Jethro's Journal

[eyvind]

Chapter Two: The Big Apple

Space is a big place, and I got a good look at it today.

First I was blinded by the sun in Erie, though; I almost flew into a ship in orbit. They really should put some sort of sun shade in front of the planet, it would probably cut down on traffic accidents. I'm sure there are plenty accidents above Planet Erie.

I was glad to find that I was not the only one seeking the fruits (paste?) of Deep Space Engineering. In orbit above Planet Erie, I met what may be my first colleague in DSE; once we are accepted, of course.

In retrospect, I think I'm glad I didn't have to fly all this way alone.

We soon took off together, through the trade lane -- far more exhilarating than I imagined -- to Philadelphia Station. There wasn't much activity, but I think that was for the better considering my extensive experience as a pilot.

We took another trade lane to the New York jump gate. My mind was blown on the trip into New York, it was blown far out.

Things soon changed once we got to New York, however. The place we found ourselves in was dark, dark, and dark. Not like space-dark, but dark-dark. I expected a head with snakes for hair to leap out at us at any moment.

We didn't see a head with snake-hair, but as we left the cloud we were assaulted by a Rogue. My first combat, that was. It was exciting, to say the least. I was even paid by the Navy people at West Point for handing over the dirtbag on our way to Manhattan.

I used the money to buy a better shield.

Good thing I did, too.

We took care of those Rogues, though it was a close call for Robert. He was clipped by a missile.

Fortunately, we were nearly at Manhattan, and boy is that a magnificent planet!

We took a moment to admire it as it loomed ahead. It was a breathtaking experience, marred only by a sticky situation between a police officer and a Junker.

Junkers are trouble.

After Robert had repaired his ship on the planet's surface, we proceeded to Baltimore Shipyard.

I don't think I have ever seen a construction as venerably magnificent as that shipyard

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<span style="font-family:Agency FB">Good Morning!</span>