implants and whatnot make me even better at it." She paused and looked me over, somewhat confused, "I'm surprised you aren't better. Don't you have a plus four Ocular Implant? I only have a plus three." I noticed some other people overhear us and their expressions changed to disgust. As if we were cheating or something.
"I would expect you need that natural talent there before the implants would help at all." I replied, finishing my drink. I ordered another one.
*THUNK*.........*THUNK*..........*THUNK*.......
"One hundred and twenty!" the announcer called. This time Amalea returned from the board with her darts in hand. I'm sure she only had a plus two set installed in her head.
"Was that good?" She asked innocently.
"I think I'm getting hustled." I sigh. Amalea seemed confused when Maya giggled but her laugh was cut short when she looked up over my head and a heavy hand gripped my shoulder tightly. I glanced over my shoulder to see a tall, stocky, Gallente man standing over me. He wore Camo pants and a dirty white tank top, seemingly stretched to the limit over thick muscles. The man smelled heavily of alcohol and a toothpick rolled across thin lips set deep into a thick mane of a beard, yet not a hair graced the man's scalp.
"Yew three are Capsooleers, aintcha?" He asked, his voice a deep baratone, "That shoul be agnst da rules, ain't it? Yer all cheaters!" I could barely see the three stems of the man's darts protruding from what could only be described as a large Honey Ham attached to the end of the man's trunk of an arm. He didn't look like he could tell the bow from the stern of a Caldari Shuttle either. Even without my plus four Intelligence implant, I could outwit this man without even trying. Still, those holiday hams at the end of his upper appendages wouldn't feel nice to get in the face with a bit of force. I had to be smart here. Play this with a bit of wit and cunning.
"Nope." I reply. Maya and Amalea keep their mouths shut, their attention directed to the gorilla behind me again.
"Waddaya mean 'Nope'?" he yelled. "Ye gotz dem metal thingies on yer necks an everytin'! I bet it wudden matta if I clobberd ya right now!" He wheezed as if his speech was taxing him, but he could have a cold as well. I'm not entirely sure, "Yer cheatin' an it's not fair. Give us regular people a chance ta win the prize money!"
"There's prize money?" I ask innocently, "I had no idea! I thought the prize was a skill book or something. You know, to learn new things and expand your knowledge? Isn't that why you are here? I'm sure you can use it."
"Man, ow dumb can you be? I ain't got no implants, I'm one hundred percen' pure Gallente! A skill book wouldn' do me any good!" he said, puffing out his chest. I could see the fibers in his already stressed shirt barely hanging on. I wanted to take a step back in case the thing exploded and sent a shower of smelly chest hair over me.
"I wouldn't say 'Pure', exactly...." I mutter. Both girls burst out laughing and caught themselves, but it was enough to clue in Kongo that he had been made fun of.
"I hope your clone is up ta date, sir. Cuz imma beat ya till you wake up in a new one!" he threatened, cracking his knuckles. Oddly, It made me want bacon now. Maybe for breakfast tomorrow morning.
"You really are stupid, aren't you?" I say to the man, setting my darts on the bar, "Don't you read the news? We don't have to update our clones anymore. The new ones have unlimited skill points!" Again, the girls gaze drift from me to Kongo, their mouths open in surprise.
Apparently, everything I just said sailed far over his head like a ganker orbiting a barge at a thousand meters. I could see the gears of thought turn in his head, then grind to a halt and fall apart due to stress. He made an odd gurgling sound that sounded like he was trying to say a poorly thought comeback, but then gave up and opted for a full blown battle cry as he lunged at me, which at this point was a fair distance because ever since we started this incident, I had been inching away only slightly with the girls down the bar. They gasped when they saw the man run at me, but jumped when there was a flash of light and he dropped like a ton of pork roast, calmly snoring on the floor at my feet. I had been casually standing with my arms crossed, yet had a concealed parapistol tucked under my arm. Dropping it, it slid down my side and landed gracefully in the holster around my waist, under my jacket.
"What happened?" Amalea asked, somewhat surprised. Only Maya saw the gun.
"Narcolepsy, I think." Maya muttered, turning back to the bar just as I did. We both had a large grin on our faces as the brute just snored loudly behind me. Five minutes later, four security guards showed up and somehow dragged Kongo out of the bar after I assume the bartender made the call. After the commotion had simmered down, I had just returned from another turn at the board. One dart in the bull, one on the edge of the board, the last ended up in the floor. I really suck at this game.
"Hey, thanks for getting rid of that guy." I tell the bartender. He chuckled.
