tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-704867756788922282023-11-16T15:07:06.072+00:00CMDR CharybdisNavigating the dangers of space to join the EliteAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-3100017908991763262017-03-07T19:03:00.000+00:002017-03-07T19:03:19.793+00:00Operation Mollusc: The Heikegani Incident (pt VI)<h3>
<u>19th February 3303: Unnamed system, secured location near Heikegani</u></h3>
The small cloud of precious cargo quickly diminished in size as limpets tirelessly transferred the meta-alloy to the hold of a Python floating nearby.<br />
<br />
Three Asp's manoeuvered past an escort corvette, their cargo racks recently emptied, and set navigation over 500Ly back to Merope before jumping clear of the mass lock.<br />
<br />
<i>"Charybdis is on the station now, overseeing the last few deliveries and counting the cargo. Let him know we have another run inbound."</i><br />
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<h3>
<u>19th February 3303: Heikegani system, Bartlett Gateway</u></h3>
The bridge operations room in Bartlett Gateway was crowded and in an upbeat mood, one that hadn't been seen in the station for a while. The Ops Officer leant forward, trying not to break out into a smile, and said <i>"We're nearly there. The replacement parts are being manufactured, and the tech crews are now well trained and very experienced in removing the alien investation."</i><br />
<br />
She continued warmly, <i>"Your friends are patrolling nearby systems and looking for signs of incursion. The inbound couriers carrying the meta-alloy are escorted as they leave Merope, and transfer cargo to a single ship only one jump out from Heikegani. The remainder of the run is escorted by a combat wing, and then we can bring that single ship into one designated pad. Our security around that pad is as tight as we can make it, and the cargo is unloaded and handed over to Sirius Corp tech crews. It's been a smooth operation, Charybdis. Our thanks go out to your NULL friends in the Pilot's Federation."</i><br />
<br />
Charybdis acknowledged the gratitude with a nod, breaking eye contact as his attention was drawn to an incoming message from another NULL commander. He turned to the bridge crew to issue instuctions: <i>"The transfer has been completed. Flight control. Priority docking for HT-583, now inbound. Landing pad. Prep your crews please. This should now take us over 800 tonnes of meta-alloy delivered."</i><br />
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That smile of the Ops Officer that had threated to emerge now faded away as darker thoughts crossed her mind. <i>"Have we made any progress in finding out who did this?"</i><br />
<br />
Charybdis didn't answer the question immediately, instead looking out through the bridge viewport and towards the array of landing pads below. A Python slide in through the station entrance, and then twisted away from the central axis towards the secured docking bay. Landing struts flexed under the ship's heavy momentum as the ship settled to a rest. A swarm of figures rushed towards the ship bringing with them the equipment to unload the meta-alloy from the ship. The barnacle pods emerged one at a time from the cargo bay, still glowing an eerily green luminesence. The Sirius Corp tech crews in their bright overalls carried out their quality control processes on the meta-alloy in a manner than could only be described as... reverent. Charybdis brow furrowed, more so than usual.<br />
<br />
<i>"No, we haven't."</i> he said. <i>"But it is only a matter of time now."</i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-43962309691404594022017-03-07T06:11:00.000+00:002017-03-07T06:11:02.472+00:00Operation Mollusc: The Heikegani Incident (pt V)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3>
<u>18th February 3303: Merope 5c (-28.24,-109.52)</u></h3>
The Federation's Farragut cruiser was an unexpected complication.<br />
<br />
Hovering above the alien barnacle, and not present during an earlier visit in the heady days of discovery, it showed how far the long arm of the military had reached into this backwater system. A patrol wing of fighters banked slowly overhead, opening displaying their boredom through their lazy and uncoordinated manoeuvres. The warship itself looked to be asleep. The barnacle conveyed a studied indifference, and lack of intimidation, to the show of human force and might overhead.<br />
<br />
Charybdis tried to stifle a yawn, the lack of apparent threat was certainly taking its toll. With his ship parked on the edge of the canyon around 7km away, the SRV journey down between the dark shadows of the canyon walls was a dangerous one, and needed full concentration. Licking a mild stim tab inside his helmet brought full awareness back, as the destination barnacle finally came into view.<br />
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The barnacle was in bloom and regularly grew harvestable meta-alloy pods, with two more currently visible on stalks near the shell like central structure. Carrying them back to the ship was hard work while traversing the terrain, but there were always more pods to pick up on the return.<br />
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<br /></div>
Detatching and collecting the pods had become routine now and, with a full cargo hold of meta-alloy, Charybdis returned back along the canyon floor to his ship, and a cargo hold that was almost full.<br />
<br />
The sleeping giant continued its slumber high above, caught in daydreams of conquest.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-14244823122173772122017-03-06T19:38:00.000+00:002017-03-06T19:38:04.043+00:00Operation Mollusc: The Heikegani Incident (pt IV)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3>
<u>17th February 3303: Maia system, Darnielle's Progress ground base</u></h3>
<i>“They haven't got enough.”</i><br />
<br />
Charybdis slammed the console in frustration. Darnielle's Progress had run dry, with only one tonne released into the commodities market in the last hour. There was clearly a problem with supply, and even black market contacts couldn't deliver. The meta-alloy needed to repair the damage to Bartlett Gateway was a difficult thing to obtain.<br />
<br />
The excitement and interest in these newly discovered alien organic growths had given way to an uneasy fear as their effect on human technology became apparent. Nobody knew the agent or the motive behind delivering alien artefacts into populated areas, and stations had been closed and lives put at risk because of it.<br />
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A hologram promotion of Li-Yong-Ru, the venerable chairman of Sirius Corp, flickered onto a nearby projector. Recent political events in the volume of space around The Seven Sisters, just outside the bubble of human occupation, had developed in an alarming direction. The discovery of these alien structures, origin unknown and quickly nicknamed barnacles for their appearance, had attracted significant attention. What had once been the province of explorers had more recently seen Federation military blockade, new Federation border stations, and the corporate marketing influence of Sirius Corp, all seeking a power play for military and economic control.<br />
<br />
Charybdis mulled over a few options in his mind. Sirius Corp engineers had now started arriving at Bartlett Gateway and were expecting a steady influx of meta-alloy. The local market mini-boom had died around the same time.<br />
<br />
<i>“There is an alternative source, one that bypasses whoever is choking this market.”</i> A search through journals soon recalled the location of several barnacle exploration sites in a nearby system.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>“Let's just hope they're still there...”</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-70188578116457822742017-03-06T06:21:00.000+00:002017-03-06T06:21:02.364+00:00Operation Mollusc: The Heikegani Incident (pt III)<h3>
<u>14th February 3303: Unknown location, NULL steering council</u></h3>
<i>"It has begun."</i><br />
<br />
The silence among the group ran on for longer than was comfortable, as all present reflected on what that meant.<br />
<br />
<i>"How are they doing?"</i><br />
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Charybdis pulled back the memory of his visit a few hours earlier and relayed it concisely back to the group. The Orbis station had already developed a noticeable precession off the main axis that added some risk to any approaching ship. Tech crews were working under dangerous circumstances to bring that back under control, and two people had already lost their lives after a key safety system had failed under alien influence. They were still cleaning up that mess.<br />
<br />
Internally the station was running on emergency power, and air recycling was laboured and barely sufficient. Hydroponics had failed and along with it so had all self-sufficiency. The commodities market was open to emergency food supplies only, while the remainder of station services had been shut down for safety. Non-essential personnel had started evacuation, but there were few ships now entering and leaving the stricken station.<br />
<br />
<i>"The Chief of Operations is taking it hard. She's done everything by the book, and even added a few pages to it as well, but it hasn't changed the outcome. The station is now in need of a greater resourcefulness and assistance, something I think we can provide."</i><br />
<br />
The room broke out into a conflicting storm of voices. Outrage expressed at the attack on the station, offers to track down those who had created the harm, or locate and buy more meta-alloy to stem the damage. Bringing in food and supplies to the stricken station was called for, as well as helping to safely carry those who were able to leave.<br />
<br />
One seasoned tactician leant forward, breaking through the noise with the hardened accent of an isolated southern continent in Sol system: <i>"We know what we have to do. They have taken us in, supported us, and we have a care of duty towards these people."</i><br />
<br />
There was a strong murmur of assent from those tele-present and the room took on a determined resolve while the rescue operation was planned. Ships changed course, their previous missions abandoned, and pointed as one towards a single small volume of space around a star 500 light years distant.<br />
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The battle for Bartlett Gateway was joined.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-59333197160142325442017-03-05T18:56:00.000+00:002017-03-05T21:20:04.304+00:00Operation Mollusc: The Heikegani Incident (pt II)<h3>
<u>17th January 3303: Station council, Bartlett Gateway</u></h3>
<i>"It's gotten worse since you were last here, Commander"</i>. The station Chief of Operations passed over a report, highlighting the incident summary page.<br />
