A science mission has just been announced, "Break the Sky". I've been somewhat at odds and ends where to explore next; this is just what I needed.

On to Syroomaei HT-Z D13-28! OK, maybe I'm getting a early start (official launch is tomorrow) but given that I was late getting here, I figure better earlier than later.

Today I arrived at Altum Sagittarii. This is probably one of the highest views I'm going to get of the galaxy in the Starlight Tracer. It's jump range simply isn't large enough to reach Peak, much to my disappointment.

Still, it gives one a sense of awe to see how vast the galaxy is, how uncountable the stars!

I did it! Heart of the galaxy, the eye of infinity.

Armstrong Landing, the rallying point for waypoint 7, is a handful of light-years away. I saw some other commanders there. But what I'm most excited about is another few light-years over, a station built for explorers by explorers: Explorer's Anchorage.

Right now it's under construction. But I managed to sell off a ton of data plus get some repairs (from an "oops" on the throttle while landing).

So I finally figured out something. Yeah I'm an explorer. But I'm following the sight-seeing route. I like amazing vistas. So I'm a tourist.

And like most tourists I like nice photos.

Between the suns

I've never seen a solar eclipse caused by a sun before.

Our galaxy

Seen from Kyli Flyuae WO-A f39 "Dance of the Compact Quartet". This system has neutron stars and white dwarfs.

Zunuae Nebula

Wufric Nebula

Yes, I really do like colorful nebula.

Whoa, more life

A Q06-type anomaly in the rings of Myriesly CL-P E5-7383 3 A. This thing tried to damage me through my shields!

I've spotted a K-11 type anomaly but am not sure if it is real or me being space-happy. It's not in my codex. I should've taken a picture, but I didn't. Real or not real?

Insinnergy's World

A beautiful moon with some kind of tuber-plant.

I will grant that putting starport hotels next to neutron stars and black holes offer spectacular views. But do they have to be so stinking close? You're sweating like a geyser riding that all the way in, waiting for that "too close" alarm to go off indicating you're about to toast your ship trying to get back out. And the grav-lens of the black hole is just as unnerving.

These places have to be for tourists on tourist ships. You sure aren't going to find room for a decent laundry in a DBX. The santizer facilities just aren't the same.

But... did I mention the spectacular view?

The Clawed Hand Nebula was also quite nice: I had a good view from Hypuae Scrua AF-Y D1-91. An interesting blend of red and green.

Onward to waypoint 7 and Sagittarius A*!

While hanging out bored in the Dryau Awesomes I ended up chatting with the EDSM squadron. Commander Baugers helpfully jumped in and gave me the 14% hull repair that I needed.

All I need now is a 1% repair on my power plant.

Saw a bunch of ships today.

Sightseeing on the way to waypoint 6

Waypoint 6: The Dryau Awesomes

I've arrived finally, but other than Hanz Brix nobody else is here. I must be very early. We chatted on whether I need to get that 14% hull damage repaired since he had limpets. I'm going to try to hold out until the Sag A* station.

Did you know some Lagrange clouds have electric storms?

Did you know those storms could buffet your ship worse than coming in for glide on a planet?

Did you know that a couple of good lightning bursts can fry your instruments, strip your shields and melt your hull in one major blast?

I found that out the hard way. I lost 14% of my hull at the Gardens of Shangri-La in Dryoea Flyi II-S e4-6870.

Call me crazy, but I went back to scan the things in the cloud. And take pictures, heaven help me.

Scary lightning

Not so scary

Some non-lethal vistas that were not nearly so bothersome.

Update: hey, my photo got used by EDSM!

I've done it.

Here, at waypoint 5, Polo Harbor in the Venetian Nebula, I have finally done it.

I am Elite.

All the systems I've meticulously scanned. Planets visited. Sections of hull left behind. It's all led to this.

If my ship were to break down now, I could be satisfied that I've reached one of my greatest goals. And that's cause to celebrate: I'm taking some well earned R&R here at Polo to rest up. Because I need to be ready.

As great of an achievement as this is for me, that is not the only reason why I'm on this voyage. I'm an Explorer. An elite Explorer. Beagle Point is still weeks away. There's over half the galaxy in between.

I will see it all.

I will return with tales to tell.

And when one day the black finally claims me forever, I will remain unconquered, my journey a story to inspire the next generation to face and defeat that which takes me.

See you in the black. o7