Citizen Monthly Issue 01 2944 Rev01

8/12/2019 Citizen Monthly Issue 01 2944 Rev01

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nvestigative Report: First-hand Look at Illegal Mining on Kilian

What Does the

New Year O!er

Solo Ship Owner


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s a people, the human capacity

o endure hardships, both foreign

nd self-induced, has allowed us

o evolve to a state of signifi-

ance within our surroundings.

one more-so than our recent

ardships through economic

ndpoliticalupheaval. If our civili-ation can overcome the divisive

nd destructive nature of our

ast, then perhaps there is hope

or our future as well.

hough it has been centuries

nce the atrocities of the Messerra left their stain on our society,

we can still find remnants of cor-

uption around us. Unfortunately

with the untimely departure of my

redecessor, even closer than

we here at CM would like to ac-

nowledge. Without going into

he details of our own weak-

esses, I feel it is important as

he incoming editor in chief to

make a clean break from the

ast.As the new editor of thismagazine I feel that we must

how our readers that here at Citi-

en Monthly we are and should

e held to a higher standard.While I do not hold to the beliefs

hat CM was used as an instru-ment of propaganda during

hese recent dark days, I do feel

hat we need a new focus. And I

will do my best to bring that fo-

us to the people themselves.

he citizens and civilians alike

who have endured together and

merged to tell their tale are the

ew evolution of our society. And

I would like to help makeCitizenMonthly their voice.

As the slate is wiped clean, so

are the painful reminders of what

we once were. The reason that

our slate is somewhat cleaner

than expected is because I have

made the decision to purge this

publication of all past articles,

opinions, and features.

There should be no question mov-ing forward that what you read is

born from the heart of our culture

and its people, unburdened with

the stain of politic and oppres-

sion.

Citizen Monthly magazine will

start anew, and we look forward

to hearing your voice, supportive

or opposing of our decisions.

Please write to us with the stories

of your success or failures. We

will do our best to feature as

many as we can to show other citi-

zens that their experiences may

be shared and that they are not

alone in the vastness.

- Randall Marcus

FROM THE EDITOR

1

Together we can make this a

better universe


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In this installment of Business Profiles we pull

away the curtain to Danning Security Enter-

prises, an up-and-coming UEE enforcement en-

terprise offering potent but discreet support to

those looking to enhance the safety of their

fleet. Founded in 2934 by owner Maxwell Dan-

ning, DSE has quickly become a powerful

player in the areas of support and interdiction."We have always held the belief that no cargo is

too small or too risky for our care," Maxwell is

quick to offer when asked about his company's

core foundations. "Risk is not your concern any-

more, it's our's. We ask no questions and in-

stead guide the path to your destination, wher-

ever it might be."

From their headquarters on New Austin, Dan-

ning Security offers a broad range of ships in

their private fleet, from the iconic rigidity of Hor-

net rows to entire squads of 300's and Mus-

tangs for lighter work. "Even the safest of lanes

occasionally need a show of skilled force and a

watchful eye. Our pilots are experienced and

will keep potential threats as well as curious on-

lookers at a secure distance from your prop-

erty."

RISK IS NOT YOUR

CONCERN ANYMORE,IT'S OUR'S.

Danning Security also sports a number of re-

enforced shipping vessels available for contract

for those needing additional cargo options.

3

BUSINESS PROFILE: DANNING SECURITY ENTERPRISES


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These ships are also available for the practice of jump-baiting,

a common tactic today meant to draw out possible threats

from a jumppoint exit before the rest of the convoy proceeds

through.

"Our goal is to keep the potentials guessing. Always. If they

emerge at the wrong time now, they may hesitate in the future.

And often that hesitation is enough to expose their weakness."

OUR GOAL IS TO KEEP THEPOTENTIALS GUESSING. ALWAYS.