<br />
Charybdis nodded imperceptibly while reviewing the figures. As soon as the issues with communications had become apparent, the number of redundant comms arrays and channels had been increased. Ships that were docking and leaving were governed by three physically separated command teams, each with more than two independent networks.<br />
<br />
Systems still failed however, at unexpected times, and manifested a wide system corruption that vanished quickly. The problems weren't just limited to the comms array either, and there was an understandable nervousness around the risk of failure in the power grid safety systems.<br />
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<br />
<i>"Our engineers have traced through the stations internal and external infrastructure, and located several sources of infestation in the form of unidentified alien artefacts. While we try and clear them, we've found that we're not particularly successful on that front."</i><br />
<br />
Charybdis raised his eyebrows at this. <i>"These are new?"</i><br />
<br />
<i>"Yes. "</i> A grim tiredness from a high level of alert, and the long shifts of dangerous work, had taken their toll. The Chief of Operations carried a slumped posture and a tone of resignation in her voice. <i>"Areas we've already searched are then contaminated at a later date. We haven't found out who is doing this, and can't find out how they're being brought onto the station covertly. What little meta-alloy we've been able to obtain has hardly had any effect."</i><br />
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Recent scientific investigation by Sirius Corp had found ways to make the removal of the influence of alien artefacts more successful, but it was a specialist job to manufacture the hardened and resistant components. Sirius Corp Tech crews were very much in demand these days it seemed.<br />
<br />
<i>"I'll take this back to the Federation of Pilots. I have contacts with NULL: a like minded group that watches over this part of space. They can help. We'll also need some of those Sirius techs: to make our dealing with this situation more effective."</i><br />
<br />
With unknown agent provocateurs damaging the station more quickly than meta-alloy could be obtained, Bartlett Gateway was losing the battle.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-55930839968382033762017-03-04T08:28:00.000+00:002017-03-05T19:04:47.799+00:00Operation Mollusc: The Heikegani Incident (pt I)<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u></u></span></h4>
<h3>
<u>9th November 3302: Heikegani System, Bartlett Gateway</u></h3>
The creaking and rattling of the hull plating subsided as the Cobra Mk3 slid back into normal space. The beige planet watched quietly from below, indifferent to the appearance of the new arrival. The comms chatter of local ships burst through the transition bow wave as it dissipated, and the ship pitched gently to align itself, travelling parallel along the full length of the Orbis space station.<br />
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<i>"Faulcon DeLacy call sign Charlie Hotel Alpha to station flight control. Requesting approach vector. Enroute from Lagrange point 4 with cargo for NULL command."</i><br />
<br />
Two shuttles dropped away from the busy space around the station, and started their casual de-orbit to the planet below. Almost certainly supplies and repair crews destined for one of the myriad of small mining stations on the planet's surface.<br />
<br />
The Cobra cleared the station's spinning habitable ring and slowed to assess the volume of space around the station entrance.<br />
<br />
<i>"Maintain holding Commander, landing pad zero-five will soon be available." </i>The stressed voice of flight control continued with something non-committal. <i>"We're running a little busy here at the moment, wait while we clear some traffic."</i><br />
<br />
Nine ships held still around the entrance, quietly waiting their turn, and sitting in the dark eclipse of the planet. A large and lumbering Anaconda, visible only for its engines and thruster glow, was on final approach to the station's entrance. A complex cluster of communication lights winked acknowledgement of the demand for a security scan, and the Anaconda reduced speed in order to comply.<br />
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<br />
<i>"Beluga Xray Alpha Victor you have NOT been cleared for launch! There is...<static>"</i>. The panicked voice of Flight Control was drowned out completely by a haunting sing-song tone that disappeared almost is quickly as it had begun. The voice of station control broke through again momentarily before the alien signal returned with a vengeance, and a deep thrumming combined with rattling purrs overpowered the channel completely.<br />
<br />
While the Anaconda's pilot was still distracted by the security protocols, the Beluga star liner emerged from the station and only saw the darkened incoming ship at the last moment. Both ships initiated slow panicked escape turns as collision klaxons screamed, but it was too little and too late. The blue on blue of shields sparked brightly as both ships were shunted violently into the safety grid.<br />
<br />
The alien sing-song died away to an eerie silence. Comms chatter resumed moments later, calling frantically for the launch of rescue ships.<br />
<br />
Bartlett Gateway was under attack.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-32574001614551921052015-07-14T20:58:00.002+01:002015-07-14T21:07:25.135+01:00Exploration promotion - Data analysisA compilation of some of the statistics from the journey to Sagittarius A* and back again. Promotion jumped from Pathfinder(54%) to Ranger (67%).
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<br />
<h3>
<u>
The journey</u></h3>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Start date: 10th June 3301</li>
<li>Returned on: 8th July 3301</li>
<li>Days travelled: 29</li>
</ul>
<div>
There were times when it felt longer, however the company was excellent and the time passed in a most agreeable way.</div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Systems visited: 2204</li>
<li>Systems newly discovered: 613</li>
<li>Distance travelled (estimated): 55,000 Ly</li>
</ul>
<br />
The number of newly discovered systems is lower then I'd thought for, and it turns out that the Pilot's Federation only counts the system if there is a deep scan of a body in it. In my interest in getting somewhere else, and if there wasn't anything worth the time then there was no deep scan. Something to bear in mind for the next trip out.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Hull damage: 6%</li>
<li>Total cost of repairs (ships systems): 6,490Cr</li>
<li>Ship integrity: 4%, 18,191Cr repair</li>
<li>Paintwork remaining: 3%</li>
<li>Heatsinks used: 3</li>
</ul>
<br />
I can see why the Diamondback Explorer is a popular ship for exploration. The repair bill has been quite respectably low, and the ship resilient to heat issues.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<u>
Special bodies found</u></h3>
The number and types of special bodies that were scanned can be summarised as:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" style="text-align: left;">
<tbody>
</tbody><thead>
<tr><th width="400px">Type</th><th>Count</th></tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Earth-like Worlds (ELW)</div>
</td><td><div style="text-align: center;">
10</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Water worlds (WW)</div>
</td><td><div style="text-align: center;">
55</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Neutron Stars</div>
</td><td><div style="text-align: center;">
45</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Black Holes</div>
</td><td><div style="text-align: center;">
21</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Herbig Ae/Be</div>
</td><td><div style="text-align: center;">
11</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
Wolf-Rayet</div>
</td><td><div style="text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td><div style="text-align: left;">
S-Type</div>
</td><td><div style="text-align: center;">
1</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Total credit for all exploration data: 32.95MCr</li>
<li>Time taken to sell exploration data: 82 minutes</li>
</ul>
<br />
While I'm sure that there are a lot more Earth-likes and water worlds that could have been explored, their placement in the system would have made them time prohibitive. Also there are a few black holes in there that have already been well visited by other commanders: <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/day-12-slainte-mhath.html" target="_blank">Sagittarius A*</a> and <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/day-12-eaten-by-great-annihilator.html" target="_blank">The Great Annihilator</a> spring to mind.</div>
<br />
Several ELW have already picked up names where no-one else has visited. The first found was named Charybdis: quite naturally and without any vanity in exploration involved at all. After that additional names followed such as Triffid, Cupid, Fueleus Ratteus, Fiji, and Cuchulainn as discoveries were offered out to other commanders for naming.<br />
<br />
<br />
Some of the rather special systems found:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/the-three-graces.html" target="_blank">The Three Graces</a> were at Phroi Pri VU-V d3-1246 and not too far from Sagittarius A*.</li>
<li>An S-type star in Phroi Pri WU-V d3-1033</li>
<li><a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/the-littlest-nebula.html" target="_blank">The littlest nebula</a> of NGC 6153 was at CD-39 10464 with a Wolf-Rayet star.</li>
</ul>
<div>
If you're ever in the area then they're worth a visit.<br />
<br />
Although there are many ELWs in the galaxy this one caught my eye, having a lovely triple sun in its sky.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-75218660755181674782015-07-09T22:58:00.001+01:002015-07-09T23:37:01.980+01:00The escort homeA favourite pastime of explorers is <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/day-11-double-scoop.html" target="_blank">the canyon run</a>, something that seems to draw us like moths to a flame. The rules are simple enough to comprehend and, with a data bank full of exploration data, the risk can also be high. There are brave and smart ways to run the canyon. But many more stupid ones as well. A few are even unlucky.<br />
<br />
Find a binary star system where the two stars are close together. Very close together. Tweak your heat management to start as low as possible, line up for the gap in between and then try to push through. The fuel scoop will engage but that's the least of your worries. The heat rises and rises while you slow down in the gravity well of both stars, making it feel like wading through molasses.<br />
<br />
