Holo-pad Journal Entry 01 

Think-Type initiated.    

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Radiating white light flooded the scape of stars. It was like a vast nebular aurora borealis amidst the bright blackness of space. The bulk of the light was white, but every color of the light spectrum could be seen beaming out from the center of this gargantuan phenomenon. The brilliance of it all overwhelmed my viewport. The gleaming rip in the cosmos enthralled me. I can hardly think of any words to depict what I was in the presence of. This had to be what the gates of heaven looked like. I was still light years away, but this is the closest I have ever been to a white hole. For years the idea of white holes was only theoretical. The realization of inter-dimensional travel is what lead to the discovery of the first one. It truly is a thing of immense beauty. The white hole was far grander, far brighter than we had initially calculated them to be. A relatively rare occurrence this side of the universe, nowhere near the same abundance as black holes. The reason white holes hadn't been discovered until after dimensional warp technology had been developed was because the nearest white hole to earth at the time was still a couple of superclusters away. From Earth's point of view, far off white holes were indistinguishable from supernovas, quasars or any other massive form of gamma radiating bodies, but hop on over to a supercluster inhabited by a white hole and you can see it as plain as day, or at least as a large patch of day in the night sky. Even with the naked eye, white holes are pretty discernible from stars at such a range. To put it simply, if you don't know if you're looking at a white hole or not, then you have never seen a white hole before. Of course with new discoveries brings new opportunities. Travel to white hole star clusters was soon established, A new era dawned on humankind. A gold rush on an intergalactic scale, so to speak. The Race for Matter. The worlds formed by the white hole were phenomenal. They consisted of matter unheard of by our mother galaxy. New elements, new physical properties. Our periodic table was vastly incomplete. Space Mining quickly became all the rage, the new rock star job of the universe. The title of Space Miner was coveted by many. To be a miner meant to be respected by all. Fame, fortune, power, and respect were all words synonymous with the Space Mining moniker. But like any profession, this is not so with everyone clawing their way up in the industry.

I will finally get the chance to test my hand at mining the stars. An opportunity to deal in other types of rocks than the ones I'm currently dealing. No matter the world, I can always find someone in need of the stuff I'm peddling. Providing narcotics to hard-working miners in need of a quick fix to get through the grueling demands of the job can be a sweet gig. Too bad it's not like twentieth-century earth. You used to make a killing pushing drugs when they were illegal. Nowadays, I'd be lucky to make some pocket change, and it may lead me to mingle with the high rollers of the mining community. Learn the ins and outs of this industry. If I can link up with the right connects, schmooze the right people, maybe I could someday end up as a high profile miner, mining in the big leagues.

I signed on to work with a company called Quartermaine Space Mining, QSM seems honest enough for a commercial mining op. I'm curious to see what they'll have to offer. I heard they're small time, but at least I'll get a taste of the space mining business. Imagine that, who would have thought that me, Jesse Peete, a lowly drug peddler, would finally get my chance mining for rare and undiscovered treasure among the stars.

All the workers that I've talked to so far all say that we're just going to find slag working with QSM, mediocre minerals from the new elemental charts. Everyone says the real money is in the private sector. But anything can happen. I've heard stories of people making favorable finds in less dangerous zones like the ones licensed to QSM. You don't always need the latest hardware or go digging around in the unexplorables to make the big hauls. I wonder what will be the first piece of rare matter that I'll find, will it be a fat hunk of Keycrite or a Vibronyx stone, maybe I'll get my hands on some QuantaQuartz, That would be Crush!

The company transport module I'm on is now nearing its destination. Dig site, Copia, an asteroid the size of a small moon, that lay in orbit just on the outskirts of the Empyrean system. A giant geode filled with new materials waiting to be dug up. I have to end this journal entry for now. We are arriving at our destination, and I want my Holo-pad to have a full charge upon landing. I can already feel the ship beginning to lose altitude. Next will come the free fall which makes some people sick but not me; I love the rush of G's, the butterflies in my stomach as we reach maximum V. It's exhilarating, the drop happens at a rate faster than sound. Then the deceleration burn kicks in right before the ship abruptly crash-lands, touching down in the rocky crust. I'm about to arrive at my first dig site. From this point on, I'm an official Space Miner.

Holo-pad Journal Entry 02

Think-Type initiated. 

