Journal Entry: 03.12.24 – Navi Topaz
“Kir, you sure about this orbit?” I asked, eyeing the asteroid below us. Kir Tessa, our fearless skipper, just grinned, hands deftly guiding the Mayhem. “Navi, trust me. I’ve got this,” he said, easing us into a perfect orbit.
Luap Outback was in the Chaos, our vigilant watchman. His voice crackled over the comms, “All clear out here, but I’m ready for anything.” His tone had that usual Luap mix of caution and readiness for a scrap.
Tav Skytte was the wizard of the operation, handling the tractor beam. “Engaging the beam now,” he announced, flipping switches with a flourish. The hum of machinery filled the air, signaling the start of our mining dance.
Werdna Cutlass, our man in the engine room, was the rock of the operation. “Systems are all green,” he reported, his calm voice reassuring us amidst the buzz of activity.
Tam Lantra and I were spacewalking, setting charges. “These better not blow us to the next galaxy,” I joked. Tam chuckled, “Only if you press the wrong button.” His confidence with explosives was oddly comforting.
Nyar Jetta, ever the silent type, assisted Tav, his steady hands a contrast to Tav’s frenetic energy. Together, they were a dynamic duo, directing the ore into our hold.
When the charges detonated, the asteroid cracked open, revealing its precious bounty. Guiding the ore chunks was like herding banthas, but I managed, steering them towards the tractor beam. “Tav, you seeing this?” I called, watching another haul get vacuumed into our cargo bay.
Tav’s voice was smug with satisfaction, “Easier than a game of Dejarik.”
As we wrapped up, Kir’s voice came over the comms, “Great work, team. Let’s head back.” Just then, the Chaos docked smoothly into the Mayhem, Luap joining us aboard with a grin.
Tav piped up, “You know, this type of ore fetches a higher price if we refine it a bit.” Kir nodded thoughtfully, “Good point, Tav. Setting a course for Pandemonium.”
“What’s Pandemonium?” Nyar whispered to me.
“It’s our derelict refinery base in the Shrike’s Maw System. ” I whispered back. “Tam told us about, and we use it every once in a while. Shrike’s Maw is in the middle of nowhere.”
“Shrike’s Maw? I’ve never heard of that system.” Nyar responded, his eyebrows raised.
“Exactly,” I quipped back. “That’s why we use it.”
The mood was light as we journeyed back, the crew exchanging banter and stories. Luap quipped, “You know, I’ve seen asteroids scarier than this one.” His humor, as always, was an odd blend of bravado and dry wit.
Navi Topaz,
First Mate of the SMC Mayhem