The only sweet thing is when you get out the other side both intact and without damage. You feel like you want to get out and push the ship to safety: to a point where radiative heat works in your favour to take away the heat instead of heavily piling on more.<br />
<br />
It always helps to have something to aim for. Trying to kill your friends isn't one of them though.<br />
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750 light years from civilised space.<br />
<br />
Before <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/the-call-of-wild.html" target="_blank">embarking on this journey</a> I used to think all humanity occupied a huge volume of space. Now I'm not so sure. Ingenuity means that there are many systems where we can live and work, although the edges are pretty rough. After this trip I know can jump across human space in around half an hour.<br />
<br />
We're very densely packed in and that feels so very small now.<br />
<br />
I'd like to say that the hands grasping the throttle and joystick are steady, but that wouldn't be true. <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/day-12-slainte-mhath.html" target="_blank">The last time I saw another human being</a> was in the cockpit of another ship at Sagittarius A* over two weeks ago. For this last leg of the voyage I bring friends with me though, and that'll make all the difference.<br />
<br />
Friends in combat ships and prepared to take on any trouble that shows an interest in this much exploration data. I'm glad they're going to be there as I'm feeling more fragile now than at any time out there beyond the human bubble of space.<br />
<br />
The elements are somewhat more predictable after all, and don't bear a grudge either.<br />
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The first challenge however is meeting up just outside the bubble, and a likely candidate system pops up: my choice of HIP 71462, and it just so happened to have an inconvenient and tight binary star formation. For me its passing through the Lupus Dark Regions to get there and I'm third to arrive. Dropping out of witchspace and it's damn good to see two combat capable ships from the wing waiting for me: a Vulture and a Cobra.<br />
<br />
Old habits die hard and, after completing a quarter orbit of the nearest sun while checking my heat levels, can't help but dive my ship through the gap between the stars. Peaking at 97% and then falling away that will be the last canyon run for me before docking.<br />
<br />
We dance around the stars like fireflies: bright pinpoints of light in space. There's a short wait while our last companion reaches the meeting point.<br />
<br />
The Python's exit from witchspace travels visibly on the scanner over the last few thousand light seconds as the ships slows down and comes to a virtual stop. The jump exit point has bisected the binary stars dangerously, and that ship now nestles deeply in between them trying to push itself out. Involuntarily running hot and even hotter with nowhere to dump waste heat from the jump, and much more flooding in.<br />
<br />
The hairs stand up on the back of my neck as the comms comes to life squawking temperature readings. <i>"93...98...100...110...127...at least the fuelscooping is done!"</i> There's a pause that just runs on longer than it should and then the ship emerges, accelerating away: <i>"Ah... just a bit of heat damage, it's minor and no problem."</i><br />
<br />
That was downright unlucky. That's a wry smile on my part though: he's been calm under fire and a complete professional about the whole thing.<br />
<br />
Dropping back into normal space we all form up to take a look at each other's ships. The Python looks fine, though for the rest of the journey I'm pretty much convinced that I can see or hear bits falling off from heat stress.<br />
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<br />
You know its time to start moving on when pilots flying fast, agile and well shielded ships take it upon themselves to zip around and in-between those that are still parked up.<br />
<br />
I've previously run escort for a returning explorer and now that favour is kindly being returned, and so we plan the remainder of the journey based on what we learnt the last time. The Diamondback has the largest jump range of all and could easily outrun the escort, so a more practical wing formation is needed.<br />
<br />
We pick up on the strategy that we used last time to good effect with 4 vessels: the lead ship with the shortest jump range plans the route and jumps onward first. Then the escorted ship, and finally followed by the 2 remaining. It means that there was always a ship in the system to assist and cover, and the 1-1-2 formation made sure this was always true.<br />
<br />
Post-op review refined it down to a 1-2-1 diamond backed formation giving more ships with the escorted. We learn and refine.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A python pilot's concern: does my wake look big in this?</span></div>
<br />
Practice and preparation count for a very great deal, and escorting valuable goods across occupied space carries its own kinds of tension. A destination recommended by a fellow explorer was our target: the Dohkwithi system has an Alliance Orbis station within only a few tens of light seconds from the sun, minimizing risk all round.<br />
<br />
We set out knowing where we had to go and what we had to do.<br />
<br />
So I wasn't quite sure how to feel when it was strangely quiet and uneventful, and went down without a single hitch.<br />
<br />
Every ship that we saw showed a masterful disinterest in what was going on. Everyone went about their business and declined to stick their nose into ours. Exactly what was wanted and hoped for. But I still can't help but feel that I would have liked to give my bodyguards something to point their trigger fingers at.<br />
<br />
Arriving in Dohkwithi we formed up around the station and took group photos of the safe return. Immense relief on my part now safely at the end of this journey, and grateful for the support of friends.<br />
<br />
Then for something that no-one else could help me with. I had to remember how to dock.<br />
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For the moment there is exploration data to unload, around 2200 systems worth. A quick scan through GalNet to catch up shows that I might just have found my next calling. A <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/wrack-gear-and-pinion-part-i.html" target="_blank">coded message</a> perhaps, <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/wrack-gear-and-pinion-part-ii.html" target="_blank">but if so</a> then <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/wrack-gear-and-pinion-part-iii.html" target="_blank">not very subtle</a>.<br />
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Now how might they have known I was back?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fMuTqkq5ZJfY9-UrEIBN0-Jo2ZtUiKnfQVU_9PVH1A5ng0W2KNzACM4IUDkHDzTfKioY_DwbcTZFCpbQ2pPzr_ww9HhnZ9dC9zvCMw-DF4lIJT2682b87-cQzNbG_vaSx4Pxeifa0C8/s1600/bubble_nextcalling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3fMuTqkq5ZJfY9-UrEIBN0-Jo2ZtUiKnfQVU_9PVH1A5ng0W2KNzACM4IUDkHDzTfKioY_DwbcTZFCpbQ2pPzr_ww9HhnZ9dC9zvCMw-DF4lIJT2682b87-cQzNbG_vaSx4Pxeifa0C8/s640/bubble_nextcalling.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>With thanks to CMDR Sturmwaffel (Python), CMDR Paws (Vulture), and CMDR Unrealization (Cobra) for providing escort and fine company back into (un)civilized space. Also to those who joined us in TeamSpeak for the journey on the way (you know who you are).</i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-81278032350228759902015-07-09T13:44:00.002+01:002015-07-09T13:44:21.171+01:00The littlest nebulaOne last item piqued my interest on the way back. NGC 6153 is a curiosity, of that there's no doubt.<br />
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The star charts report it as a "planetary nebula" - one that is only around one light year across - and the expanding remnants of an old red star. Viewed from the nearest system the size of the nebula is quite apparent and, despite the name, there is no connection with planetary objects here. The composition is highly unusual and very nitrogen rich, suggesting that the star originated in another part of this galaxy.<br />
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There are enough explorers out there now to make a search for the origin of this star will happen, at least in breadth of the galaxy if not in depth.<br />
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Easily missed on the map, it has a characteristic emission profile that draws attention. The chemical spectra are coming back with neon, argon, oxygen, chlorine and carbon at far higher levels than expected from the local neighbourhood.<br />
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The Wolf-Rayet at the centre of the planetary nebula is also a common feature of this kind of phenomenon. With most of the outer core gone the inner body carries the remaining heavier elements. Incredibly hot, and emitting much of its light into the ultra-violet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuwrlXm5kpl7o8dBMQF_P7l6aMY8QRm9FnXQcZ3o0U1JVqLmeH3idoMCtgQWvbZpPWq1M75cR0XJCfd80Yu4kldAooGP-tj6HITBuDU36v2AFoLo_5QroPFQlLd2KF3Pd1TUKWeKq94A/s1600/return4_wolf_rayet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeuwrlXm5kpl7o8dBMQF_P7l6aMY8QRm9FnXQcZ3o0U1JVqLmeH3idoMCtgQWvbZpPWq1M75cR0XJCfd80Yu4kldAooGP-tj6HITBuDU36v2AFoLo_5QroPFQlLd2KF3Pd1TUKWeKq94A/s640/return4_wolf_rayet.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-63921844050765510892015-07-09T12:28:00.002+01:002015-07-09T13:48:44.300+01:00The Pillars of CreationHaving seen a fair few number of water worlds and Earth like planets so far, it still surprises me that there is a tug at the heart strings when I find another. A glimpse at the possibilities, the opportunities, and the paths that life might take.<br />
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A reminder of the origin system, still over 7000Ly away. Having spent most of my life largely ignoring it while in easy travel, perhaps I have come to appreciate it more from this distance.<br />
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There is no lack of interesting things to find out here.<br />
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Just as worlds are a birthplace for life, so the stars themselves must also have their own stellar nursery. That life births into existence, struggles and fights to survive, grows old, and then dies is a familiar thing. Harder to imagine for stars where the scale is over billions of years, and our lives are ephemeral by comparison. Mankind didn't even exist as a species when these stars entered the galaxy.<br />