And those goals are paying off, as DSE turned a third straight

quarter of incremental profit and growth, an accomplishment

made more impressive by the number of new enforcement

companies dotting the horizon each week.What does the future hold for DSE? Maxwell Danning is clear

in his message. "As the Vanduul advance and unlawful civilian

encounters continue to be a presence on the landscape of

any business, we feel we are in a prime position to cater to a

market willing to opt for a real and aggressive form of insur-

ance rather than the latter."

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Located near the coastal town of Emmersons Bay in the western hemi-

sphere of Cassel, this small but luxurious resort has a lot to offer the weary

business owner looking to un-wind for a week and take in the sites. By no

means on-par with the sprawling mega-resorts dotting the surface, Pan-

doras Resort caters more to the relaxed life. A simple island experience

away from the pounding nightclubs and hard-shop centers.

Pandora features a variety of bungalows with interiors that have been hand-

crafted by designer Pavel Lantier himself. A stylish mix of island culture and

modern sensibilities await your needs as no expense has been spared, nor

any comfort ignored.

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RESORTS OF CASSEL: PANDORA'S SECRET


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The many pools and spas are to be expected,

warm and soothing with convenient access to

bars and poolside amenities. And as expected,

there is plenty of room to stretch out and relax

without fear of bumping into other guests. In

fact it almost feels as though each guest has a

pool to themselves, though the resort was by no

means empty.

This spread-out nature did result in a feeling of

an under-staffed operation at times, a potential

knock for some who prefer the catered life, but

for me it added to the myth of seclusion that I

was absolutely looking for in a tropical setting.

The true jewel of the Pandoras Secret resort is

by far the view. From the many beach-side ter-

races, you and your guests will be treated to an

unparalleled vista featuring pure warm sand

and the nearby Goss III reflected serenly in the

blue-green oceans. The entire portrait is framed

brilliantly by local flora that is now common to

those who travel the resort scene, but neverthe-

less beautiful to behold.

If there is any area for improvement at the Pan-

dora it would be the dining options, which felt

sub-standard even for a 3-Diamond resort.

Morning and afternoon fare did not feel tradi-

tional to the local culture and were a little too

touristy for my tastes. A buffet has no place in a

luxury resort, in my opinion. The evening dining

was a much more complete experience, how-

ever, and chef Santiago offered up a rare blend

of Cassel-native delicacies grilled and spiced to

perfection.

On the whole, Pandoras Secret is an excellent

example of the many private destinations that

Cassel has to offer for those who can afford the

finer things while traveling, and who truly value

their privacy. In fact if you are fortunate enoughto find availability, do not be surprised if you en-

counter an occasional celebrity of glass or

stage mingling with the leaders of some of the

finest corporations of Terra and more.

- Rolina duBarge is our Travel editor and was

nominated for the 2941 Golden Sandal Award.

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ASTYLISH MIX OF ISLAND CULTURE

AND MODERN SENSIBILITIES


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The 300-series from Origin Jumpworks has long been associ-

ated with the style and elegance typical of the company itself.

Origin products are an unbeatable fusion of sleek and stable,

and are often the beautifulthoroughbredsof many corporatefleets as well as individual owners.

Few models exemplify this form and function design like the

315P. The rugged design and efficient Omni Precision thrusters

are what most outer-system enthusiasts are looking for in their

exploration of the vast unknown. But there is quite a bit to be

said for the 315P as a long-distance trucking craft as well. To-

day we will cover some of the many aspects to like about the

315P when it comes to your long-haul cargo transport needs.

Well start with the ships strengths. Like the rest in the series,

the 315P is a single pilot craft with ready access to sleeping

quarters for extensive auto-pilot runs. And again like the othersthe 315P features wingtip laser mounts and standard missile

rack mounts under the upper wing-box for a modest level of se-

curity when traveling alone or in a group. Couple these with a

Gorgan All-stop shield system and a serviceable power source,

and your standard 300 series package is complete.

But of course what sets the 315P apart is its stock Dragon Stel-

lar primary engine. The STC Silver offers the exceptional effi-

XPLORING LONGANGE FREIGHT

8

CIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

e Origin 315P Potentiala Small-haul Cargo Ship

san Bassini is our Technology editord author of How to Amp Your Plant: Abbyists Guide to Ship Modding.