"He's been causing trouble here for a few days now. I'm just happy someone put him in his place." he said, "By the way, thank you for sponsoring this tournament, Sain."
"No Problem."
"Wait, you sponsored this?" Maya asked.
"Yep. He put ten thousand ISK up for the winning prize." The barkeeper said, patting me heavily on the shoulder.
"That's it?" Maya asked, seemingly unimpressed.
"Ten thousand is a lot to us regular folk. I'm still surprised you Capsuleers hang out in a dive like this. You could be living in the most expensive place this station has to offer! Drinking the best alcohol there is." The bartender said, "How much you worth anyway, Sain?"
"I don't really want to put a number on it. I own several ships that are worth a lot."
"How much in your wallet then?" He asked, "I have about five grand. As a comparison, that's all."
"Five thousand?" Maya asked.
"Yep."
"Three hundred." I reply.
"That's all?"
".....Million." I add.
"Holy...." the barkeep stood in awe. Maya smiled.
"Yeah that's not a lot for him. He's near broke for a Capsuleer." she informed the man. He just shook his head.
"You guys are just on a completely different level." he said, picking up a mug to wipe, "Although, you're about the only ones I know who doesn't really flaunt their money. I like that you're humble about it."
"You getting more business because of it. That's why you like us." I advise. The man's stoic face broke to a sly grin.
"Yeah you got me there." he laughed, "Feel free to hold whatever events you want here that will draw in more people."
I simply raised my glass to the man and finished my drink. Cheers went up in the background as a young girl just threw her winning dart....
"I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Darkwing, but Sister Alitura is out at the moment. She left me with authorization to complete your current mission and issue payment." She said. I saw my wallet icon flash in my mind but I didn't really care about the money.
"I was to ask for more leads on survivors of the Damsel." I replied. The receptionist seemed confused. Perhaps she was not privy to that information.
"I was told to tell you that she would contact you again when she had more leads." she replied.
I thanked the young woman and undocked, returning to the SOE station where our Corp had settled down. I spent a few weeks mining and building things, trying to make money but always waiting for answers to a mystery that kept bugging me in the back of my mind.
-------------------------------------------------------
*THUNK*.........*THUNK*..........*THUNK*.......
"Fifty four." the announcer said, rather dully. He sort of spat the current score and I sighed as I lumbered up to the board to retrieve my darts. Another wardec had me sort of confined to the station, however, since I could now go anywhere, there were better places I could be than here. Somehow, the same bar we always attended seemed like the best place to be right now. Besides, there was a dart tournament!
*THUNK*.........*THUNK*..........*THUNK*.......
"ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY!" the announcer yelled, the excitement suddenly bursting forth in the small room. Cheers erupted and glasses clinked together. Maya sheepishly grinned as she sauntered to the board to get her darts. On the way back I saw the redness in her face.
"Why the hell are you so good at Darts?" I ask as she leans on the bar beside me. She took a sip of her ale and huffed.
"I used to own one when I was a teenager and played alot." She said, "Now, as a Capsuleer, My ocular implants and whatnot make me even better at it." She paused and looked me over, somewhat confused, "I'm surprised you aren't better. Don't you have a plus four Ocular Implant? I only have a plus three." I noticed some other people overhear us and their expressions changed to disgust. As if we were cheating or something.
"I would expect you need that natural talent there before the implants would help at all." I replied, finishing my drink. I ordered another one.
*THUNK*.........*THUNK*..........*THUNK*.......
"One hundred and twenty!" the announcer called. This time Amalea returned from the board with her darts in hand. I'm sure she only had a plus two set installed in her head.
"Was that good?" She asked innocently.
"I think I'm getting hustled." I sigh. Amalea seemed confused when Maya giggled but her laugh was cut short when she looked up over my head and a heavy hand gripped my shoulder tightly. I glanced over my shoulder to see a tall, stocky, Gallente man standing over me. He wore Camo pants and a dirty white tank top, seemingly stretched to the limit over thick muscles. The man smelled heavily of alcohol and a toothpick rolled across thin lips set deep into a thick mane of a beard, yet not a hair graced the man's scalp.
"Yew three are Capsooleers, aintcha?" He asked, his voice a deep baratone, "That shoul be agnst da rules, ain't it? Yer all cheaters!" I could barely see the three stems of the man's darts protruding from what could only be described as a large Honey Ham attached to the end of the man's trunk of an arm. He didn't look like he could tell the bow from the stern of a Caldari Shuttle either. Even without my plus four Intelligence implant, I could outwit this man without even trying. Still, those holiday hams at the end of his upper appendages wouldn't feel nice to get in the face with a bit of force. I had to be smart here. Play this with a bit of wit and cunning.
