This is Bruce Knight, pilot of the Essex Fifth.

I’ve just left the planet Farcide, a once volatile world alive with the tension of war. Ages ago, in the depths of galactic turmoil, Granny acted as a negotiator on the planet, utilizing her charisma and sensitivity to keep Farcide from spiraling into self-annihilation. While she couldn’t untangle their history with a simple tug, her perspective laid the first brick in achieving relative peace between warring factions and ending blood feuds that stretched decades. Dad served here briefly too, helping maintain a period of calm that’s lasted longer than anyone ever thought it could. 

Two months ago, I was employed by an author, Maisie Grey, to help conduct interviews and analyze old war sites for a book she’s writing. We’ve also done our fair share of archival work in our downtime. The way she works is so opposite, so archaic. Her questions are so blunt and cutting, I’m afraid she’s gonna incite another war. She’s brash and quick, but intelligent. Serene in her confidence. It’s been fun spending time with… working with her.

I’m just cruising now, bored out of my mind. Maisie has moved on to the writing phase, but I’ve got no other prospects. Maybe I’ll go home, and let everyone know Farcide is in good shape. Or take up another archaeology project. I don’t know. Really, I’m dying to have another grand expedition. It has been a long time since Botana after all. So much potential for discovery in a universe ever-expanding. As it grows so does my story. So many unknown unknowns. So many logs unwritten. Downtime is hell for a guy like me, but in a world constantly in flux, every new adventure is just around the corner. Something big will come along soon. I’m sure of it.

This is Bruce Knight, signing off.