The Story

>>Incoming Transmission from outpost 4.2.3.4.7, Perpetual Motion, the on 7-12-987 at 1307

>>Identification: Hardin, Slavin Royce (citizen, Federation. Occupation, freighter) 

>>to 76.12.23.9.2.4., Andromeda III, received on 7-12-987 at 1310

     Sorry it’s taken me so long to write, 
honey. Things have been hectic here. The 
captain has us all working double shifts, 
after he ran into some security issues 
at Calypigee. Seems the produce we picked 
up at C7 was contraband in that system. Who 
would have known? And we went through hell 
and highwater with interrogations and briefings 
and debriefings and background checks. The 
Carthinians really did a number on our ship, and 
when we were finally given clearance to leave the system, 
not only were we nearly half a week behind schedule to make 
our next drop date, but we also had to do lots of cleaning and maintenance on the ship. 
Hence the double shifts. But the Captain was really great about it, giving us an extra day here 
in port at the Perpetual Motion. 

     Don’t let the name fool you. It doesn’t really function by perpetual motion (everyone 
knows that such a thing is impossible!). But with all of the people moving and flowing 
through the station constantly, it sees a lot of action, and seems to be in a state of ‘perpetual’ 
activity and movement. It’s a smaller station, at least when compared to some of the others 
I’ve been to, but ain’t bad. Has a really nice view of the surrounding area, and a fully stalked 
bar, so me and the rest of the guys are pretty damn happy. The barkeep is a cyborg, from 
Kayten, originally. Really swell fellow. Guess he got messed up pretty badly, way back when, 
in the Battle of Jetten Edge, and got stuck here after they fixed him up. Poor guy. But I 
guess that’s what you get for taking on the Federation, eh love? 

     Since it’s so far out of system, there aren’t many Feddies here. Just me and a few of the 
guys from the crew, and this really sweet little girl from Mars. Guess she’s the regional 
diplomat representative or what not. But the Perpetual Motion isn’t under any system 
sovereignty, kinda a neutral territory, under overall galactic control, I guess. Sure, there are a 
few security guards and such, but if you mess up, I suppose they hand you over to you your 
system representative, and they get to handle it. Seems to me that a person is apt to get into a 
lot of trouble with a set up like this, but maybe it all functions under some type of honors system. 
You gotta respect the next guy and he’s gotta respect you. I have the feeling, though, that in 
a place like this, there’s gotta be lots of smuggling and illegal activities. But I ain’t gonna go 
snooping into that stuff. Need to keep my nose clean for when I come home to you, you know? 

     There’s lots of different types 
of people here, hun. From all corners of 
the universe, it seems. Of course there’s 
pilots and traders, different crew members 
of different ships. Some military people, 
even a few religious fanatics. Since the 
station is so far from any other planets 
or colonies, it makes for a vital crossroads 
point in this region of the galaxy. Even ran 
into some AI and holographic internet based 
personalities, also. I’ve heard rumors of alien 
beings, but I haven’t seen any, yet. Of course 
I’m a little skeptical, but in all my days in outer 
space, I’ve leaned to never doubt anything. 

     So, that’s all I can tell you about the Perpetual Motion so far, sweetie. I’m gonna log off 
for now, and go have a few beers and trade space stories with some old veterans I found. I’m 
really looking forward to this extra RnR, and seeing you after our next drop. Say hello to the 
kids for me. 

     Clear skies and love, Slavin.

>>End Transmission from outpost 4.2.3.4.7, Perpetual Motion, the on 7-12-987 at 1309

>>Identification: Hardin, Slavin Royce (citizen, Federation. Occupation, freighter) 

>>to 76.12.23.9.2.4., Andromeda III, received on 7-12-987 at 1313