Origin 315P

Size: 24m x 16m x 7mMass: 23,000 kgCargo Capacity: 8 tonnes

Power Plant: Alliance Startech K3S-9Prime Engine: Dragon Stellar STC Silver


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ciency that void-riders have come to expect

when you might go for days between fuel stops.

And of course the sacrifice of speed for distance

easily translates into a reduced cost of opera-

tions when its time to look for cutbacks in your

budget. In addition, the more muscular K3S-

9power-plant from Alliance Startechwill give youa boost in shielding recharge rate should you de-

cide to take a shortcut through a particle field to

shave additional kilometers from your run.

THE MORE MUSCULARK3S-9POWER-PLANT FROMALLIANCE STARTECHWILL

GIVE YOU A BOOST IN

Now for a few weaknesses to the 315P as a

freighter, and the smallest is of course the larg-

est: cargo space. The 315P is not spacious. At a

mere 8 metric tonnes of carrying capacity, it

wont be pushing a Starfarer or Merchantman out

of work anytime soon. Small expensive cargo is

of course ideal, but with a few modifications, a

small convoy of Origin 315Ps could easily carry

the volume of an RSI Constellation without the ex-

orbitantfuel and maintenance costs that goalong with it.

The Origin is of course unable to match

the firepower of a Constellation, another

weakness. But a few well-piloted 315Ps

may stand a better chance of avoiding

conflict altogether, splitting up or scout-

ing jump points before traveling through

to any un expected and uncivilized par-

ties that might wait on the other side.

And that leads us to one of the strongest

arguments for the Origin 315P as a dedi-

cated long hauler, the standard-equipped

Chimera Jump Scanner. If the name of

the shipping game is move it short and

fast, then there is no better way to en-

sure a tidy profit than taking the shortest route to

your destination. And if there is none? Well then

sometimes you have to make one.

While we would certainly never encourage an in-

experienced citizen to try their hand at finding

and navigating an uncharted jump-point, in the

hands of a more skilled explorer looking to paythe bills with some cargo drops, a Jump Scanner

is your golden ticket to finding the shortest line

between A and B.

Sell the information for an additional job bonus,

or keep the secret to yourself to beat out the com-

petition. Even one jumper on your companys

workforce could turn any break-even route into a

big payday route.

While there are always better (and bigger) solu-

tions for the long-distance transport, being crea-

tive in your business and taking risks along the

way are what sets any entrepreneur apart from

the competition. And in the right hand and with

the right modifications, the Origin 315P might

just give you the edge you need to keep your

shipping concern moving in the right direction.

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Raphael StentonContract Freight PilotWhat do you do for a living?

'm a private cargo pilot with

angars in New Austin and

uter Sesen, mostly hauling

ried goods along the lanes

om here to there and sur-

ounding locations."

How long have you been a

ilot? "I started flying when my

ather was a commercial ship-

ne pilot for Kohndique Air

ack in 2917. The company en-

ouraged their pilots to bring

heir kids up through the ranks

nd show them the benefits of

itizenship and full-wage em-

loyment. When I was finallyld enough to get my license, I

was accepted into Kohn-

ique's trainer program and

was flying full-time 3 years

ater."Why did you decide to start

our own company? "When

Kohndique's finances turned

outh back in 2931 I was one

f the first to be let go. My fa-

her had retired by then and he

eeded someone to care for

im, so I took it as a sign any-

way. Going independent al-

owed me to set my own sched-

le and still pull in about the

same amount of credits that I

did as a paytimer."

What motivates you now?

"Credits of course. I have a wife

and two daughters of my own

along with my father to keep,

and as long as there are crates

to move to the outer blocks I'll

keep doing what I'm doing. My

goal is to add a second ship

and hire a few additional pilots

so I can focus more on finding

the work and managing the

books."

Jenn DoddsonSecurity Services Interstellar

What does your job involve?

