Amanda P. X. Sim

I'd like to choose the following shipping assignment: Planet: Iris Resource: Beryllium

I'd like to choose the following shipping assignment: Planet: Pletten Resource: Cobalt

May I know for the shipping assignments posted each week, are the priorities by random (luck-based) or we'll need to actually analyse which job is of the top priority?

The weekly routine of the maintenance crewperson (and team) ensures the ship stays in tip-top condition, minimising any risks to keep everything running efficiently, and preventing any equipment failures that could disrupt operations. Here’s a breakdown and checklist of tasks to be carried out every time: Engine Check Inspect the engine systems, including fuel lines, pressure valves, and cooling units. Ensure everything runs smoothly to prevent overheating and fuel inefficiencies, which could lead to costly repairs or even catastrophic failures. Air Filtration Systems The air filtration system is crucial for maintaining breathable air quality on the ship. Check filters, sensors, and connections to avoid any issues with oxygen levels or air contamination. Electrical Systems A thorough inspection of the electrical systems—wires, circuits, and power panels—helps prevent power outages that could leave critical systems down, especially in areas like navigation and communication. Hydraulic Systems Check all hydraulic lifts and control systems for any leaks or wear. These systems are key for cargo loading, docking, and other important functions, so they need to be in optimal condition to prevent delays. Safety Equipment Ensure all safety gear, including fire suppression systems, escape pods, and emergency oxygen masks, are fully operational. The crew’s safety is always top priority, and these systems need to be ready at a moment's notice.

The life support system is made up of several key parts that all work together to keep the crew safe and comfortable. The oxygen system produces and recycles oxygen to make sure there’s always enough fresh air. The water recycling system cleans and reuses water. The temperature control system maintains the right cabin temperature. Last but not least, the radiation protection system shields the crew from harmful radiation in space. All these systems are connected and monitored with sensors that help adjust them as needed. While these systems generally run on their own, they still need regular manual checks and maintenance, such as replacing filters, recalibrating sensors, or fixing any issues that come up. In this case, the loose wire was supposed to be connected to the sensor in the oxygen system that monitors carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. If the wire isn’t properly connected, the system wouldn’t be able to detect if CO2 levels are too high, which could be dangerous. I checked the manual to ensure I knew the exact spot where it should be connected, then fixed it while double-checking that the other wires were all in good condition. With that, my job for the day was done.

The current cargo logistics console is functional but still quite manual. It displays inventory lists, cargo bay conditions, and shipment statuses on a static screen with multiple menus. Crew members must manually check cargo conditions such as temperature, pressure, and security locks while updating the logs themselves. The system provides alerts for major issues, but tracking and adjustments require human intervention. Loading and unloading schedules also need to be managed manually, making the process slower and more prone to errors. To keep up with the latest technological advancements, the cargo logistics console and system should be upgraded with seamless automation, intuitive interfaces, and AI-driven assistance that can improve efficiency and convenience. Instead of static menus, the upgraded console would feature a sleek, dynamic, and visually optimised touch-screen layout with a futuristic design. Gesture controls and voice commands would allow quick access to key functions, especially in hands-free situations. A real-time 3D holographic map of the cargo bay would replace the traditional inventory list, with sections colour-coded and sorted based on urgency, fragility, or special handling needs. Crew members can rotate, zoom, and highlight individual cargo sections to check storage conditions or space availability at a glance. Upgraded with AI smart sensors, the system can provide live data on weight, temperature, pressure, and security status. If storage conditions are at risk, AI can predict potential issues and either auto-adjust the controls or send an alert before damage occurs. The loading and unloading process would also be optimised; AI can calculate the best loading and unloading sequence based on priority, weight distribution, and ease of access for maximum efficiency. To top it all off, this can be paired with robotic loaders to reduce the crew’s manual effort and workload. This upgrade would make cargo operations faster, smarter, and nearly autonomous, reinforcing NAVIDEW’s reputation for precision and reliability in high-quality, specialised shipments.

Shortly after jumping through hyperspace, the navigator alerted us to a small, abandoned ship drifting aimlessly. We suspected it was a scout ship or survey vessel, given its size. No lights, no signals, just a dead husk in space. As we moved halfway around it, a jagged hole on one side came into view. It looked like something exploded from within rather than an external impact. It could still be dangerous, but our monitors detected no hazardous gases. Any gases must have long since dissipated, which meant the ship had likely been adrift for some time. We highly doubted there would be anyone in there waiting to be rescued, but the possibility was not zero. So, I gathered the crew for a quick discussion on whether we should check for signs of life. We agreed on a fast, cautious check. A few crew members suited up, secured by safety lines, and scanned for toxins or radiation before entering. Everything was within safe limits. Inside, the ship was completely empty. The crew speculated that a faulty power core may have exploded. We were also right about it being a scout ship; there was no cargo or shipments, and the essentials were already gone, likely taken by the crew during evacuation. Seems like no one was hurt, thankfully. With no one to save and nothing of real value to salvage, we contacted the local space authority to report the wreckage. Then, without further delay, we continued on our way.