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It's been days since I had time to collect my thoughts on my Holo-pad. Almost immediately after landing on this rock, I've been immensely busy. I didn't even have a chance to unpack any of my things yet. The enrollment process involved filling out tons of forms and then a brief but mandatory training orientation. It was part company workshop and part boot camp. Getting adjusted to life on Copia has been grueling. Work shifts run anywhere from 16-hour days on the lite side to a 72-hour stretch when pulling over time. There is a scheduled sleep period every so often to ensure proper sleep patterns. We spend a lot of time underground here so it is necessary to have sleep times planned out for those who can't adjust to the lack of sunlight. For most of us who utilize our time a little more wisely usually wind up treating this sleep time like the weekend. Good thing I packed some uppers. Stimulants are in high demand here. In no time I made friends, and It wasn't long before I got to know practically everyone, especially anyone of importance. My boss at QSM, for instance, gives me priority shifts cause of the amphetamines I supply him.

I've never seen such a wide diversity of hominids all in one place. It was a surprise to see the interesting ways the human species had deviated from its humble beginnings back on earth. All the differences were subtle, but it always got me thinking about what environment would have encouraged such altered features. Mining gear was the main attire but everyone had ostentatious ways of decorating themselves, a way to stand out. I thought my tats and piercings were elaborate, but they're fairly bland in comparison. I've never seen such an eclectic mix of body mods and eccentric garnishing before.

The living quarters are small ragtag villages that are overcrowded but steadily expanding.  All the work sites and most of the shantytowns are underneath Copia's surface. Even above ground, it is dark; dust clouds from the digging in addition to a locked orbit that keeps this rock pretty dark. These so-called miner towns are a small percentage of the mining area. For the most part, the cities are subterranean, and the miners here have become quite adept at living underground. Because more than 75% of our time is working, the cities seem to blend into the bedrock of various dig sites. The cities are one with the excavation. Perpetual life in a series of tunnels and caverns; most workers hardly have a reason to visit the surface part of the city. I for one like hanging around the surface every now and then, especially when new fortune seekers show up. It's good to see new faces in such a small work intensive environment. 

These worker towns never sleep, all hustle and bustle. The advertising they have here is horrendously persistent. The streets, rooftops, and even the cave entrances are littered with sponsors and billboards, both material signage as well as holographic vids with commercials broadcasting on high repeat. I had an arduous fight configuring my Holo-pad so the advertisements couldn't hack my system. I guess everyone has something invested in what we do here. The computer factories and part shops are scattered throughout the towns. The white hole's material boom sparked abundant advancements in computing technology. Moors Law quadrupled, and the computer industry skyrocketed both metaphorically and literally. Increasing computing power vastly aided the new age of space travel, blazing the way for a lucrative life for many in space. To date, many new types of metals have been discovered, and more are still being found. Computer engineers will pay good money to be the first to utilize the properties of these new finds. A common miner's saying is

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"Any metal you find is worth its weight,

But if the metal is new, you get to set the rate."

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The talk about earning potential here is legit. The amount of profit one could take home is overwhelming. The catch is, all the money made here cannot be sent off this rock until you physically leave with it. Also, this environment is such a tight-knit community, it doesn't have much crime. It's like a small town where everybody knows everybody. The laws on this rock do a fantastic job at discouraging fraudulent activity, Any crime committed here almost always involve a punishment of earnings being confiscated. That includes rare materials found. Any crime anyone could think to do here is just not worth the effort. You can say that our naturally inherited greed is what prevents people from committing criminal offenses on Copia. In truth, you don't have to be here relatively long to make a comparable fortune legally. I, of course, work for QSM who already has its hands in my pockets, yeah they only take a small cut, but they can also drastically affect my bottom line if they see fit.

I would say the most problematic thing to deal with on Copia are the aggressive suitors. Everybody is always looking for a companion for their sparse moments away from the grind. Constantly you have to be prepared to be hit on by any or everyone. I guess this could also be a good thing if you're feeling lonely. But I have some high aspirations and little time for romantic socializing. I came here to make some cash and exit ASAP. Of course, the attention is kinda nice at times.

As for the work we do here, glamorous it is not. It is physically demanding and dirty as hell. Besides the dirt and grime, there are also the new kinds of dirt and grime. Not all material's created by the white hole is a precious commodity. I don't even wanna talk about the bugs. Soooo many different types of bugs. At least I have not seen any giant man-eating bugs that are so prevalent in space lore. Speaking of disgusting things, I noticed the most peculiar little man the other day. I first saw him in the mess hall. My first impression of him was appalling. He was revolting. I frequently see him eating bugs and a disgusting paste-like substance. Watching him is a good way to lose my appetite. I hope he's not employed at QSM. I'd hate to have to work with him in such close quarters. I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out to be one of those Man-eating bugs rumored to terrorizes space.

Holo-pad Journal Entry 03

Think-Type initiated.    