"I work primarily as an armed

guard escort for large freighter

operations. I travel with my

squad onboard to ensure that

the packages maintain their

seal from outside forces and, un-

MONTHLY CITIZENS

11

My goal is to add a second

ship and hire a few additional

pilots.


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fortunately sometimes, from the crew of the haul-

ers themselves."

Is your work dangerous? "Sure it can be. Haven't

really had an incident in a few months so I'm confi-

dent that our mere presence is acting as a deter-rent in most cases. SSI does a good job of keep-

ng us trained

and equipped,

but probably the

best help they

give us is

through their mar-

keting tactics

and publication

of success rates.

Most know not to

screw with us."

What was the incident in question? "Can't reall

talk about that one, but I can tell you about one

from last year in which myself and 3 other's were

placed on a MISC-C hauler heading for the inner

reach of Ellis. Fairly routine until we were ap-

proached and boarded by a few potential threats

flying a Cut-Avenger combo. Rather than risk dam

age to the hull our ship's pilot allowed them to

dock and board, but they weren't expecting us.

We dealt them a knock or two then cleared out th

Cutlass before their partner knew what happened

Since none of us are certified for salvage and the

area wasn't the safest, we set fire to the Cutlass

once the Ven tailed and went on our way."

You just destroyed the ship?Were there any

valuables or dat-chips that were recoverable

from the Cutlass?

"No."

What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?

"Might rejoin I suppose if I ever get tired of this.

More action to be had in the Navy and I wouldn't

mind getting my mil-spec pilot tag. I've passan-

gered plenty of sorties but would love to wrap my

arms around a few Van-dogs and show them a

good time."12

SSI does a good job of keeping

us trained and equipped.


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Shel locks his thruster ignition with a switch-cover so he doesn't accidentally

activate it during approach. As we silently drift towards the growing disc ofthe planet surface, black against the contrasting light from Kilian's distant

star, the crew and I discuss the upcoming approach.

Hit it wrong and we'll have half the [expletive] Corp rain down on us. The

Serene nature of our flight transitions to a sense of unease, jagged as the sur-

face, as the multitude of potential problems are numbered.

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INVESTIGATIVE REPORT:ILLEGAL MINING ON KILIAN X


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We started our approach hours ago. The calcu-

lations required to lay in the navpoint and time

the burn perfectly took multiple attempts. Thou-

sands of kilometers from the tenth planet of Kil-

ian, away from the scanners and patrol ships,

we began a steady course before burning hardto level all of the axis for a straight shot to a dis-

tant encounter with the planet's dark side. Once

Shel McCormick, captain of the Freelancer Me-

linda, and his two supporting ships had the

course locked and instruments set, we cut all

thrusters, electronics, and power. Nothing but

battery-operated heat and an air-recycling

pump."Poor-man's stealth," Shel had called it.

McCormick and his two partner ships, another

Freelancer BatNose and an Aurora Tailpipe

Serenade, were kind enough to allow me a

ride-along on this less-than-authorized mining

expedition, though not without some hesitation

and plying with Emerick Whiskey.

McCormick is of course not his real name.

Oddly enough none of the captains minded us-

ing their actual ship names for this publication.

Won't exactly set off any bells because they're

not exactly registered, chuckled the captain of

the BatNose.The next few hours are spent with the small

crew of the Melinda, playing cards and watch-

ing the portable scanback reader for signs that

we've been found. Nothing. A clean drift along

a straight line and we arrive at the 10th planet of

Kilian as calculated, with no sign of patrol

boats, and more importantly, away from the

watchful eye of Corin.

As the planet's dark patch approaches, a few

minor adjustments are made with external

thrust-bottles activated by wire. Still no power.

"They don't look in the dark. Know it won't do

any good."

The UEE security patrols, outdated Avenger

class, primarily stick to the light-side of the

worlds they are tasked with guarding against

this very form of illicit claim-jumping. Most ore-

cutters have learned to run cold by now, so thepatrol's only hope is to catch a visual. And

some cutters are apparently naive enough, or

inept enough, to fly through the light-side atmo,

streaking an exclamation for the entire hemi-

sphere to see.