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The Eagle Nebula is actively birthing new stars, a bright cluster burning incandescent in the sky. A search through those stars will reveal much about early solar system, the formation of planets and the other ancillary bodies that are left over.<br />
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The scientists are always keen to obtain more information and run comparisons since the last visit by an explorer. There have been quite a few explorers in this part of space, as markers from previous visitors are plainly visible.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Inside Eagle Nebula and looking towards the birthing stars</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Stars born from the remnants of a dead supernova at the Eagle Nebula</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Leaving the Eagle Nebula behind, and running parallel to the bright cluster of stars reborn anew.</span></div>
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That tug at the heartstrings is growing rather strong now. Only one more detour before making the run back to the bubble of humanity.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-78284582572181216722015-07-07T14:15:00.000+01:002015-07-07T14:23:10.375+01:00Roll up, roll up!"Roll up! Roll up! Witness the daring explorer place life, limb, and exploration data on the line!"<br />
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The ships engines hum in a routine and disinterested manner. The occasional plinking sound from mechanical systems that carry the heat generated to the outer edge of the vessel. </div>
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"Stare deeply into the black hole! A monstrous beast that shouldn't exist in the universe! A thing to scare all common sense and bravery!"<br />
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<a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/day-6-not-drop.html" target="_blank">The water extractor has developed a small rattle</a> and a tinny whine. I'll get it overhauled when I get back, but <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/day-11-double-scoop.html" target="_blank">for now there's enough water stored</a> to be able to make the rest of the journey safely. There shouldn't be any trouble on that front.</div>
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"Risking life and limb to wring every last nanogram of data, the explorer can stand on the brink of danger! And some reckless souls will fall, never to be seen again, in our universe or the next!"</div>
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Another system with an M-class star fills the main view. There is still more than half a tank of fuel so no need to refuel here. Pulling back on the controls points the ship off to the next destination. Scanned data captured and stored, a quick look shows nothing worth staying for, and the countdown begins.</div>
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"Moving over to the other side of the Orca, as we continue this tour of fearsome and noble galactic monstrosities, you can see the accretion disc hurling matter into the black hole."</div>
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The tourist guide in my head has stopped speaking for the moment, and is no longer replaying the events in my mind.</div>
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Its all quiet now. Back to normal. But a few hours ago all hell had broken lose.</div>
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The stars pirouette around the gravitational mass, drawing all of the galaxy around itself as a cloak to hide its singularity.</div>
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More sensor data streams in about the nature of these beasts. Studied by many explorers before me, and many more to follow, the black hole still has some mysteries to reveal. Setting up another sensor pass should capture enough for now, and then onto another exploration bounty claimed. </div>
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The feeling of being at the eye of the storm is one that can't be shaken.</div>
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The black hole isn't a large one as they go, I've already visited larger, and the orbit around the body is one that even the onboard computer can calculate. Leaving the computer to continue the orbit, my full attention turns to the sensors to ensure they remain pointed where they should.</div>
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One star races across the field of view, up to the edge of the hole, then takes an abrupt right angle turn and traces a path around the event horizon, before continuing on its way. If I can get the spectral profile of that star then the event horizon might be mapped with greater theoretical understanding.</div>
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My distraction is my undoing. The klaxons go off and, deep in concentration chasing the star, the blaring sound is a distance call on my attention. Only a moment mind, but that could be enough to be fatal, while the ship grinds and threatens to shake itself apart in protest. In relief it drops out into sub-light space with a vicious rattle.</div>
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Though normal doesn't quite begin to describe this volume of space. I've been close to a black hole before, more by accident than by design, but this one has a rather murky and claustrophobic feeling to it.<br />
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The physics inside here is still playing havoc with my sensors and eyes. The engine trails seem to be falling behind me and to one side.</div>
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Sensor data continues to pour in. But really it is time to go. This doesn't feel safe to me.</div>
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An invisible barrier pushes up and I can feel my ship veer off to one side.</div>
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Yes, really. Time to go.</div>
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Lining up the next system it is tucked off to one side, and away from the black hole. There is no personal experience here of jumping into witch space from where I am.</div>
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Deep breath. Stab at the drive engage and hope...</div>
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The rush into hyperspace was most welcome. Jumping from inside the black had clearly been safer than I'd thought, and I now have the sensor records to show for it. One day this will become a tourist spot for hordes of Orca full of gawping holidaymakers.</div>
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"Moving on to the noble and beautiful! <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/the-three-graces.html" target="_blank">The three graces</a> are a rare sight in our galaxy! And one of extreme beauty I must say! Named by the Commander of the Federation of Pilots who first discovered them..."</div>
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The tourist guide is back. </div>
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I'm making his life possible by risking my own. Remind me not to tip him at the end of the voyage.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-79765614521939183542015-06-27T15:33:00.001+01:002015-06-27T15:33:17.767+01:00The Three GracesThe exploration through Phroi Pri sector revealed some surprises.<br />
<br />
Just past the largest black hole at the centre of the galaxy, <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/day-12-eaten-by-great-annihilator.html" target="_blank">up a bit and over to the left</a>, the high density of ordinary stars are heavily dusted with compact, hot and dangerous neutron stars. I found myself on the edge of this field after a sideways hop from <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/day-12-slainte-mhath.html" target="_blank">Sagittarius A*</a> to another nearby black hole with a GRS designation, coordinates provided by a fellow explorer.<br />
<br />
Judged to be the remnants of a super nova, a neutron star is dense, hot and spinning. The sheer number of them in this volume of space calls into question what stellar event took place here. One that left behind so many?<br />
<br />
The calmness of space of the moment actually conceals the vicious damage once wrought here. A massive star near the end of its main sequence, and in the final stages of collapse, will shrink further under its nuclear processes. Beyond a certain point the outer shell is blown away while a core of neutrons remains. A super nova is the death of a star.<br />
<br />
Known to explorers as "The Neutron Fields", it is more like a battle field graveyard of giant fallen stars.<br />
<br />
While it has become routine and safe exploration there a few things to keep an eye on. Such a star has an intense heat output that can overwhelm a ship's cooling systems very quickly. The distance between safe scanning and burnout can be a matter of seconds, and even turning away to try and make safe distance can bring you into danger.<br />
<br />
A neutron star is so small that there is only a brief visual distortion on the exit of hyperspace to show where it lies. The brightest point in the nights sky for its proximity, but otherwise a point like body that is lost in the backdrop of stars. There's also no refuelling here, unless you're lucky with a companion star.<br />
<br />
These systems are undergoing regeneration, however, showing that from the death of a star there is a rebirth. Companion stars, dense metallic worlds and gas giants form a respectful distance away from the neutron star at the centre of the system.<br />
<br />
That regeneration can also include new life from the fallen star, carrying its own charm, beauty, and creativity.<br />
<br />
So when I found them, I called them The Three Graces.<br />
<br />
Three water worlds suitable for terraforming, in tight orbit around each other and huddled in protection from this neutron star. There is already carbon-water based life here, on three planets within 12 light seconds from each other, in the remnants of a dead star.<br />
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A rather unusual late sequence S-type star also caught my eye: the first I have ever seen. A detailed sensor pass for the scientists back home, but not much more to report.<br />
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Then its back towards Sol. Narrow band comms chatter with fellow explorers helps me realise that I'm not best equipped for a longer and more extended journey out here. In particular I don't have the jump range to attempt trips out to the sparse edge of the galaxy.<br />
