From Nerd to Hero Chapter 2

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Northstar
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From Nerd to Hero Chapter 2

Post by Northstar » Tue, 4. Apr 06, 10:19

Chapter 1 can be found here: http://forum2.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=136073

Thanks for the great comments forum people. I am working through the stories on here and there is some great reading to be done. So many different varieties of stories. :)

From Nerd to Hero by Northstar

Chapter 2

Heading through many sectors I remembered what my farther told me about his trip to Siezewell. I followed the same route north though Boron Space to Menelaus Frontier. The Boron sectors were very misty with Nebula clouds all around. I almost hit an asteroid at one point as I played around with my onboard computer. Luckily I managed to glance up to see a huge dark rock emerge from the mist and take evasive manoeuvres. There are many of these asteroids in my home sector but they are well lit by the huge glowing red planet that dominates the west side. I could never work inside one of the mines they place over these asteroids, but own one?! Maybe one day, if I find my fortune in the outer sectors of the galaxy.

As I entered Menelaus Frontier my onboard computer gave an alert warning to signify enemy craft in my vicinity. With only a brief moment to think I panicked and just headed in a northerly direction at full throttle. I even shot past a Boron Destroyer, just missing one of the escorts that spearheaded the attack toward a wing of enemy ships. I did not try to identify the enemy showing on my navigation map. The only thought in my mind was to run to safety and let the local forces deal with them. Without lasers I would be an easy target, thus ending my dreams of travel. The enemy soon disappeared from my radar screen as I neared the northern edge of the sector. In the distance I got my eye on an asteroid and my instincts told me to hide behind it quickly. I slowed my engines to a gradual halt, facing this huge lump of rock where I could almost see every grain of colour in it.

Feeling a little safer, I opened up my navigation screen to scan for ships. To my surprise a Teladi craft showed up on my screen, only two hundred metres away from me. I looked out of the cockpit window to the left and saw a large transport craft just sitting aimlessly close to the asteroid, with no signs of a pilot. At first I thought the pilot had the same idea as me, either that or a tour transport full of asteroid enthusiasts! I scanned the ships identity and the database told me this was an abandoned Teladi Toucan transport. Furthermore the ship had all of its weapons intact! I could not believe my luck, so I decided to exit my craft through the freight bay and drift over to board the transport. There were no signs of life onboard the ship but I did check the onboard computer to discover all three 25 MW shields were charged and the rear laser was an Alpha Particle Accelerator Cannon. This laser was too big for my ship but if I sell this transport I could upgrade to make me feel a little safer out here.

After checking carefully for enemy ships I ordered my discoverer to follow me and I headed toward Siezewell. As I entered the sector I was amazed to see so many rocks and asteroids. This sector was so full of commercial traffic skirting around the asteroid fields, not even slowing down for a moment. I guess this was all new to me and I had known from my father that the Teladi were notorious for their profit making activities. Maybe I could learn something here, but then again my true goal was to study the distant stars, where someday I could teach at the college, making my father so proud of me. Mind you, it would not harm to take back a few credits to help our future. I decided to practice my manoeuvres through the asteroids and they came quite natural. The slow transport I had was not very reactive though. I decided I must sell this ship and see what I could do to my discoverer.

I slowly docked at the shipyard in my new transport along with my discoverer. This station was alive with lizard creatures all haggling for good deals. Some of their outfits were unmistakable in design, draped with gold and silk, signifying unimaginable wealth. Not one of these creatures seems to notice anything but their own little profit making world, generating an invisible barrier to protect them from distractions that could cost them time and money. I was approached as soon as I reached the sales area by a silver clad lizard who’s only words were “sell ship make profit”. I was not going to argue with him so I pressed the agreement button to sell my new Toucan Transport and automatically my account rose from 800 credits to 382,000 credits! I held my composure but secretly I could have fallen in a heap on the floor! I felt so important all of a sudden having more credits than I would have earned in 10 Jazuras! Excited, I jumped onboard my discoverer and sped across to the equipment dock to see what upgrades I could find.

After a whole stazura scanning the list of upgrades like a spoiled child, I eventually upgraded my fighter with 4 new Alpha IRE lasers, another 1 MW shield, trading software and a duplex scanner. These Teladi did not have much in the way of heavy equipment, they seem to cater more for the business opportunist and not defence. I now realised I could at least take on the weakest of enemies if needs be. If my luck remained as it had been I might even start a new venture in business somewhere. These Teladi ways can easily rub off on you, a life I could get used to, apart from the sparkly suits that is!

I could not help but think of my father and wonder if he had read the log entry I made in our home computer before we had left for work that day. He was sure to be back from my uncles and notice my absence. I should really contact him and explain things. I am not too sure how he will react but I know being his son he would want the best for me. I decided to leave another message in our home log and explain my reasons along with my encounters so far. I left out the enemy scuffle part so that he would not worry more than he probably already is. Within moments I received a message back: “Take care son…I would have given everything at your age to venture out the way you have….do not forget, you are my only son and I need you back safe…Dad”. I quickly wiped away my tiny tear drop as I knew if I was wise he would be proud of his only son as long as I relay my adventures and let him know I am still alive.

I started up my ships engines and slowly backed away from the docking bay. All of this seems unreal, having my own little fighter and a few thousand credits in my account! My scanning range was so much better now so I could see danger from a greater distance. I can even check factory prices from a distance now without the need to dock due to my trading system extension. What now lies ahead, I wondered? Maybe more luck, maybe a problem or an adventure, who knows at this stage. I set my engines to full throttle, heading to the north gate. I had heard the Split sectors were north east of here, very dangerous places but worth travelling through to explore further east. Besides, my four lasers were fully charged and in need of testing. I would rather explore than fight but in sticky situations I now had a chance.


Chapter 3 is in the making..
:wink:
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KiwiNZ
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Post by KiwiNZ » Tue, 4. Apr 06, 13:10

Great development. I love the detail! So that is where the Tucan is located? :D

Looking forward to the next chapter! :thumb_up:

DIGSIN
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Post by DIGSIN » Tue, 4. Apr 06, 19:06

Nice touch with the Toucan, makes me remember when i found it, i was wondering why it was just sitting there and not doing anything.I only realised i could claim it when i scanned it to find out what a Toucan was.

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Northstar
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Post by Northstar » Tue, 4. Apr 06, 22:31

Thanx KiwiNZ and DIGSIN

I am hoping that some might get off to a good start in the game as I did. I did exactly the same DIGSIN, until I realised you could float over and capture them. I missed lots of goodies my first time in the game through my naivety! I dont want to give too many secrets away tho :wink:

Chapter 3 will be a bit longer and is half way completed.
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bendyspex
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Post by bendyspex » Thu, 6. Apr 06, 21:19

Nice story. It makes the universe seem so much bigger when you talk about never leaving a sector until you grow up and leave. Makes me wonder how I can easily jump backwards and forwards between Getsu Fune and Depths of Silence.

toughboot
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Post by toughboot » Sat, 15. Apr 06, 00:43

Northstar, I've enjoyed what I've read so far. Looking forward to chapter 3. :D

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Northstar
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Post by Northstar » Fri, 21. Apr 06, 21:36

Thank you very much ppl.

Chapter 4 should be this weekend. It would have been chapter 7 - 8 by now but work on my forum has slowed prodcution a little. :)
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