October 19 2955

Today marked a rather welcoming change in more ways than one, as the USC organized and invited a few, this reporter included, potential new citizens to a small get together tour around Microtech. Thinking of it as a slight meet and greet, with the objective of answering any questions one might have about the USC and life in the ‘verse as it were, is definitely helpful.

Organized by Michael Sanatas, otherwise known as “Dekan” by his callsign, the gathered group featured a good mix of USC veterans and newcomers alike meeting up in the lobby of Port Tressler. With helloes exchanged and a brief explanation offered, the group set off to the hangar where they boarded a USC gunship and set off to Microtech, specifically towards the settlement of Astor’s Clearing.

The small, ramshackle settlement’s frosty, peaceful morning was suddenly disturbed by the unannounced landing and the sudden appearence of a group of armed and armored individuals, and whilst tension was visible in the locals, there were no incidents and the entire visit involved the minimal amount of gunfire and only a few bruises – none of the locals were hurt.

One would forget that they were on a planet as advanced in technology as Microtech, especially with a pristine, gleaming white nexus as New Babbage, as we were surrounded by trees and a suspicious lack of snow on the ground. And yet, the chill in the air and the low temperature ensured a coating of frost on the equipment and, to the joy of some of the drinkers in the group, provided a nice, cold environment for that all important Smoltz (light).

With a short stay and a brief but thorough exploration of the settlement and surrounding area concluded, the group reboarded their vessel when the tour decidedly took a more lively turn. Rather than continuing to another Microtech location, one of the now abandoned ASD facilities was chosen for exploration considering those are now the prime destination for almost every walk of life in Stanton that carries a gun and happily discharges it in the line of their occupation. Scavengers, bounty hunters, investigators, mercenaries, soldiers, security personnel, everyone descended on these facilities for various reasons.

Needless to say that the USC’s own descent into one of these facilities went without major incident and with surprisingly few casualties, yet it was entertaining nonetheless, going from a standoff with another group of explorers as we dove further into the depths of the station, and concluding with a rather impressive takedown of what this reporter can only assume is some rather overgrown local wildlife infestation.

At the end of the day, it proved to be a welcome into a group that enjoys what they do whether or not they know what they do, but do so with extreme commitment regardless. A good opportunity for people to meet each other, learn of each other and crack a few jokes whilst shooting at whatever threat is around the corner.

And for this reporter, it also provided a welcome change of pace from the overheated forges of Shallow Frontier. Until next time, this is Drifter, signing off.