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So with databanks brimming with data, thoughts now turn to a small bubble of intensely occupied space, where fragile life thrives and fights to survive.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-21134856550750936282015-06-23T21:32:00.001+01:002015-06-23T22:46:47.453+01:00Day 12: Slàinte mhath!A moments pause to savour the feeling. The left hand grips at the throttle too tightly and then loosens, allowing the fingers to flex and settle again comfortably.<br />
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Nearly there.<br />
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The starfield around me is rich, dense and bright, and there isn't a place I can look that doesn't have the glow of a star. Even in an adjacent system less that 2 light years away I can see that there's something rather strange up ahead.<br />
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The space ahead looks... dimpled, and a halo of light surrounds my destination. The gravitational distortion of light behind the black star that is lucky enough to get around and not fall in.<br />
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The jump drive spools up and the throttle slides forward as it has done so many times before. There's no time to counter the dry throat that just formed.<br />
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The ship slides into witch space one more time.<br />
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A loud boom reverberates through the ship on exit and the blue Cherenhov radiation fades away from periphery vision. A rougher transition than usual to be sure, but the gravity distortion in this system is far from usual.<br />
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The canopy glare filters lift and, for a moment, I believe that nothing has happened. Directly ahead is a dark black and empty volume of space in which my eyes can't pick out any detail. As the stars in the sky return to my sight there is a moments disorientation as they swim around in seemingly unnatural directions.<br />
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The ship comes to a halt and the dark sphere fills out with light gathered from all over the sky.<br />
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Light is bent so far out of shape that I fancy I could see the photons from my own ship thrown back at me after they've made an orbit of the event horizon. The sensor net starts waking up and spewing out crazy reports that aren't too far away from that flight of fancy. The data is confusing so I just let the machines gather and store it. One thing I know is that the jump has placed me over 60 light seconds from the nearest mass.<br />
<br />
Then a mental correction that reminds me of the situation I'm in: its not mass, but the nearest singularity in space and time. A super massive black hole hiding over half a million solar masses.<br />
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A cramp starts to form in the muscle of my hands, and it takes me a moment to wake up to the fact that I've gone back to gripping tightly on the throttle. Releasing the controls entirely I relax and let the tension drain from me.<br />
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I've made it.<br />
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The local comms channel static clears up and a message comes through in clear: "Hello friend!"<br />
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Another commander from our original exploration team of nine has arrived, only a few minutes earlier, and is also assimilating the view. We return to normal space and line up to capture evidence of our arrival. We share the survey data for the system, and swap stories on the journey up (he's not been <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/day-12-eaten-by-great-annihilator.html" target="_blank">to the Great Annihilator</a> yet, and plans to do so on the way back).<br />
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A small glass of Eranin pearl whiskey from personal supplies celebrates the moment, though it wouldn't be wise to drink more while this close to something so dangerous. The hours pass quickly, and this seems a very quiet part of space.<br />
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Sensors carry their familiar warning beep and another ship jumps into the system. <a href="http://ollieclark.com/cmdrol/?p=244" target="_blank">Another commander from our group</a> has arrived, having had some trouble with navigation computer for the last few hundred light years.<br />
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We let him savour the moment, the view, and the achievement.<br />
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As we all will. For the rest of our lives.<br />
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<br />
<i>With thanks to Cmdr Stoneage and Cmdr Ol for the assistance in taking of photos on the edge of the event horizon.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Also to Cmdr Bikky, Cmdr Ian Norton, Cmdr Jeffrey Stoob, Cmdr Cluseau, and Cmdr Iain McC for the company and camaraderie on the journey.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>We lost one along though: started the journey but we lost touch along the way. We hope he made it back safely.</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-36708620478610391652015-06-21T17:32:00.000+01:002015-06-23T22:44:32.457+01:00Day 12: Eaten by the Great AnnihilatorTaking the low road isn't always the slowest. Or least interesting.<br />
<br />
While the pedant would probably point out that there is no concept of low in space, only that up and down are both relative terms that make sense when you are planet side. Having an external direction imposed by gravity means that relative directions are easily adopted, and mankind was doing it long before space travel was the norm.<br />
<br />
Of course when it comes to practical matters, such as working with others, it isn't always about being right (through pedantry or otherwise). Much more important is about being able to have useful casual conversations rather than technically obtuse but accurate ones. Taking advantage of millions of years of evolution trumping only a few hundred years of space travel.<br />
<br />
Not that there is any gravity to help when looking at the galaxy, but the convention appears to place Sol above the galactic plane, and ships systems consistently display maps with the Alliance at the top of the pile and generally closest to the old north star, also known as Polaris. When the home system is at (0,0,0), and the centre of the galaxy is off thataway, then consistency as about all you can hope for.<br />
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<br /></div>
So old habits die hard and the low road it was. The others in the exploration group went high up over the top of the galactic plane and we've rarely been closer than 500Ly.<br />
<br />
And so that low choice put me within range of another fine galactic sight of great natural interest.<br />
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The Great Annihilator. Not the first choice for a star catalogue, but a name that has stuck.<br />
<br />
At just under 3000Ly from Sagittarius A* this is perhaps the second most familiar black hole in the galaxy. Not many know however that it has a companion black hole around 210,000Ls away.<br />
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I'm just about to jump in for a visit...<br />
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Space distorts in a dangerous way around a black hole. Light itself, normally one for flying as straight and true as possible, suffers almost turning back on itself when near a gravitational field of this magnitude.<br />
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When the transition from travelling faster than the speed of light has settled down, there's a huge eruption in the stars that make up the galactic plane. Turning in on themselves, eating each other whole, and then being regurgitating again.<br />
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It seems I've found the black hole. Putting off dinner seems like a good idea right now.<br />
<br />
Some detailed sensor sweeps and flybys of the gravitational lensing, and then onward to the companion black hole.<br />
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<br />
That was too close! The gravitational incline of the companion causes the safety systems to kick in, and the ship drops out into whatever counts as normal space around a black hole. The singularity spins less than 250km away, and meanwhile my adrenaline surges through the roof. A fight or flight decision has to be made. Quickly.<br />
<br />
There can be no fight with a an object that commands the power to bend light and space. Turning away so the black hole is behind me, I keep a close eye on the ship's heat levels and start the jump sequence. The ship's computer helpfully tries to throw up an escape vector marker on the holo-display. Throttle up and continue increasing the distance away from danger. The charging engine spool up reaches a crescendo.<br />
<br />
Nothing happens.<br />
<br />
The computer bleeps helplessly as the jump fails to engage and the engines start to flood the ship with heat. The emergency jump sequence shuts down and mercifully the heat begins to dissipate safely. My trigger finger moves away from the heatsink launch button, the charge remains available and unused, while the temperature drains back to sensible levels.<br />
<br />
Am I trapped?<br />
<br />
The computer is so confused by the local distortion that it can't provide a safe escape. I'm not even sure if there is one - perhaps I'm too close. Try again.<br />
<br />
The jump announcement signals ready and the heat builds again. I scour the sky for a weakening of space that will allow me free, trusting to the physics of the situation to find a path free instead of the onboard navigation imbecile. There's no sign of an escape vector where I'm pointed.<br />
<br />
The controls lock and the timer countdown begins. There's more visible distortion of the galactic plane as the black hole spits me out. The ship climbs to a safe distance and begins the acceleration away from danger.<br />
<br />
Relief sets in and my stomach growls its hunger pangs.<br />
<br />
Only when I've made it to the next system.<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rwbqRVMi1R8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="385" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rwbqRVMi1R8?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div>
