Nebula Odyssey: CS Krasnaya log

[Krasnaya]

Captains log: 10031

FROM: High Commissariat of STA, office of Alexey Novikov.
RECIPIENT: Captain Jekaterina Valerieva.
SOURCE: Mykolaiv Research Station, Omega 52.
SUBJECT: Application reviewed.
Comrade Jekaterina Valerieva.

Your application for service in Expeditionary Corps is approved by the High Commissariat of Science and Technological Advancement. Documents pack confirming transfer of 1358-C8 under Expeditionary Corps command was send to Secondary forces office. The scientific division will later contact you and send data about possible objects of interest.

Good luck, captain, we sure you won't fail Zhukovsky's traditions.

Clearance came few days back. After our service, our ship got it's names among our comrades. And with proven loyality towards Coalition we embarked on long journey. As assigment came, I was bit concerned as description was more loose, then I was used to. We had to travel to outer regions and collect data and information. I called officers meating and we discussed our plans how to fulfill this task. Science officer was most eager of us, promoting idea of delve deep into unknown regions at start. Political officer was more reserved, advising to first visit areas close to Coalition space, so we can retreat back, if situation will require it. After long discussion, we decided to go through safe way. Course is set towards Tau systems.

We reached Tau systems, no resistance so far, we met only one lone wandering GMG pilot. IFF filed. We stayed in Taus for quite while, monitoring nebulas and movement of miners. There was nothing that much interesting. After day, collecting meaningless data, we decided to continue further through north to omicrons. Cheif engineer told me, that in bar on planet Istanbul, he heard Hessians stories about them, that they are filled with wonders, and wealths that Corsairs use to fill their coffins. But Travel to these regions required crossing Kusari borders. We traveled low profile, do not getting close to their infrastructure and sneaking through jump holes. On long distance scanners, we saw KNF ships not aware of our presence. More I was concerned about Outcasts cardamine slaves. I heard stories of their ferocity and unpredictability. After crossing even their territory, we finaly left out Kusari, unharmed and undetected.

We found shelter among Order. I wasn't aware of this organisation, but they are too aware of us. Their hospitality was ... unexpected. We are used to be seen as enemies of all, hated and feared. But not in this part of space. After such long travel, our ship went on maintanance in Carthage shipyard. My crew was free to roam station, with some ... limitations ofcourse. I spent most of my time listening to stories and and checking maps (Those they allowed me to see). By their description, Omicron Xi hosted planet named Knossos, which is visited by Corsairs, Outcasts and even Zoners. Those courageous enough, can search it's upper atmosphere for relics of long lost civilisation. But not only dventurers roam upper part of gas giant atmosphere, there are also beasts lurking in clouds for those who try to steal from this grave.

Intrigued by information we gathered, we decided to embark on our further journey. While we were preparing, and crew was boarding back Krasnaya, two small crafts were passing us with hail "Konbanwa", kusarian greetings. After small chat, we introduced ourselves, they were pilots of Blood dragons, renegades of Kusari. They were on patrol, taking new blood into dangerous land to see universe as ourselves. Their names were Ubukata Tsuya and Miyazka Yuyuko and for my surprise, they already knew about Coalition and they were pretty friendly. Since our goal was similar, I asked them to acompany us to rumored planet. They accepted, as we offered them compensation for their help.

Travel was, rather calm. We ecountered mine field which wasn't showing on our sensors (Note: Such mines could be used by Coalition to fend off Bretonian invasions.). And in Omicron Zeta, there were tough finghts happening between bloodthirsty Corsairs and adventurers. Luckily we mannaged to slip through. When we reached Omicron Xi, gas giant immidietly appeared on our sensors. We descended to atmosphere, concerned what we will find there. As our sensors started to work again, my whole crew remained silent for good minute and just observing from windows. That whole planet was littered by ancient ruins. It was breathtaking sight to see. We traveld to one of side ruins, exchanging our thoughts with Blood dragons, ready to launch geological survey probes. As we did, we collected samples and took survey datas. On our way out, we met huge medical ship captained by captain Sonja.

As we left planet Knossos, we parted our ways, giving Blood dragons part of our SC stash, that we were provided by SCEC for our missions. Through Omicron Gamma and nearby systems, we returned back home bringing to Coalition parts of Alien weaponry, geological specimen and organic matter left on specimen. It was long journey, but Krasnaya delivered us safely there and back.

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