Novels2Search

Is the Paste Edible?

Entry 1 - Sector Gamma-9

Woke to the usual hum of the Phoenix, the old girl complaining about another day.

Breakfast was nutrient paste, flavor 'mystery meat'. I swear they just recycle yesterday's leftovers. Washed it down with synth-coffee, bitter enough to strip paint. Need to find some real grounds soon, but those are a luxury these days.

Checked the manifest – the Mules are loaded with processed plasteel from Xylo and the Hydra is carrying a volatile mix of oxygen isotopes heading for the outer rim. The frigates, Sting, Claw, Rip, Bite, Tear, are buzzing around us like gnats, their pilots probably complaining about boredom. Poor sods. At least they have the salamander missiles if anyone gets too froggy, and the swarmer missiles will shred any unshielded pirate scum. The Fang cannons on the Phoenix are ready for anything more heavy-duty though if I need them.

Spent most of the cycle negotiating trade routes with some gruff merchant at ComRel. Trying to squeeze every credit out of these deals. I hate haggling, but it pays the bills.

Tonight, it's more nutrient paste, I suppose. Maybe if I’m lucky, I'll get a chance to listen to some old Earth blues before hitting my bunk. The Phoenix's old memory banks are a mess of data, music and movies, but they have moments of gold. Sleep cycle will be around 6, need to be up early to plot a course into the nebula. Risky, but the price is worth it.

Entry 2 - Navigating the Corvus Nebula

The nebula is gorgeous, like swirling paint, but a pain to navigate. The comms are choppy, which makes trading a nightmare. The Hydra’s oxygen load was playing up and the onboard monitoring system went crazy. Had to send a tech over to sort out something he called ‘phase interference’ – I mostly just nod and pay. The price of having a volatile load.

Lunch was more paste, this time ‘chicken’ flavored, which is no better. I did manage to get my hands on a ration of real spices - smuggled them in from a moon colony known for its exotic flora. I took a pinch of the ‘solar flame’ and sprinkled a little over the paste. Still tastes like recycled cardboard, but at least it has character now. Need to ration these.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

The frigates reported some minor sensor glitches - probably just space debris. They’re getting antsy; the Wraith pilot keeps doing barrel rolls in circles for fun. I let them blow off steam, as long as they don't use the missiles. I keep a close eye on the scans and the Fangs on the Phoenix are ready for business if needed.

Managed to offload the Xylo plasteel at a decent price at a nearby spacestation. Time to negotiate a buy in the next system which will put the Mules to good use.

Dinner was the usual - synth coffee and paste. Tonight will see a longer sleep cycle as I pushed through the nebula. 8 is the goal. I’m looking forward to it.

Entry 3 - Port Meridian

Arrived at Port Meridian and the place is a hive of activity. Got the oxygen isotopes off the Hydra, thankfully no hiccups. The place is riddled with black market vendors, and those 'spices' I bought are burning a hole in my pocket, I might find someone to sell them too and make a small fortune.

Breakfast was a splurge - some hardtack biscuits and dried fruit I bought off a vendor. Tasted like heaven.

Picked up some less than legal cargo for the trip back. A few crates of 'reclaimed electronics', or so they say. I don't ask too many questions, keeps my hands clean. The black market generator on the Phoenix is a perfect cover for a little extra voltage leakage if the authorities try to get too close.

The frigates are getting a refuel, and some minor repairs. Ordered the pilots to dock and rest after the last few routes. I even saw them relaxing with some of the station’s watered down ‘ale’ at the cantina. They deserve something after doing nothing. It's a tough life even if it seems easy.

Dinner was another flavor of paste so I decided to have a few biscuits and more of the dried fruit. I also started to plan my next few routes. I think it will be best to head out of the sector and see what other opportunities await.

Sleep schedule will be 7 tonight. I'm aiming for a less complicated run to the next system.

Entry 4 - Approaching the Edge

The run went smooth, we are near the edge of known space. The Phoenix is purring like a happy cat, the generator is humming along and the crew are all relaxed after some downtime. The Frigates even did a mock battle exercise to keep them at the ready.

Breakfast was simple- paste and synth coffee. I’ve found a good way to ration the spices- every few cycles I add a small amount to the paste. It makes it almost enjoyable.

I spent a few hours checking the old charts, looking at possible jump points and opportunities to trade. I think I might try to move some high end medical supplies. There is a system with a high demand for them in the next sector according to my data.

Lunch was the same paste and I had a few more biscuits. I try to keep them for a treat or during long routes.

The cargo is all secure so I’m not too worried. The frigates are at the ready and the Fangs on the Phoenix are prepared incase we get ambushed.

Dinner tonight will be paste and synth coffee as always.