Having chosen the longer but safer route, we set off toward Cortal. The navigator confirmed our course along the system’s outer rim and plotted a few key points to identify along the way. The first challenge came early—electromagnetic pulses from the first planet. As expected, this was unavoidable, even with the shorter route. We just needed to be cautious. We adjusted our shielding to minimise interference, keeping a close eye on the ship’s sensor readings. Everything remained stable as we maintained a safe distance from the first planet, and after a good 30 minutes, we were back in the clear. The journey ran smoothly until an unexpected update flashed across the navigation console. A field of drifting space debris shifted into our path. The autopilot issued a collision warning, and we had to take manual control to carefully maneuver around it. One small piece got a bit too close, and we were a bit anxious it would scratch the ship, but thankfully it didn’t. We weren’t sure where the debris came from, it could’ve been remnants from an operation or explosion, but we could only guess. After clearing the debris, the journey returned to calm again until further along near the fourth planet, an unregistered freighter suddenly appeared on our scanners, emerging much closer than anticipated. We quickly altered our heading to avoid a dangerous proximity alert. It caused a minor deviation, but once it passed, we eased back into our planned route. From there, the journey was mostly uneventful as we followed the plotted course. From time to time, we encountered several space stations, so we made our way around them at a safe distance from their docking traffic. Closer to Cortal, we detected a minor gravitational anomaly pulling us slightly off course, but nothing a quick thruster adjustment couldn’t fix. We corrected our trajectory and eventually arrived at our destination.

We’re heading to the planet Cortal for our second mission. A company there is looking to incorporate freeze-dried algae into a new air filter design, and knowing that NAVIDEW specialises in high-quality shipments that support innovation, they’ve entrusted us with this initial order to begin a series of experiments. Their goal is to revolutionise deep space exploration, which aligns well with our vision of driving progress across the galaxy—making this an exciting partnership to begin with. Looking at the navigation chart on our console, we can see that this shipment is located not too far away, thankfully within the same planetary system, just five planets from where we’re obtaining the freeze-dried algae supply. We’re currently at the third planet from the sun, and Cortal is the eighth. The total journey spans about 4.2 million miles, with two possible routes to choose from: a shorter but riskier path that weaves between planets, or a longer but safer route that takes us along the system’s outer rim. Taking the shorter route requires extra caution, as we must navigate past three hazardous zones among the five planets that we’ll be passing by along the way. The first planet emits electromagnetic pulses that could interfere with our ship’s sensors, the third planet is surrounded by a dense asteroid belt that demands careful maneuvering to avoid debris, and a stretch between the fourth and fifth planets is notorious for pirate activity, which means potential ambush zones. The longer route avoids most of these dangers, though we’ll still need to monitor the electromagnetic pulses and navigate around some space stations located along the route. This journey will definitely take more time and additional fuel, but given the risks, this seems like the safer choice to avoid any damage to our ship and cargo.

I'd like to choose the following shipping assignment: Planet: Deren Resource: Gold

I'd like to choose the following shipping assignment: Planet: Cortal Resource: Freeze-dried algae

Goose!

My sub-company name (and spaceship name) is NAVIDEW. Navi can mean 'new', 'navigator', and even 'prophet', symbolising fresh innovations, bold explorations, forging new paths, and leading the way. Dew represents something rare and almost non-existent in the vastness of space, yet essential for bringing life to bloom—much like a force of nature. Our motto, "Charting paths to blooming futures", encapsulates all of that. Our logo features a sleek, futuristic design with smooth, flowing lines, and the surprising twist is that the word NAVIDEW forms an ambigram. Our spaceship design aligns with our vision and aesthetic, and so do our crew uniforms. At first glance, the space suits appear as a form-fitting second skin, creating a futuristic silhouette. It's made from lightweight, breathable, and adaptable materials to withstand all types of environments. The thick, holographic fabric mainly looks silver, but shifts to reveal soft tints of pink and green as light reflects off it. Though smooth and sleek, the suit is full of expandable panels, detachable components, and hidden functions. The limbs are designed with custom pockets for specialised tools, and the belt harness can pop out to carry larger equipment. The logo is large and centred on the chest but embossed on the material so it doesn't stand out too much. In dark spaces, the entire suit lights up with glowing trims along the edges of the uniform, including the logo. Of course, no space suit is complete without headgear and footwear. Our headgear is a transparent visor with an advanced head-up display to provide real-time information. The unique material makes it nearly invisible while offering full head protection, 360° visibility, and comfort. With a simple button press, the protective shell can collapse into the back of the suit. Gravity-resistant boots complete the outfit, with buttons to swap the soles (retractable, magnetised, or friction-based) depending on the environment.

My sub-company's long term plan is to be the go-to choice for industries driving progress across the galaxy. Our strength lies in delivering high-quality shipments that require specialised care and precision throughout the shipping process. We're all about supporting innovation, which is why we've built many long-term partnerships with tech hubs and research institutes. Our next shipment is a load of silicon to Zircon's main science institute, where it'll be used to build advanced, new machinery for their groundbreaking research. Our mission is to help their scientists make further inroads with their research, supporting their quest to gain a competitive edge over other planets in terms of technological breakthroughs.

My spaceship comes in the shape of a teardrop that opens up like a tulip when deployed, revealing wings and flaps that can expand to enhance aerodynamic versatility and functional maneuverability. The outer ring of the spaceship spans all three levels. Due to its strategic placement with windows and access to visually track the external surroundings, it is mainly used for navigation, observation, and monitoring. The bridge or command centre is located in the outer ring of the middle level. The lowest level is for critical technical operations. It houses the engines and vital machinery, including fuel storage, power control rooms, and energy management. The inner areas provide space for cargo storage, shipment goods, and other equipment. The middle level and central area are dedicated to interactive spaces such as the mess hall, crew quarters, meeting rooms, and recreational spaces. A gym and medical bay are also provided to support the crew's health and wellbeing. Last but not least, the top level is reserved for private sleeping chambers.