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Once while I was people watching in the mess hall, I came across that crazy bug eating guy again. I've asked around about him, heard he goes by the name, Eeone, He's a lot weirder than I thought. Just by looking at him I get the sense something's off about him. For one thing, everyone here has some sort of body mod or fancy adornments, but not him. Is he trying to alienate himself from everybody else? No Tattoos, piercings, prosthetics, laser paint, gene splicings, 3D printed hairstyles, foreign Jewelry or anything to show his individuality. Why wouldn't anyone want to decorate themselves? It's how we are unique. Also, Eeone must not have ever heard of anti-aging products, He's so wrinkly, he looks like a troglodyte. I can't tell his age, he does seem to be more spry than what his looks would suggest. Once He walked by me, and I noticed he smells really bad. I think he wears the same outfit every day. I mean, I don't think he ever washes that thing, or himself for that matter. He is short and spindly like he's sick or something. Eeone always has an aloof demeanor, like he's daydreaming about who knows what. I can't imagine the guy has a lot on his mind, he does eat bugs after all. Once while I watched him work, I observed him talking to himself. That's funny, the guy who wouldn't bother to talk to anybody else would have short, strange conversations with himself. What and oddball. He doesn't seem to be a competent space miner either. I've noticed that he doesn't bring in much of a haul. All I ever see him bringing in are diamonds. Diamonds! The most worthless rocks in this sector. You don't need to excavate a claim near a white hole to find diamonds, there are whole planets of the stuff. What is this guy thinking? He'd probably have better luck collecting rocks blindfolded. He has to be disgruntled. Yeah, I bet he's disgruntled. It's a good thing that weapons are banned on this site, he's probably the type to shoot up the place. According to the gossip about him, he's from some poverty-stricken desert planet. Some remote place called Gyooga I think. I've never heard of it, must be some backwater, podunk planet that hasn't made any noticeable contributions to the space race. Despite being talked about a lot, No one really has anything kind to say about him, I guess he's regarded as the resident basket case by most. The others have even thought up a clever nickname for Eeone; They call him Pee-on. Lol People could be cruel, but I have to say that guy does ask for it. I don't think he even wants friends to be honest. Besides the occasional business transactions, he keeps to himself which is never a good thing in a job like this. The more I see Eeone, the more pathetic he looks. I probably should feel sorry for the guy, but whenever I see him, he always finds a new way to gross me out. Once I saw him lick a disgusting patch of dirt that he mixed into that nasty paste he's always eating. Yuk. I wanted to vomit. Maybe he has some sort of mental disease. I did try to get to know the guy once. I approached him and just sat right next to him. It was like the poor fella didn't understand the concept of small talk. Regardless what I said to him, he wouldn't for the life of me engage in conversation. I even tried to pick his brain about mining and what got him into it, he would only say that his home world needs the resources, and that was it. He wouldn't elaborate no matter how much I probed the subject. He obviously didn't want my or anybody else's company. So I felt it best to leave him be. He's a real loner type, always by himself. Even off duty, he is always alone. I've never even seen him show the slightest hint of interest in any of the sexes. You can never tell what those asexual's motives are. How could you trust someone who doesn't have an orientation? Our sex drives are what drives us as a species. Our desires are what pushes us towards our dreams. Damn A-lonies! Can't trust em. Well, I gave him a chance, didn't I? You can't say that I didn't try to befriend the lil bugger. What was that saying, something about leading a horse to water? Speaking of which, another odd habit I've noticed about Eeone is that he is really frugal with water. He always drinks from a strange canteen.. He never seems to take more than a couple of sips at a time, as if he is rationing his water intake. How strange. Sure you have to pay for water here, but Copia doesn't have a shortage of the stuff, it's not like water's rare here. I've even seen him refill his canteen in the strangest places like from someone else's discarded drinking bottles or even the muddy puddles on the streets. What an idiot, has he not heard of drinking fountains or indoor plumbing? Who knows what kind of illnesses he catches from drinking such filth.

More recently, I found out that he doesn't have any sponsors, who in their right mind works without having sponsors. Of course, the company I work for has tons of sponsors supporting us, but even the private sector has at least a few. How could this scraggly urchin not need sponsorship? I'm pretty sure he doesn't even have any formal mining training. Still, he must be privately funded cause he didn't arrive on a company transport like the rest of us company workers, or any of the big private ships that ferry in the elite miners. No, the ride he came in on is some beat up ole discontinued model, a hybrid digging mech with rudimentary flight capabilities called the Canary. He really should trade in that RocknRoll of yesteryear for a newer model. Something that doesn't look like it might fall apart at any moment. But enough about Pee-on. If I keep talking about him, I'm likely to have nightmares.

