Log Entry 1 - Cycle 4782.2 - Phoenix - Mid-Travel
Standard cycle. Wake cycle initiated 0600. Nutrient paste C-14, palatable enough with added spice packet 7. Engineering holos up early, focusing on the latest upgrades to the Hydra's cargo baffling system. It's a bit dry, but necessary. Fuel transfer from Tanker complete at 0900, all units nominal. Hydra and Mule are holding formation nicely. Fang, Bite, Tear, Rip, and Claw are running light scans along our vector, nothing of concern so far. Trading routes are becoming predictable, but that's a known risk. Another 12 standard hours to the Naron system, should be a decent haggling opportunity there. Sleep cycle initiated 2200.
Log Entry 2 - Cycle 4783.1 - Phoenix - Naron System
Naron system proving as profitable as predicted. Negotiated a decent price for the hyper-alloy plating, securing a 17% markup. The local merchant, a three-eyed Targon, was a tough one. Took some time, but the final deal was good on both sides. Loaded up the Hydra to capacity. The Mule is packed with smaller, more delicate tech, so he is stowed well. Fang and the others are on station, ready for departure at 1800. Brief inspection of the Phoenix, everything green across the board. Planning to read up on the latest grav-drive improvements during the jump. The efficiency increase is always worth studying. Sleep cycle initiated 2300
Log Entry 3 - Cycle 4784.8 - Phoenix - Resort Planet "Oasis"
Docked at Oasis. A strange place, all soft lights and synthesized birdsong. I've been doing nothing but relax now for the better part of 2 days, and it's not sitting well with me. I feel sluggish. They call it "restorative," but I feel strangely unproductive. The nutrient paste here is awful. I miss my C-14 with packet 7. I should be working, looking for new trade routes, optimizing my next cargo run. I have read several articles on the advancements in solar sail technology. Perhaps I can find an opportunity to test them. The whole "leisure" thing feels foreign. Longing to be back in the Phoenix's cockpit. I will run scans in the morning.
Log Entry 4 - Cycle 4785.4 - Oasis - Evening
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Oasis is not good for me. I've spent this entire cycle on a "beach" of perfectly white sand and artificial sun. I’ve witnessed others enjoying themselves. Laughing, swimming, seemingly without a single burden. I must appear as an oddity. I have read a full manual on long-range sensor calibration and another on quantum entanglement, but even that feels like stalling. The silence is deafening here. I miss the hum of the Phoenix's engines, the reports from my frigates, the challenge of trade negotiations. If this is rest I'd rather have the constant thrum of activity. I get the distinct sensation of wasting my time. Tomorrow, I'm leaving.
Log Entry 5 - Cycle 4786.1 - Phoenix - Preparation
Back in the Phoenix! The sound of the engines is music to my ears. Loading the Mule back with personal cargo and supplies. A full diagnostics check has been completed, all vessels are at 100. The frigates are eager and responsive. Set course for the Xylo system, rumors of a rare mineral deposit there. It is time to make some money. I have been going over the trade logs and see a high demand for the processed metals. This will be a long run but I think it will be worth it. The latest news channels are reporting a new series of skirmishes along the border, which will probably affect prices. I must be cautious going forward.
Log Entry 6 - Cycle 4786.9 - Phoenix - Jump Prep
Prepping the jump sequence. The news this cycle has been unsettling. There is increasing tension between the core worlds and the outer colonies. The war risk is climbing. The demand for raw materials, especially fuel, is skyrocketing already. I will be making sure that we are topped up. The Tanker is fully loaded, and we are ready for the long run. I need to check with the local market to see what the best way forward is. The risk is high, but so is the profit. I need to remember the motto “Fortune favors the bold.” I've updated my personal database with the latest news reports so I remain informed. I'm also cross-referencing my maps to be sure I have calculated our path correctly.
Log Entry 7 - Cycle 4787.5 - Phoenix - Jump Cycle
Jump sequence initiated. We are en route to the Xylo system. I am reviewing my trade spreadsheets. I have a feeling that this run will be a good one, even with the chaos. I am back in my element now. The Phoenix feels like an extension of myself. I am reading up on defensive maneuvering tactics in case of any border encounters, and the latest news regarding the fuel prices. The potential rewards are too great to ignore. I am adjusting my strategy based on the data and news I received. Sleep cycle initiated 2200. Ready for another productive day.