Astral

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::>> CODEC UMBRAL DETECTED
::>> ENCRYPT: EXTREME
::>> IDENT: UMBRAL
::>> SUBJECT: LOG NUMBER ONE

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// LOG BGN

This is Chris Hatcher, code name UMBRAL reporting.

The Umbral, my ship, not my code name--ugh this is going to get fucking confusing--was completed last week at Barrier Gate after almost eight months of near nonstop effort which I'm almost certain won't be appreciated. It took me forever to fish the collapsed hull out of the ether, tow it to Barrier Gate, and use my profits from trading, extorting, pirating, begging, conning, and stealing to complete the ship. Even now, it's not 100% and still needs it's primary weapons systems upgraded, sensors, and a bunch of other shit that I'm not even going to get into. Regardless of the completion, SEC has given me my orders--survey, explore, discover, and document. Honestly I wish I knew who the fuck these people actually were. I mean, yeah, sure, they gave me millions after I completed work on the Umbral for various tasks but...they haven't told me shit as to who they actually are. I'm getting the feeling I signed a deal with the devil.

Whatever, they want me to file these logs so I'll file them I guess. What does it matter to me anyway? It's just words.

Let's see. So I started my journey from Barrier Gate but decided to really begin my work in the Omegas. Since they're nominally the most dangerous. Easier to get the harder shit out of the way first I suppose. Surprisingly, I didn't run into anyone really in the Omegas other than a few Coalition and Zoner ships. Kinda surprised I didn't run into any Hessian or Corsairs beating the shit out of one another with clubs. I suppose maybe they were taking a break or they killed each other off finally. Unlikely.

I found a BMM station in Dublin and reported it to the Molly's there. I got a soft spot for revolutionaries. They asked if I'd seen any military targets hanging around there. I requested guidance from SEC and they told me to offer surveillance which I offered--didn't get a response. I figure they've got their own people to do that shit. I bet that station is floating scrap by now anyway knowing the Molly's hate for BMM.

Anyway, I moved on to Bretonia and surveyed every system as ordered. Docked everywhere I was able and logged various data onboard these stations. Even ran into a few more Coalition ships in New London at one point. I offered them services if they were interested--they said they'd be in contact. Reported this to SEC who were pleased with that. I know I mentioned it before, but I really need to figure out who the fuck these people are. Other than bumping into a Molly after discovering a bunch of Military Salvage, I haven't really seen anyone since. I just finished covering all of the Taus plus Gallia. Other than standard traffic, I haven't run into anyone substantial since that Molly in Leeds.

Starting to get the willies about this entire project. The data I'm collecting has been fed back to these bean counters at SEC since I began my data collection. Where this data is going is anyone's guess. It's not like they're taking any of it from me either. I still have control of it, fully, for myself and I've been told that I can sell it as I see fit without any limitations from my bosses. Still, it makes me a little wary. Whatever, I'm a millionaire now because of them, I suppose I shouldn't bitch and moan.

I've decided to bed down in Baffin for the evening. It's a dead end system now with Coronado being cut off but...better to get some sleep with religious zealots rather than some crazy ass Outcasts that'll slit my throat wide open for a chance at stealing the Umbral, I'll get back to this log at some point...don't expect daily logs but--fuck it, I suppose I'll try.

// LOG END

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// ATTACHMENTS
NIL
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You fear oblivion. Yet you forget. The universe remembers every atom of your being. Even dust hums your name in the dark.
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