I was given my instructions to take my spaceship to the planet Ocarina Fanil Minor. This is not my usual route. I was not looking forward to the flight as I knew my ship had been having some engine trouble lately. My test flights had hit some snags, and I knew at least 1, if not 2 of my 4 engines were already running on half steam. I unfortunately won't have time to get them full repaired, so I instructed the crew to throw a band aid on the engine failures, we were set to launch, so we'd just have to see what happens. At the very worst, we would coast in, but I knew for sure the overdrive propulsion system was going to be out of the questions. No lightspeed on this mission.
The journey would take us through 3 galaxies and was a total of 70.3 light years away. It was going to be a long haul. The first galaxy was the galaxy of Wims. A simple galaxy known for the abundance of liquid substances. Space was usually tight so it was critical not to get jammed up against the flow of traffic. Unbelievable that there is so much space in Wims, but everyone chooses the exact same vector so it ends up in a wing fight. This stretch usually gives me the heebeegeebees. Luckily I hitched some good rides and found that I was far more comfortable through this stretch than normal. I got through in better time that usual too. Since this has usually been an issue for me, having a successful journey though Wims was a victory.
The next stretch would put us through the galaxy of Kebi. Usually I'm not so concerned about about Kebi because I can keep out of trouble when the Kebitians try to slow you down, cut you off, or whatever tactic they use to keep you from exiting their universe. Torque up those boosters and just get out of there. This flight however, there would be no boosters to light and I would just have to depend on my ships aerodynamics to safely carry the precious cargo through. The good news was my transformer module was operational and my wings were easily tucked in for a more efficient flight. The bad news was... Kebi was expecting some weather to move in so I underestimated the ventosity vortex was sucking my fuel faster than anticipated. Engine #2 begins to fail.
The last leg was through Nur. Now Nur has historically been a challenge. With only 13.1 light years left to travel, it was still 13.1 light years away and typically something in the engine room quits on me through Nur. I hate this galaxy. No matter how well stocked I try.. I've learned it's just years of experience nursing your engines through this galaxy, as even the seasoned pilots remark that the engines tend to tank, it's just a matter of getting better engines. Damn. With 1 engine out to start, engine #2 failed, I'm wondering how 50% power will get me through this. So I enter the gateway to Nur. Systems check, 2 engines are still running. I'll back off power, try to get a steady economic velocity going and see how far it takes me. Half way through I smile, hey, both engines are still working! I speak to soon. A little turbulence and BANG! Engine #3 begins to fail. Crap, coast it, just coast it in. Can't turn up engine #4 until we're in the final leg through Nur, I need to make sure it last. Back on planet Earth, I would have birdied up the road like a blue-hair trying to drive in the left lane. Luckly the peaceful aliens at planet Love Stop were all gas and helped push my limping ship down the route. At 69.2 light years into the entire journey.... Engine #4 is now failing. My ship sputters, jolts, coughs and spits as I try to throw a little more juice in. I get nothin'. Ok, just be happy you get one of those 5 lbs "Mission Success" medallions.... I know I can coast it in, it's just not going to be a purty sight.
I see my point of docking. My journey has ended. My ship's a little burned and I have no fuel left to report of. It was a bumpy ride, but I made it, the cargo has been delivered, and yes.. they did give me my medallion for a successful journey.
But I do remind myself... I really like the shorter journeys. My ship will need some serious rebuilds if these endurance fests through galaxy after galaxy are to continue. So I think for now.... I'll stick to my favorite route.... to planet Plyocim.
Your Mission Captain,
Raja
Congrats to the Other Bellas who made it through the journey! Stacy D, Stacy S, Jess, Terri and Christine!
Dave had a rather bumpy ride as well, so while in the docking station, he captured this prime photo of me deck changing out of my flightsuit. Nothing like a wet flightsuit.... or "diapes" as I call 'em.
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