SHOCKING ABDUCTION: The Rough Smugglers of Nebula G4Y

Emmet Solisqueen, Field Researcher

In Transit: Sector G4Y

Terraforming Biologist: Unassigned

Day 6, 1400 Hours:

It’s been 6 days since I left that hot planet Hypatia behind. After the Captain left everything life itself became pointless.  So I decided to take a vacation into the abyss to match my mood. Maybe somewhere out in the cosmos I’ll meet someone else like him…

Day 9, 2230 Hours:

I think I’m gonna go to Reno? The one with all the casinos out in sector D-62? I found a great shortcut that will take weeks off of my journey through Nebula H-151315, or as the locals call it Nebula G4Y. I don’t know why people don’t take this route more often, it’s going to be so much faster!

Day 11, 800 Hours:

I’m doing it. I’m going to go to Reno and get over my steamy friendship with Captain Twist. I already cashed in every credit of my savings, there’s no going back. I’m gonna win big, and then maybe Twist will love me!

Day 17, 2030 Hours:

I got halfway through Nebula G4Y, decked out in my brand-new 6-piece suit, and my turbines crashed! When I went down to inspect them they were filled with superheated space dust—I guess that’s why people don’t fly their ships through nebulas. Since I’m stuck I sent out a distress beacon, we’ll see if anyone’s nearby.

Day 18, 130 Hours:

Smugglers. Or pirates. Definitely not law-abiding employees, their ship looks entirely foreign to me. This is my last log before they board. Oh MARK’s MOLARS, I really regret that distress beacon.

Day 18, 2200 Hours:

They call themselves the Snaking Swindlers. They’re smugglers, lawless criminals that roam the edges of Megacore’s domain looking for a profit. Despite their immorality, however, there’s something charming about their rough, unfiltered charisma. Due to my 6-piece suit & all the credits I had on board (which they took), they plan to keep me for a ransom—I did not inform them I’m just a lonely scientist.

Day 19, 930 Hours:

Maybe it’s because I’ve been stuck with the ceaseless structure of a research outpost, but these…vagabonds are like a breath of fresh, oxygenated air. I have almost forgotten my home on Hypatia with Captain Twist. It’s a wonder they communicate so well without eyes or mouths. Previous to my encounter with the Snaking Swindlers, I had no these kinds of clue giant space worms had their own language. Lumbric, I think, is their leader. When he even looks in my direction I get butterflies from his arrogant and magnetic personality—I will call it fear.

Day 19, 1750 Hours:

After little more than a day I feel more at home with these fine, swarthy Swindlers than any others in my life. I have learned of a custom of theirs—If an outsider challenges their leader to a sacred wrestling match and wins, I will become one of them. My only hope is that I will fit in, and that Lumbric will accept my challenge—I must make a good impression.

Day 19, 2315 Hours:

Well. I feel really embarrassed. I formally challenged Lumbric and stated my intent to join them as a Snaking Swindler, and Lumbric said “please no” and started to throw up a bit at the thought of me staying. Apparently they only kept me around because they thought I was lonely and desperate. They felt bad for me, so they fixed my ship and even gave me some of my credits back. They want me to launch immediately. 

Day 20, 500 Hours:

I know it’s probably for the best, but I still can’t stop thinking about Lumbric and the Swindlers…it wouldn’t have worked out anyway. Well, maybe I’ll find something in Reno.

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