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<i style="font-size: small;">(Editor's note: the original intro video has now been replaced with an extended version at around 13 minutes of HD black hole footage)</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-1357105634717304832015-06-20T17:08:00.003+01:002015-06-20T17:20:36.323+01:00Day 11: The double scoop<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HxXL3OV6oeW5hRm8qG4-PWT64ePdnErYL0s_VpXkQtgdvpRpOfcTbcG-B0THH5v2BLO1G9SW9X7vx_oX-5JrUG5ehlwpP_2yjnnnVkwEWbc9F-mnm5W9sUU4FehzC0i1FRflutjbqck/s1600/day11_binary_suns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HxXL3OV6oeW5hRm8qG4-PWT64ePdnErYL0s_VpXkQtgdvpRpOfcTbcG-B0THH5v2BLO1G9SW9X7vx_oX-5JrUG5ehlwpP_2yjnnnVkwEWbc9F-mnm5W9sUU4FehzC0i1FRflutjbqck/s640/day11_binary_suns.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Collective madness.<br />
<br />
Those who have been out amongst the stars, travelled far, and returned, will know that a certain routine sets in after a while. We've managed to maintain a good camaraderie at the times when comms has been established over the distance that we've been travelling, and the separation between the ships in space.<br />
<br />
But a need to try something different steps to the fore. A break to the routine. The taking of a risk in a profession mostly noted for being adverse and always looking to the longer term result.<br />
<br />
So something like this was bound to happen, a rebellion of sorts that allows you to shake something out of your system. Otherwise a tension builds up that distracts in an even more dangerous way.<br />
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<br />
The cabin temperature builds up as the heat accumulates in the ship. 85%... 92%... 97%. Insistent klaxons demanding attention and prompt action are rendered meaningless. There is nowhere to go and nothing that can be done except to complete the transit between the stars. The cabin fills with an intense dry heat as the cooling mechanisms struggle to cope.<br />
<br />
It flattens out at 98% and then falls back in relief to more normal operating levels. A bead of sweat runs down the side of my temple and the cooked feeling fades away.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Moments later a fellow explorer in our group reports arriving at a similar tight binary star system over 500Ly away. After hearing of my exploit the madness jumps this distance and he has to repeat exactly the same manoeuvre. Communication is lost for a moment from the interference of the stars, but resumes with a jubilant cheer and laughter with a slightly manic edge to it. I know how that feels.<br />
<br />
The journey continues with the tension released and balance restored.<br />
<br />
For both of us.<br />
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<a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/day-10-escaping-sea-of-rocks.html" target="_blank">Yesterday's waterworld with rings</a> clearly wasn't nearly as unique as I'd thought for. After only a few jumps in there was another one waiting for me, this time with caps of ice.<br />
<br />
The A class star that it orbits also casts a disturbing muddy white hue that I don't think I have ever seen before. It makes the gas giant look altogether gruesome and unreal.<br />
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<br />
As if on cue I hear the drip...drip... drip behind me of water onto a metal plate. The fresh water condenser and purifier, <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/day-6-not-drop.html" target="_blank">recently broken</a>, has started working again for no apparent reason. A few drops of water drip out as the machine goes through an internal cleaning cycle. Operation is restored.<br />
<br />
The transit between the twin stars must have shaken something lose, but I'll still have to keep an eye on it. I have fresh water again and the storage containers accumulate a supply that will keep me going much further. I'll draw some water out and build up a reserve in case it packs in again.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Getting back into the routine and I find myself in a fortunate position. Close enough to another stellar object with a most appropriate name, and also worthy of a visit.<br />
<br />
Course change set. Jump initiated.<br />
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<br />
Video link (YouTube): <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdVWuq1jXYE" target="_blank">Elite Dangerous: Binary star refuelling</a><br />
Duration: 0:50Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-21963187793101479302015-06-19T19:55:00.003+01:002015-06-19T20:21:54.145+01:00Day 10: Escaping the sea of rocksThe navigation controls vibrate recklessly in my hands. This is a dangerous approach that I'm undertaking and there's precious little out here to help if things go wrong. The nearest ship I can contact is over 1000Ly away and unaware that I'm conducting an operation of this nature.<br />
<br />
It won't matter anyway. The remlock's oxygen supply would fail before they could get here.<br />
<br />
There is no nav beacon to assist the drop to normal space, and the dizzying rush of rocks in the ring brings makes the throat constrict. That dangerous part that I mentioned? One unlucky roll of the dice and I could end up with an asteroid directly in my path. A starship grave in a system unlikely ever to see human eyes again.<br />
<br />
It has been a while since I've flown in a ring field. The drills from the res combat come back quickly though. Fight in the illuminated rings. Only boost towards clear space. Disable flight assist only when you can see where you'll drift. So the pleasure of flying tightly among the rocks returns. A perverse and risky pleasure perhaps, considering where I am, but a satisfying one nonetheless.<br />
<br />
So the reason why I'm here? Another water world. But an unusual one with its own ring system this time. A close survey for the research scientists back home to determine the composition of the object that once orbited this planet and then broke apart.<br />
<br />
One enthusiastic boost too many and the Diamondback leaps clear of the sea of rocks for a moment, framing the water world against the backdrop of a dense curtain of stars.<br />
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<br />
With the secrets of that waterworld now stored securely in my exploration logs, it is time to move on. This close to the centre and curios start to arrive thick and fast.<br />
<br />
A cluster of Herbig Ae/Be stars divert me from the journey on. Spinning at visible incredible rates, and not quite yet on the hydrogen burning main sequence, these incredibly bright stars will continue their gravitational collapse and ignite into huge class A/B stars that burn a blueish white.<br />
<br />
The other T-Tauri stars are a bonus... almost a complete system full of them!<br />
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<br />
Still travelling above the galactic plane means that I can now look down on the stunning disc of our galaxy. It washes past the edge of my canopy and back towards the distance star systems I know of as home.<br />
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<br />
With the density of Herbig and neutron stars on the increase it is inevitable that another stellar object makes an appearance. A smaller brother to its sibling at the centre of the galaxy, it still manages to distort the bright stars as space and time are bent under an intense gravitational flux.<br />
<br />
Dropping to within a few tens of kilometres is a frightening experience. This is good practice for the arrival at the giant ahead though, so I grit my teeth and keep an eye on the ships health reports. Rumours and bar scuttle tell of a path to immortality through a black hole, of ships going in and never returning, forever visible as they fall into the horizon until their last photons are no longer able to escape.<br />
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I'm not prepared to take a leap of faith like that.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-35454192587657967822015-06-18T20:26:00.001+01:002015-06-19T18:45:24.235+01:00Day 9: Boxing cleverTheir illumination fills the cockpit. Space is no longer dark and empty.<br />
<br />
So bright that they are visible while scooping fuel in tight orbit around the sun: a dense wall of pinpoints scattered across the sky in vast quantity and without care.<br />
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<br />
It might take a lifetime to visit them all, catalogue all of the bodies that are in orbit, and find all the curiosities that are hidden away. A part of me would love to go and explore, but there is another, stronger, siren call to darkness.<br />
<br />
The stars are now close enough together that route planning is taking its toll on the computational power at my disposal and it takes a few seconds to calculate the next route. I'm still over 9000Ly out from the core and the star density field only gets tighter from here. Something to keep an eye on.<br />
<br />
And then a curious thing.<br />
<br />
The density of stars just suddenly falls off as if I've thrown myself off of a cliff. The skies are clear and empty, with darkness once again dominating the the backdrop. Orienting the ship with the next destination brings a second surprise.<br />
<br />
There is a tight cluster of bright stars ahead.<br />
<br />
It is almost as if a surgeon's scalpel has cut away a volume of space. Not needed to make this part of the galaxy as it is clearly surplus to requirements. Imagination flares up and, for a moment, I imagine that volume of space tucked away in the galactic equivalent of a "lost and found" department.<br />
<br />
I'll have to compare notes with Cmdr Ol, who has passed through <a href="http://ollieclark.com/cmdrol/?p=212" target="_blank">similar box like volumes of space</a> recently.<br />
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<br />
A few other curios and frustrations come to the fore. A gas giant with life in its upper atmosphere, a thin layer of turbulent water vapour.<br />
<br />
That there is life on this scale and in this hostile a location speaks for the tenacity of life. The assumption that it is truly aware, or even intelligent, in a place like this is difficult to imagine however. Being born in such a place suggests a low glass ceiling on the size and complexity for this form of life. So I can't help but reflect on the privileged position that I have.<br />
<br />
For my species the glass ceiling has been very high. At least... I assume it has.<br />
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A brief moment of disappointment when I find that I've mistaken a heavy metal planet with rings for a water world or even an earth-like. Hopefully that won't happen again. The clarity and structure in the rings is still a triumph over entropy though, and an elegantly beautiful view, so I don't begrudge the journey in-system to get here.<br />
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Finally, another beautiful waterworld that carries the recommendation from the ships computer that it is terraformable. Any life on this planet would not even know where to begin when looking for <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/day-4-three-ages-of-man.html" target="_blank">stellar constellations and heroes in the stars</a>.<br />