We're through the atmosphere ourselves now,

and Shel and his pack wait until what feels like

too late to give the signal and light up all powerand thrusters to push the rocky surface away

from their hulls. Now in this crimson black they

must quickly speed along the surface to arrive

at their destination and the mining crew that

awaits.

The cutter crew arrived by the same method

days before the haulers. A two-man crew and

equipment carried in on the Rockslider, an

aged Cutlass fixed with on-ship drill-beams for

hollowing out a cavern home near the dig site.

Or if no cavern is found, carving one, all before

daylight hits the mark. It's a job for the truly in-

sane, according to the Melinda's turret gunner

and prime mechanic. But those Conner broth-

ers never really had much use for sanity. Or

soap by the smell of them.

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MOST ORE-CUTTERS HAVE

EARNED TO RUN COLD BY NOW


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Within 20 minutes of breaching the atmosphere

our three ship pack arrives at the mark, and

slowly enters the narrow mouth opening of the

sheer rock face. The Rockslider had no trouble

skirting the passage and the jagged formations

clawing at its hull, but our three would never sur-vive unscathed if they hadn't been cleared first.

As we approach the interior base of operations,

the marks are clear on the Cutlass' hull even

now through the dusting of ore and rock powder

clinging to its surface.

The dust is everywhere, in-fact, and a frequent

visor-wipe of our environment suits becomes a

quickly learned habit. The machinery is closerthan expected, and it's clear this setup is not in-

tended to be a long-term operation.

Without a word to the brothers, our crew un-

loads the empty and clearly aged dumpster-like

containers from their holds, along with two

smaller sealed crates and a heavy-wheeled

loader to begin the scoop and deposit of the

ore.

Each pile is surprisingly neat in their rows along

the path of the cutter. Despite any pre-

conceived notions about their personal hygiene,

it's clear the Conner brothers know their craft

and are serious about the execution of it.

While the Aurora's crew is focused on filling the

cargo bins, the rest of our crew is tending to the

large portable fans powered by auxiliary cells

from the Freelancers, and directed at containing

the billowing ore dust away from the cave's en-

trance as daylight approaches. The mistakes of

the caught guide their actions even now.

We're not allowed to venture outside to see the

surface by day. This is not the same crew that

poured down homegrown alcohol and grinned

at their cards while hurtling toward an unforgiv-

ing atmosphere hours before. Even Shel's nor-

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mally stern face betrays the heightened stress

that daylight brings.

They know someone's in this region for sure.

And they'll make it their business to find them.

Before we set off from an outpost on Kilian IV, I

had asked McCormick's crew what would hap-

pen if we were caught. Depends on who

catches us, they had all agreed with a knowinglook around the table.

When they offered no more I had asked if any of

them had ever been caught, and received a

more raucous mirth at this question, though the

alcohol again may have played into their reply.

Oh sure we've each been snatched up once or

twice to be sure, offered Jacoby, the ship's

navigator.

But there's ways around that. Most patrols

have their price as long as you don't piss them

off.

And if you manage to irritate them? A more seri-

ous reply this time, Well that's when it de-

pends.

I've known only two that got pinched and didn'tfeel much in the sharing mood, both within 3

months of each other, the gunner offered up.

Jacoby had tended to his drink and nodded in

instant agreement.

I don't right know what happened exactly be-

cause I never really heard from either one after.

He continued with an explanation that the

prison systems are a long way from Ten's sur-

face, and conjectured that they were either

slaved out or fed to the Sisters as volunteer tar-

get recruits'. A notion Jacoby had found

chuckle-worthy but a jest not shared by the gun-ner or McCormick.

The gunner completed his thought. Me? I

wouldn't be surprised if they just dunked them

in Seven to watch their skin bubble off. When

Jacoby did not respond with any more amuse-

ment, possibly taking the belated cue from his

captain, the conversation had returned to the

planning and calculations of mass, thrust ratiofully loaded, and of course the cred split.

