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8/12/2019 Citizen Monthly Issue 01 2944 Rev01
1/20
nvestigative Report: First-hand Look at Illegal Mining on Kilian
What Does the
New Year O!er
Solo Ship Owner
8/12/2019 Citizen Monthly Issue 01 2944 Rev01
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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."
4
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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.
5
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.
6
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.
9
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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.
13
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.
14
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
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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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