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There are some rare Herbig Ae/Be stars that I can see up ahead - setting course and destination.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-58405805067240033032015-06-17T19:26:00.003+01:002015-06-17T19:29:20.349+01:00Day 8: Out of the blueThe sky is very much brighter than I have ever seen it before. Travelling coreward I know that there will be more stars: a full sky that leaves no dark place to hide.<br />
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I've heard the rumours and stories told in bars, and seen the holo-vids from those that have returned.</div>
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There's a particularly bright patch - a much higher density of O, B, A and F types than burn so very hot at the blue end of the spectrum. The bright light crowds in and I'd better start getting used to it.</div>
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There's bloody nothing else to look at right now so carry on... carry on...</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-21844097409907226322015-06-16T20:18:00.001+01:002015-06-16T20:18:13.436+01:00Day 7: A waterfall of starsIt is necessary to get away from the routine every now and again.<br />
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Much of the time is spent replenishing ship fuel, choosing the next navigation destination, or in transit to the next system. Time mostly spent in proximity to the main star, and dealing with the brightness of tonnes of hydrogen fusing energetically every second. A brilliant glare that forces the canopy to dim and conceal beauty.<br />
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The journey so far has taken me out of the galactic plane and closer to the edge. Only a few hundred light years mind, but there seems to be a sweet spot at around half way towards the centre of the galaxy. A sweet spot where the intense glow of tightly packed stars is still ahead, and the dim sparse light of edge of the galaxy lie far behind.<br />
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Speeding out of the suns corona causes the brightness filters lift and clear, revealing the waterfall of stars cascading off the edge of the galaxy.<br />
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Looking up and across the centre of the galactic plane obscures the detail, and leaves a familiar darkness that is only punctured by a few close stars. Looking down I can see the broad smudge of stars ahead that are at the edge of the bright core of the galaxy.<br />
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The waterfall curtain will part and surround me on travelling further forward, but for now their subtle illumination of the night sky is a beautiful sight for this explorer.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-62034316700663521142015-06-15T20:34:00.002+01:002015-06-15T20:45:16.284+01:00Day 6: Not a dropThey say that the space rat that doesn't stay clean doesn't care about life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9DOtHXdmUHfCcksD-jOjB7UQeCLkZaS3ZIMo4r3BsW541hEL5rD84x-ZM7q4NS7KgmNoIK9Fm_Dj1IiKRk5Ry0yMKGFdAKf1BLK-JonRf8ItDnPlxEhKCoKvgf9pxLk9Z0ZnFIsvgg4/s1600/day6_many_tauri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9DOtHXdmUHfCcksD-jOjB7UQeCLkZaS3ZIMo4r3BsW541hEL5rD84x-ZM7q4NS7KgmNoIK9Fm_Dj1IiKRk5Ry0yMKGFdAKf1BLK-JonRf8ItDnPlxEhKCoKvgf9pxLk9Z0ZnFIsvgg4/s640/day6_many_tauri.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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When its a closed volume of space, and you rely on all of your systems working at high efficiency, then a messy ship is dangerous. A leak could be an early sign of imminent failure, or a strange irregular sound a harbinger of trouble.<br />
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If the signs of danger are difficult to spot amongst the dirt and the loud noises then the dirt and loud noise must themselves be a danger to life. So a space rat keeps his ship clean, quiet, and tidy, taking comfort from the flash of console lights and hum of safety devices keeping the ship functioning and you alive.<br />
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Which is why the breakdown of the water reclamation unit came as a complete surprise. A stream of cool and refreshing water one minute, then only a drop or two from condensation on the cooler. Then nothing.<br />
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Stopping for investigation showed no sign of a problem that needed to be fixed. Just no water flowing.<br />
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A quick calculation and I had just about enough water to get there and back if the rationing started now. The practice of using the recycling devices at this early stage in the journey meant I'd caught an issue before it was critical and there was a full reliance on it being operational.<br />
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Onward then. I haven't quite reached the point of no return. Knowing what was recycled to become fresh water - well lets just say the storage tanks can cope and it won't be missed for a while.<br />
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Then a cruel twist in the exploration gives me a hard to shake sensation that the universe is having its own private little joke at my expense.<br />
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A water world to the left of me.<br />
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A water world to the right of me.<br />
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A chilled ice world at 223Kelvin, with only a thin layer of unfrozen water caps.<br />
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And even a water world that acts as a moon.<br />
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None are within reach and landing on one would probably solve my water problems for good, though the ship is not yet equipped to do that kind of exploration.<br />
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So you probably can't blame me for finding the sight of water worlds a little bit too much at the moment. I'd give much to see something forest-like and with carbon based indigenous life of its own.<br />
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Not furry though... definitely not furry.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-67745056346507982612015-06-14T13:36:00.000+01:002015-06-14T13:36:05.845+01:00Day 5: Sun flareMostly travelling today, but before moving off into the desert of stars outside NGC6357, one last look around found a rather unusual looking system. This star formation of a large number of T-Tauri type stars in a single system might well be a characteristic of the star formation within this nebula.<br />
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The gravitational collapse of the T-Tauri, towards a density sufficient for hydrogen fusion to initiate, places them as pre-main sequence stars. They are also the bane of travellers as they often appear to be the more common M-type star, with the main characteristic of being unscoopable.<br />
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The flare of a star while fuel scooping is a beautiful sight to watch. Almost reaching out to my tight orbit I felt it better to peel off than continue into the mass of ejected material.<br />
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Heat management of the Diamondback continues to amaze - a thoroughly modern ship with safety in exploration in mind. Moments later I'm starting the jump to the next system while still scooping fuel.<br />
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After leaving NGC6357 a small volcanic planet, rich in metals and minerals catches the eye. I don't know when the mining teams will be able to get out this far, but the scarring on the surface makes for an angry and hostile visage.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-75102599328491788262015-06-14T12:37:00.000+01:002015-06-14T14:14:51.614+01:00Day 4: The 3 ages of man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Drawing away from the Cat's Paw nebulae and, leaving behind <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/day-3-paw-of-cat.html" target="_blank">this explorer's disappointment</a>, the journey continues on to the next nebula.</div>
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NGC 6357 grows larger as its inky blackness soon blots out the sky. The stars of our galaxy disappear as the heavy black curtain is gradually drawn to a close.</div>
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The bright points of hot class A and O stars come to the fore. A constellation obscured by distance and the bright background now takes prominence in the sky. Our ancestors created shapes in the stars and worshipped them, told stories of great acts of bravery that placed heroes and symbols in the sky to watch over them.</div>
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For a moment's indulgence between jumps I try and imagine a story behind this configuration of stars. A brave young man, spear held high, ready to slay an implacable foe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwu2eVqyfMi-OVDoqQPrzlMqnhfPFH9-Sy_94bJo3rYY0672hwNof8YXkvHgu0n-7kuj7DVHlNRWEpCZrthoCqyrSd9qPhjnOHqWXJ3t5evGAxPd7ETnXpEU7GF_V4wc92nL7SK-EDhE/s1600/day4_fuelscoop_complete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwu2eVqyfMi-OVDoqQPrzlMqnhfPFH9-Sy_94bJo3rYY0672hwNof8YXkvHgu0n-7kuj7DVHlNRWEpCZrthoCqyrSd9qPhjnOHqWXJ3t5evGAxPd7ETnXpEU7GF_V4wc92nL7SK-EDhE/s640/day4_fuelscoop_complete.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jump. Moving clear of the bright star and locating the constellation again, it has become a stalwart mature hunter carrying provisions home to family.</div>
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Jump. An old man hunched over and relying on a walking stick. Revered in wisdom and experience.</div>
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Shaking my head clears the picture from my mind as the journey of 60 light years has distorted the formation of the stars beyond recognition. The old superstitions surrounding the configuration of the stars are long gone. It is difficult to worship the stars when you wander among them, and much has fallen to the wayside because it could only be seen from the single viewpoint of Sol, our origin system.</div>
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An awe still remains though: of the true scale unknown and un-knowable. Fears and superstitions of another kind now live out here amongst the stars.</div>
