Explorer's Log: First Flight

[Proselyte]

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ENTRY 012 – PLANET GRAN CANARIA

"My duties kept me on the run-around, but now I'm getting in some free time based here on Canaria for my little Omega safari. Joining up with SLRC sure has kept me busy, but it's got to be the smartest decision I've made yet. No way I could have gone much further just on my own before I'd have to turn back and sell the boat, or become the Border Worlds' most timid pirate ever. Ha, God knows I'd never have that in me."

"None of that for me, though! I've been scoping out space all across the Taus, even examining Gallic space for a time, generally being a fresh pair of eyes and a 'hands-on' pilot for the Consortium, which has been great fun and is immensely rewarding work. Dr. Montgomery and Dr. Wright are both pretty hands off about pursuing personal interests as long as I contribute to the organization frequently, and I've sent a point of scientific concern or two their way already for potential investigation. That, and I've sounded the alarm on danger."

"Yeah... I got a front-row seat to the Bretonian and Crayter fleets trashing Bregancon in Orkney. Half my reason for being down this way, really, getting away from that. I can't believe after a whole decade of war and the worst massacre in human history, the Taus are seeing another border conflict. I actually mouthed off to a BAF officer about it a little while takin' the new security officer, this kid named Karl, out to see the sights - stupid of me."

"It's not unreasonable for the Bretonians to feel backed into a corner after Leeds, panicked and aggressive like a wounded badger. That's why they invaded here, I guess, left a bunch of scars and pain behind when they realized it was shortsighted. I'm sure they'll learn that lesson again, but how far are their new victims going to continue that trauma conga-line...?"

"Well, it's not all so depressing. The Zoners here were able to pick up the pieces and at least try to build something new out of the rubble. We should all aspire to be so dauntless. Y'know, even House citizens, living and working in the areas between their governments' influence, have been some of the nicest and most self-sacrificing people I've met in space so far."

"You'd think seeing how big the universe is would make us realize we're all one people in the end, but that's what we get when we don't leave the thin-air border-drawing tribalism back on Old Earth. I have to admit, if there is a way to deprogram us of that nonsense, I don't think I can blame the people back on that station for wanting it."

"There's a lot to see in Sirius yet, though. Maybe the Omegas are a step up on the whole."

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ENTRY 013 – FREEPORT 5

"Wow, this place is a dump."

"I know they're making do with what they have here, but whoever would want to live this close to a neutron star in a hollowed rock, sloshin' down potassium iodide tablets after every meal, must not have thought things through very far. The 'Freeport' (suuure) at least plays host to some cadres of independent researchers here to see the neutron star up close. These guys will be real useful to have around if SLRC wants to coordinate a joint survey in the region, so I gave some of them my contact info and a link to Starlight's Neural Net."

"Among these scientists, yet another person called me 'Mister' Harlow while I was still rocking my EVA gear (for the radiation protection), then I take it off to eat in the food court and she gets all embarrassed and tosses out 'ma'am' and 'miss'. I don't really let it bug me, but damn if it doesn't happen all the time in space too."

"You know what? I think when I get back to Ikarus, I'll tell Monty I'd like to ID as Dr. Harlow after all so I can just sidestep this moment forever. I used to think it was vain to insist on 'doctor' when I'm just the same as the next spacer, but damn if I don't miss avoiding the headache like I did on Erie. Who cares if the education isn't space-related?"

"Anyway, sorry for the ramble, Omega-41 just really isn't very interesting. The researchers here would put me on a spit if they heard me say that, but beyond the surely inarguable scientific value and obvious visual beauty of the Omega-41 star, I'm the wrong person to appreciate it. I haven't even seen any Corsair patrols to donate this bread and salami. Maybe they think it's boring too. I suppose it is really neat to consider that this is an Edge system, but that's really reaching."

"Wait, who am I even apologizin' to? Jesus, I'm getting out of here. I'm goin' to O-55 to continue my initial surveys."

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