Back in the cavern the work progresses slowly.

No reason to rush since we have all day to burn

before attempting the evac.

The brothers continue to cut as much as they

can from the steadily depleting vein. I was told

early on that I would have neither access to

their prospecting process nor any indication of

what it was they were actually mining. From

what I can see through the dust it drops to the

ground as a dull-orange material similar in con-

sistency to a copper shale, but it's clear from

the effort involved that it is much more valued

than mere copper.

It'll pay, is the most I'm allowed when the elder

Conner is prompted, a wry smile creasing hisdust-caked face. I've noticed his eyes darting to

the two unopened crates unloaded with the

cargo bins. Not always easy to move, but it'll

pay to the tooth.

[To Be Continued]

- Jackson Morre is a veteran war correspondent

and winner of two Furtherton Awards.

16

THE MISTAKES OF THE CAUGHT

UIDE THEIR ACTIONS EVEN NOW.


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he economic disparity of the

ast few years has left many on

he workman's side of the

ence wondering if their jobs

re as solid as they are told.

arge-scale shipping compa-

ies continue to downsize or

utsource their fleet, and now

more than ever a wagepay pi-

ot must ask how much uncer-

ainty they are willing to en-

ure.

Contran Interstellar, for exam-

le, has diminished their

erran-based incorp fleet from

s height of 1,450 ships back

n 2936 to a mere 876 today,

nd most of those remaining

re large-scale or specialty

aulers requiring a practiced

rew or a restricted license

nd training. Arther D'Mualli,

perations manager at Con-

an, assures us that they are

hipping as much if not more

han they have in the past.

Business is good, we can't

eny it. And a healthy aspect

f that success comes from

ur conscious decision to out-

ource our small-haul fleet. As

ur older class lines continue

o show their age, and with the

ecent rise in insurance claims

ollowing increased raider activ-

y in the outer sectors, we had

no choice but to diversify our

sourcing options."

Contran is of course not alone in

their decision to move small

ship operations outside of the

corporate walls. In 2943 alone,

nearly 18% of all shipping com-

panies polled responded that

they had or were planning to re-

duce their pilot roster in lieu of

outsourced contract work within

6-12 months. Over half of those

that responded, roughly 53%,

felt that it was in their financial

interest to eventually lower their

fleet count within the next 3

years.

What does this mean for the

solo pilots willing to work for

their pay? It means a focus on

self-employment might be in

your future if you're not there al-

ready. Those that do not cur-

rently own a freight-worthy ship

might want to start saving, or at

the least explore joint owner-

ship. An investment in a well-

FREELANCE JOB PROSPECTS FOR 2944

17


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maintained 2935 MISC Freelancer, for example,

could more than pay for itself in available work if

your team is able to produce a qualified me-

chanic. And the UEE appears to be ahead of the

curve by providing independent contractors with a

steady supply of government and private-sector

work through their extensive job boards.For those that do currently own a ship but are still

holding on to their wage job, considering request-

ng a buyout contract package. Many companies

that are feeling the pinch appear more willing to

contract with trusted former employees, and in a

sense you might be saving them money in the

ong run. Discretion is advised, of course, and

your own situation may be different.

f a solo career is what you are after, consider the

additional expenses that you will need to incur be-

fore pre-spending those large cred payouts. Fuel

costs, insurance, and of course security resource

are all expenses that are now your own responsib

ity. Considering the increase in raider and Vandu

activity along many popular trading routes, it mig

be advisable to join any of the growing convoy or

ganizations to help mitigate the expense of out-

side security forces, not to mention the potential

for word-of-mouth work that inevitably flows

through such business-oriented factions.

Ultimately, the options for pilots moving into 2944

appear to be a mixed bag of uncertain but promi

ing. While change can be unwelcome and over-

whelming to behold, many successful solo-pilots

and entrepreneurs today credit their "big leap" to

independence as the motivating factor that lead t

their fortune and success in business.

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Documents

Citizen Monthly Issue 01 2944 Rev01