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Entering the darkness of the nebula leaves behind the bright glow of the galaxy. A chance to survey the nearby stars for curiosities, and the cartography maps are throwing up a few named systems.<br />
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A neutron star! Intense brightness from this collapsed remnant of a supernova floods the canopy, and the brightness filters struggle to control it. The scars and scratches on the canopy fog the view ahead.<br />
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The heat of the star threaten to overwhelm the ships systems, rising sharply towards the upper safety limits. Better to back off, and veer away from the approach, than be caught in a maelstrom of heat death.<br />
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Finally! Small black holes of only a few solar masses in size. Three of them in one system CL PISMIS 3.<br />
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Flying close shows their gravitational lensing of the background, and the swirl of stars and drawing a cloak around the mysteries of these singularities. Scanned for the stellar cartography scientists back home, their secrets will remain veiled for a while longer I'm sure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZUTLR4ITSZQbHmSo1Vd5zVU186M5KhsUn1Xde0mfGC8FXWV_tx6UZ5VAyUGO26Ju0iYd5NIp5HK1YybyoaG9cHGpI582U0YpS9An47KIZ1eR6U9gxObPyDLz_AK0y7MaBCB9gwU5KT0/s1600/day4_3blackholes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZUTLR4ITSZQbHmSo1Vd5zVU186M5KhsUn1Xde0mfGC8FXWV_tx6UZ5VAyUGO26Ju0iYd5NIp5HK1YybyoaG9cHGpI582U0YpS9An47KIZ1eR6U9gxObPyDLz_AK0y7MaBCB9gwU5KT0/s640/day4_3blackholes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The curiosities of NGC6357 have been exhausted and thoughts return to fuel scooping for the journey onward.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGERCACwHiGEA2YHDP2tu95A9zPgNDn-lRjte4ytx02Z3XlgRZp7_3Tsiw0kAu2eeuBet7yFx60g-jSTvkUDjdXMQ-RSZpiL9Q8kjOsGff9e3rBDBaUEeNUAQsGeSYr9kqF7T2OwBbs6Y/s1600/day4_scooping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGERCACwHiGEA2YHDP2tu95A9zPgNDn-lRjte4ytx02Z3XlgRZp7_3Tsiw0kAu2eeuBet7yFx60g-jSTvkUDjdXMQ-RSZpiL9Q8kjOsGff9e3rBDBaUEeNUAQsGeSYr9kqF7T2OwBbs6Y/s640/day4_scooping.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This leg of the trip has made good progress, and we're almost 1/3 of the way to our destination.</div>
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The expanse ahead is a long desert with grains of stars and no oasis of nebulae in easy sight. I'll have to keep an eye out for other curios, but for now its time to take a rest.<br />
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Out of range of the nearest black hole of course.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-39622560767564763402015-06-13T19:43:00.001+01:002015-06-13T20:10:02.824+01:00Day 3: Paw of the CatMore trouble with binary suns.<br />
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After yesterday's adrenaline rush of <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/day-2-onward.html" target="_blank">almost crashing into the second sun of a binary system</a>, it happened again.<br />
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Better prepared this time, though I know not what I could do if I ended up inside one of these behemoths.<br />
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Progress has been sure and the light years are starting to accumulate. Part the way through Day 3 and around 1/8 of the distance covered.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5jP_9vvm-6JBb5-oEgulHIsmb0WYNCWdcrGL4HrXKFe9L7L4Ab3hNLUu2TnwoLH5jPHjEZbZreJ2B2E9wAdp8te2_qWfJMXQPGj3kF2s2wPYp2bUk4-tHnnFU0NgLPSYKfq2W0S5HZo/s1600/progress_day3_partial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5jP_9vvm-6JBb5-oEgulHIsmb0WYNCWdcrGL4HrXKFe9L7L4Ab3hNLUu2TnwoLH5jPHjEZbZreJ2B2E9wAdp8te2_qWfJMXQPGj3kF2s2wPYp2bUk4-tHnnFU0NgLPSYKfq2W0S5HZo/s640/progress_day3_partial.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Moving onward to the Cat's Paw nebula. Not too far off of the main highway to Sagittarius A*, and there's some hope that it will be a place of interest.</div>
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I'm not one to take a selfie, but seeing the Cat's Paw reflected I couldn't resist.</div>
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Ever closer. The nebular soon grows to dominate the sky.<br />
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The anticipation of arrival was, however, far higher than the excitement of arriving at the nebula to survey it. Only small in size and there was little to see here. It was a cloud of dust, hydrogen, helium and other ionised gases and not yet making a contribution as a stellar nursery.<br />
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A little disappointed having made the detour especially, however there's another larger and more promising smudge of darkness ahead in the form of NBC 6357...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-43674779710997848542015-06-13T17:53:00.004+01:002015-06-13T17:53:43.685+01:00Day 2: OnwardThey say the first 2000 light years are the hardest. I wouldn't know, they just seemed to fly past.<br />
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A group of ships flying through the same system can do a lot to keep each other company. The comms are crystal clear, the humour is sharp, and the camaraderie is strong.<br />
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Settling into the routine of jumping and scanning needs an alertness and awareness of your surroundings though, and there's no room for complacency.<br />
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Jumping and scanning.<br />
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Scans have shown something interesting and, dropping into orbit, a blue water world without any land masses or clouds to speak of, fills the viewport ahead. A droplet suspended in space and seemingly forever orbiting a bright star that it can never extinguish.<br />
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Jumping and scanning.<br />
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A cold and cloudy earth-like planet sitting in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldilocks_planet" target="_blank">the goldilocks zone</a> around this M-class star. Too much atmospheric pressure to be comfortable perhaps, and not enough air for a stroll.<br />
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Jumping and scanning.<br />
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A huge star hurtles into view and off to one side, and clearly not my destination in this binary system. The witch space exit vector scrapes by the stars corona and the ship temperature rises sharply.<br />
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Holy crap! That was close. The adrenaline surge has brought me back to full alertness. Tight binary systems have been the curse of many a starship pilot, and the death of several. They are rare but very very dangerous.<br />
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A few jumps on and the adrenaline has drained away, so moving to a safe distance and dropping to normal space I settle in for the night.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70486775678892228.post-17735346375933118842015-06-12T14:59:00.002+01:002015-06-12T14:59:09.896+01:00The call of the wildI really don't know why I bought that ship. I certainly didn't have any plans for it. At least that's what I thought at the time.<br />
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It was a strange day. A day of coincidences.<br />
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Bringing a mid-range explorer onto the market was a brave move by Lakon. They already have the high end cornered with the Asp, so this is now a decidedly modern take on an exploration ship that is also combat capable. It's becoming <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/an-act-of-terror.html" target="_blank">a more dangerous universe</a> as <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/an-act-of-strategy.html" target="_blank">the turmoil of powerplay</a> <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/an-act-of-powerplay.html" target="_blank">takes its toll</a>, and even the loneliest of explorers need to go armed these days.<br />
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But I still didn't actually need the ship for anything. It was just going into storage.<br />
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Of course there was a plan in the back of my mind to get back to exploration. <a href="http://cmdrcharybdis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/redefining-big-ez-orionis.html" target="_blank">An earlier jaunt out towards Barnard's Loop</a> has given me a taste of the beauty of our galaxy and the sites to be seen. A steady trickle of explorers returning from the centre of the galaxy reported a super massive black hole known as Sagittarius A*.<br />
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Curiosity is piqued of course: a trip that should be made some time soon, to add to the body of knowledge about the centre of the galaxy, and have some bragging rights when I'm too old to fly and need a drink in a bar. But not today.<br />
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A chance contact <a href="http://ollieclark.com/cmdrol" target="_blank">with a fellow veteran from Quivira</a> found he was preparing to go to Sagittarius A* though. He was placing final touches onto the ship and preparing to leave momentarily. Just as I was dismissing the trip myself.<br />
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Incoming message. A second veteran and a supporter of the Alliance also preparing for the trip. Neither knowing about the other and both equally surprised when they found out. A second strange coincidence indeed.<br />
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My fancy was tickled. Why not? I have nothing holding me here at the moment, and though the known galaxy has erupted into a powerplay of conflict there isn't much that I need to get involved with right now.<br />
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So there had been a reason for preparing the Diamondback Explorer after all. I'll file that under one of the universe's little mysteries.<br />
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<a href="http://longhaulsong.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Word spread and soon we were four</a>: winging our way to the centre of the galaxy.<br />
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I'll get a chance to ponder the mysterious ways of the universe while I'm out jumping between stars. But for now I'm going to enjoy the fireworks, and the company on the journey to the lonely centre of the galaxy.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07647080726688222138noreply@blogger.com0