"Nope." I reply. Maya and Amalea keep their mouths shut, their attention directed to the gorilla behind me again.
"Waddaya mean 'Nope'?" he yelled. "Ye gotz dem metal thingies on yer necks an everytin'! I bet it wudden matta if I clobberd ya right now!" He wheezed as if his speech was taxing him, but he could have a cold as well. I'm not entirely sure, "Yer cheatin' an it's not fair. Give us regular people a chance ta win the prize money!"
"There's prize money?" I ask innocently, "I had no idea! I thought the prize was a skill book or something. You know, to learn new things and expand your knowledge? Isn't that why you are here? I'm sure you can use it."
"Man, ow dumb can you be? I ain't got no implants, I'm one hundred percen' pure Gallente! A skill book wouldn' do me any good!" he said, puffing out his chest. I could see the fibers in his already stressed shirt barely hanging on. I wanted to take a step back in case the thing exploded and sent a shower of smelly chest hair over me.
"I wouldn't say 'Pure', exactly...." I mutter. Both girls burst out laughing and caught themselves, but it was enough to clue in Kongo that he had been made fun of.
"I hope your clone is up ta date, sir. Cuz imma beat ya till you wake up in a new one!" he threatened, cracking his knuckles. Oddly, It made me want bacon now. Maybe for breakfast tomorrow morning.
"You really are stupid, aren't you?" I say to the man, setting my darts on the bar, "Don't you read the news? We don't have to update our clones anymore. The new ones have unlimited skill points!" Again, the girls gaze drift from me to Kongo, their mouths open in surprise.
Apparently, everything I just said sailed far over his head like a ganker orbiting a barge at a thousand meters. I could see the gears of thought turn in his head, then grind to a halt and fall apart due to stress. He made an odd gurgling sound that sounded like he was trying to say a poorly thought comeback, but then gave up and opted for a full blown battle cry as he lunged at me, which at this point was a fair distance because ever since we started this incident, I had been inching away only slightly with the girls down the bar. They gasped when they saw the man run at me, but jumped when there was a flash of light and he dropped like a ton of pork roast, calmly snoring on the floor at my feet. I had been casually standing with my arms crossed, yet had a concealed parapistol tucked under my arm. Dropping it, it slid down my side and landed gracefully in the holster around my waist, under my jacket.
"What happened?" Amalea asked, somewhat surprised. Only Maya saw the gun.
"Narcolepsy, I think." Maya muttered, turning back to the bar just as I did. We both had a large grin on our faces as the brute just snored loudly behind me. Five minutes later, four security guards showed up and somehow dragged Kongo out of the bar after I assume the bartender made the call. After the commotion had simmered down, I had just returned from another turn at the board. One dart in the bull, one on the edge of the board, the last ended up in the floor. I really suck at this game.
"Hey, thanks for getting rid of that guy." I tell the bartender. He chuckled.
"He's been causing trouble here for a few days now. I'm just happy someone put him in his place." he said, "By the way, thank you for sponsoring this tournament, Sain."
"No Problem."
"Wait, you sponsored this?" Maya asked.
"Yep. He put ten thousand ISK up for the winning prize." The barkeeper said, patting me heavily on the shoulder.
"That's it?" Maya asked, seemingly unimpressed.
"Ten thousand is a lot to us regular folk. I'm still surprised you Capsuleers hang out in a dive like this. You could be living in the most expensive place this station has to offer! Drinking the best alcohol there is." The bartender said, "How much you worth anyway, Sain?"
"I don't really want to put a number on it. I own several ships that are worth a lot."
"How much in your wallet then?" He asked, "I have about five grand. As a comparison, that's all."
"Five thousand?" Maya asked.
"Yep."
"Three hundred." I reply.
"That's all?"
".....Million." I add.
"Holy...." the barkeep stood in awe. Maya smiled.
"Yeah that's not a lot for him. He's near broke for a Capsuleer." she informed the man. He just shook his head.
"You guys are just on a completely different level." he said, picking up a mug to wipe, "Although, you're about the only ones I know who doesn't really flaunt their money. I like that you're humble about it."
"You getting more business because of it. That's why you like us." I advise. The man's stoic face broke to a sly grin.
"Yeah you got me there." he laughed, "Feel free to hold whatever events you want here that will draw in more people."
I simply raised my glass to the man and finished my drink. Cheers went up in the background as a young girl just threw her winning dart....
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