On October 1st and 3rd, 2955, two major USC salvaging operations were organized, both focusing on locating derelict panels in space and processing RMC (Recycled Material Composite) using ships such as the Drake Vulture and Aegis Reclaimer Fortune. Each event was an impressive industrial undertaking, with dozens of salvaging ships working simultaneously. Yet, despite similar objectives, the two operations differed greatly in their management style—and produced very different results.

Operation 1 – Comfort Among the Stars

The first operation, held on October 1st, was managed by Thomas Farrister. His team operated from an Idris that served as the fleet’s command and support vessel, stationed deep within the Aaron Halo asteroid belt in Stanton. The area was chosen for its abundance of salvage panels and, more importantly, its isolation from active flight lanes, ensuring a safe and quiet environment for industrial work.

Director Farrister went above and beyond to ensure crew comfort, organizing a fully equipped rest stop aboard the Idris. Salvagers could take a break, enjoy a free drink and sandwich, and relax while their ships were being offloaded before heading back out to gather more material.

Operation 2 – The Hardline Approach

In stark contrast, the second operation on October 3rd was held in the Yela asteroid belt near Crusader—a region famous for its high yield of salvage panels, but also notorious for danger due to its proximity to Grim HEX and other pirate activity.

This time, the fleet operated from a Polaris-class mothership, which coordinated dozens of Vultures and Fortunes. However, unlike Farrister’s operation, no rest area was provided for workers. In fact, participants were discouraged from taking breaks altogether and urged to work continuously. Several crew members later compared the working conditions to Hurston Industrial standards, citing exhaustion and poor morale. While no official complaints have been filed yet, murmurs of discontent are spreading among the participants.

Results – A Question of Efficiency

Despite the harsher conditions, the second operation yielded 371 SCU of RMC, significantly surpassing the 251 SCU collected during Farrister’s more relaxed operation.

This raises an interesting question:
Is pampering the workforce counterproductive, or were the results simply influenced by better equipment and higher-yield zones? Analysts noted that a larger number of salvagers employed abrade modules during the second operation and that the Yela asteroid field naturally contains more recoverable material than the Aaron Halo.

Regardless of the cause, these contrasting results will undoubtedly spark debate within the USC Industrial Division about the balance between worker welfare and output efficiency in future large-scale salvage operations.