For some time a project of mine has been in process and finally I am to see the fruit of the labour. The arrival of Varuna in TDE sparked the urge to press efforts and see the completion of the project. I called up the Caldari plant manufactorer to hear how the project went along and he proclaimed that he was very confident that he would be able to deliver on time.
I courtly told him that I would be in the system of his station within three days, on the very deadline. I could hear his voice crackle as he pulled one excuse after another as to why I should not make such a dangerous trip. When I cut him off and demanded to know why he could not meet the dealine he admited that the ship needed final adjustments. The problems he had faced ! War vs the gallenteans, higher minerals prices, strike and raised sallary of the general workforce was among to excusses. He even had the nerve to ask for additional money.
Was he interested in having capsuleers come by in large numbers ? No? I didn’t think so. We agreed that the delivery time indeed could be reached and that his team would double their efforts.
I boarded my trusty Megathron class battleship and headed for the system of the production plant. Arriving at the stinking excuse for a station, I could see the methane gasses color the sun in the horizon as fumes where vented from holes in the structure. Located in the outer rims of CONCORD patrolled space the station provided service to any and all who can pay. Workers are keept under the worst possible conditions and rumor had it that some even were slaves or druged into obidience.
I was not there to strike a say for workers or slaves, I was there for my product that I had payed for. Checking scanners I made a turn around the station to be sure noone was around that could present a threat to my ship or my product.
Satisfied I docked up and let my ship be guided in by the hangar drones.
I saw it at once. The largest ship in the docking bay. Workers still frantic welding armor plates and making final adjustments. The sparks of a thousand laser cutters and welders dancing like flies.
I turned my head away from the impressive sight and headed for the corporate headquarters of the station where I was met and greeted by a repulsive little person. Not disgusting in the sense that he looked the least bit dirty, smelled bad or anything, but some people just have a natural appearance that makes the small hairs on the neck stand. Vivid images of violated workers and slaves flashed before my eyes. Maybe I could make a exception to not mingling in empire matters…
He was very eager to convince me that the ship was indeed finished, but just needed minor adjustments. I had seen the workers weld on armor plates. I politely asked if armor plates were among the minor adjustments ?
As our discussion progressed I took pleasure in seeing him try to appear cool and business like behind his desk, while his collar betrayed him and took a deeper color as sweat started to fill the textile. I demanded that 3xCCC rigs would be placed on the ship as compensation for not meeting the deadline.
After some discussion we arrived at a deal that was satisfying for both parties. Well, I was satisfied anyway and he could always make additional cuts in the salaries to cover his losses.
I rented a small overpriced room to spend the night in, while the workers made “minor adjustments” to my ship. I woke up after a bad nights sleep. Feeling grumpy and only half awake, I walked down the corridors of the station. My feet brought me to the hangar and general docking area.
I could see her. Almost feel her and it felt as if she talked to me.
“Take me to the skies, fly me into nothingness. I shall never falter or deceive. I am Juturna”
I told the docking manager Scotty to prepare my pod, and shortly after I was lowered into the hull of Juturna. We connected at once, our systems intermingling, flesh and machine in a perfect symbiosis.
She had no war garments on or any modules mounted besides the capacitor rig that powered up at once. She gently lifted from the docking floor. I just let her hover there.
After 30 minutes I let the ship power down. Satisfied with the performance indicators and the interaction I mentally brought up the transaktion agreement and accepted the ISK to be transfered to the manufactor.
I will bring her home for fitting during this week if all goes according to plans and leave this hell hole of a station. Juturna will proudly join the ranks of the growing cap fleet of KIA.
