"Is this thing on?" The young Balados finally rear his head?

[Sorrontis]

*beep*

"So, after a few days relaxing on Los Angeles, I decided to fly another load between Ontario and California. Boy, was that a bad idea."

Balados stands up, walks around the room, shakes his head, and sits back down at the camera.

"Everything was going well. Like my first run."

"Just as I exit the Trade Lane near the Cortez jump gate, I get rushed by four lane hackers. Luckily, I had some practice, did some simulations. I was ready..."

"Or so I thought. I took two down, it was so simple. But, just as I get some hope, three liberty rogues join the fray. At this point, I just can't take it anymore, I'm weary. I'm not a combat pilot. I did the only thing I could. I took the jump gate to Cortez."

Balados lets out a wry laugh.

" 'Take the jump gate, you'll get away from them.' That's what everybody would say. It's a smart move. Well, not this time. Something went wrong. I heard a bang and a rattle, and the entire ship filled with smoke. Now my nav map is fried. I made an emergency landing on Caracow. Curacow? How do you say it? What ever, that makes not difference. I'll fix my ship up, and I'll make my way back to Fort Severn. Who knows what else is damaged on this ship."

"Well, I'm taking a nap, and I'll fly out tomorrow."

"It's July 6th, 823. I'm logging off."

*Beep*