Holo-pad Journal Entry 04 

Think-Type initiated.    

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Damn the Copia Sector! I've been working for months now and I have yet to bring in anything of real value. I found some Compresstun and a bit of Surprisium but nothing I could retire off of. I refuse to end up as some slag merchant. I need to strike it big. Lucky for me I think I'm about to get my big break. The most crush thing to happen on this miserable rock occurred when the Wroughtwilers came to Copia. What a surprise, Thee Wroughtwilers. Known for discovering a massive payload of Mjolnirite as well as mining a consistent supply of Cosmicoal. Their dig site is only a few caves away from my location. Wow, are they something to watch, the four of them are masters at moving terrain. They all pilot these massive RocknRolls called Crucible mechs. Ah, What I could do if I had one of those? The power I would have at my fingertips. Military grade RocknRolls are prohibited on this dig site, but whoever said that the crucible mechs were not designed for combat obviously never stood in the shadow of one of these metal monsters. True, they are not military issue and are not equipped with any ballistic armaments, but being built to tear through the crust of any planet, these masters of rock breaking are incredibly destructive. The chassis is comprised of a new heat impervious alloy called Hoarinium reinforced with another new metal that seems to get stronger under certain heating conditions called Lucifinite aka Satan's Steel. This mech can withstand molten earth just short of the mantel for extended periods. As its name implies, the heart of this mech is a burning core. Its power source is made of something called a Neutron Speck, which is essentially a miniature star. To say it was solar powered would be an understatement. Not only does the core energize this beast, but it can also emanate a controlled solar flare that can reduce nearly any substance in its path to a pliable mush. Making burrowing through rock as easy as scooping melting snow. Watching these mechanical workhorses reemerge from the molten depths, still glowing red hot from the heat their labor subjects them to is reminiscent of Titans, rising out of the fiery pits of Tartarus. Atlas may have carried the earth, but with one of these mechs, I would hold the Sun. Because the core that powers a behemoth such as this, is a micro star, constantly undergoing nuclear reactions, who's to say whether if the safety protocols being tampered with could result in a relatively micro nova explosion. I find it astonishing that no one classifies the Crucibles as weapons of supermassive destruction. The safety protocols being that the core is suspended in an incredibly powerful magnetic field encased in a hull made to withstand the heat generated by the mini-star, but in the event of a meltdown, the core can be drop out from the body where it melts its way down past the mantle. This is argued to be harmful to the environment but in truth, this never happens and even if it does, the only effects it is known to causes is increased volcanic activity elsewhere on the planet. And possibly short term disruption of the geomagnetic field. Which is punishable by a hefty fine and banishment from that particular location. I don't want to think about rental fees let alone the cost to own such a mech. Until I make it big, I'm stuck cracking stones with standard issued Exo-Legs, modified Shovelaxes, or minimal usage of a Pulsejack.

Fortunately, because of my side hustle, it wasn't long before I got on friendly terms with the Wroughtwilers. Wouldn't you know it? Everyone has their vice, their drug of choice. Allowing me to get to know each of the Wroughtwilers personally. People typically first come in contact with me for some marijuana after a rough week but with the Wroughts, I was first brought into the crew when Roda, the group's mechanic asked me about some strong pain killers. She was having chronic pain from the rigors of the job. I told her I had some Oxy and Vicodin. After I had got Roda the meds she wanted, she said that all of her friends call her Rod, (She pronounced it Road in a thick Latin American accent.) It wasn't long after till the rest of the crew members began making requests.

The team's chemist, whom everyone calls Fuge, didn't say much. It was as if he wanted me to think there was some air of mystery about him. The more I got to know him, the more he became a regular ole chatty Cathy, Always ready to give a lecture if anyone asked him about his work or anything about his area of expertize. Fuge didn't ask me for much, but when he did, it was always more unusual requests. So uncommon sometimes, I couldn't always get what he wanted; still he was never discouraged, he would just ask me for something similar or something completely different. Often I feel as if he is just testing me. His request sometimes came with a detailed description that sounded straight out of an encyclopedia. I have to say; he is pretty crafty when it comes to mixing and separating different chemicals. I never knew his plans with whatever I was able to supply him with. The only drugs that I ever found him to use recreationally were of the nootropic variety. He was always happy with the Ritalin or Modafinil that I could hook him up with.

The leader of the Wroughtwilers was an inspiration to all Space Miners. His name was Buchanon. But everyone calls him Bute. He is tall, handsome and muscular, a real team captain type with a chiseled jawline and short wavy hair. He was the unofficial manager of the group. He handles the group's business dealings and PR. He was a self-proclaimed explosives and demolitions aficionado. Thou Fuge makes the bombs; Bute is usually the one to set them off. He puts on a front to be this preppy straight edge boy scout, but I wasn't convinced. I could tell there was a rebellious side to him. He had this nonchalant attitude, but his eyes always showed that he loved his job. Bute was pretty strait-laced. It was hard to find what he was into. He may try to present himself as the space-miner poster child, but eventually, I found his Achilles heel, he has a pension for fine cigars from the Judecca system. The more I got to know him I even found him to be a good drinking buddy, and he only ever drinks with his closest of friends, which apparently I was now one.

Then there was Andrena. Andrena was in charge of navigation and structural analysis. She was the underground guide of the group. She looked to be the leader's physical equal but despite her masculine frame she has a fairly feminine face for someone who wears no more makeup than anyone else here normally would. I better be careful around her. She is always flirting with me, calling me names like Peach or even worse sweet cheeks Peete. Never taking the hint that i'm not interested. She can be so annoying and immature at times, but on the job, she is 100 percent serious, an overprotective mother of the group. Off the job is a different story. She is like the Jekyll and Hyde of miner and frat boy party animal. Usually, when she comes to me with requests, it's for hallucinogens like E or shrooms, Her requests are always accompanied with an invitation to party with her. Maybe I'll take her up on her offer one day; It might land me a job. Working with the Wroughtwilers was my ticket out of QSM. Even if I can't get a mining gig with them, dealing full time to a bunch of rock stars could be a good career move. I would be the Wroughtwiler's official roadie. As for now, I was a part of their inner circle. I still don't have a mining job with them per se, but we do hang out a lot when we were all off duty, I'm getting my foot in that door.

Holo-pad Journal Entry 05 

Think-Type initiated.    

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Before long I was a natural part of the Wroughtwiler's gang. I was seen with them so much, most people considered me an unofficial fifth member. Yeah, I still have my mining gig with QSM, so I can't hang with them all the time, but still, whenever I am available I'm always more than welcome to bask in their presence. They're always willing to share some of their mining wisdom with me, which was beyond fantastic. My dig quota at QSM rose significantly, thanks to their help. I was even able to make a pretty penny off of a mound of Dimadox I found. The Wroughtwilers seemed genuinely impressed by my find. They told me that I have potential.

At the mess hall, the gang and I were enjoying a meal after a hard day's dig. We were discussing the capabilities of the Crucible mechs and what they accomplished that day, wouldn't you know it, as amazing as their RocknRolls are, the Wroughtwilers still complained that if they had additional excavation mechs added to their already impressive arsenal, they could bring in a much bigger haul per dig. Half jokingly I said, yeah, and more teammates to pilot them. Bute looked at me with hopeful eyes. You know what, you're right, I think with some apprenticeship, and some sort of a payment plan for your own RocknRoll, Sure, You would make a fine addition to the team. I just smiled at the prospect. Right, guys? Bute asked the crew.

I don't see why not, said Rod,

I like it. It'd be nice to have a fresh face on the team, I'm getting tired of looking at all these other ugly mugs, Andrena said grinning in my direction.

Sure, as long as you can keep supplying the goods. Fuge stated in a mild way that hid if he was serious or not. Bute patted me on the back a little harder than I expected him to.

Of course, this is not official, but I think it's possible sometime soon.

Yeah, so don't go quitting your day job yet kid. You should wait till you have your own RocknRoll first. Roda Blurted.

We all laughed a little, followed by everyone quietly but joyfully digging into their meals. After a time. The gang started up again about their famed big haul stories. Epic tales that I could never get enough of. We were having such a good time in each other's company that we didn't notice Eeone slink into the joint. I was the first to notice him hunched far in the corner, but I ignored him and turned my attention back to the group. I really don't like looking at him while I eat. When we were about to leave, one of my future teammates spotted him.

Whoa, would you look at that? Fuge nudged at Andrena, who was distracted by a couple of women walking by. What! She said annoyed. Look, sitting over in the corner. Fuge pointed at Eeone as if the freak show came to town. I don't wanna look at him. Andrena scowled as she averted her gaze from the lowly miner. Why's he gotta eat at this dining facility, there really ought to be higher standards for such a fine establishment as this? Andrena says throwing her bulky arm around Bute's shoulders, I already have a hard time stomaching you guys while I eat. Bute shrugged her arm off. What the hell is that shit he's eating? Bute frowned as he witnessed Eeone shovel some kind of mush in his mouth with his bare fingers. You don't want to know; I said as I pushed my plate aside.

Ah, I do. Fuge said anxiously.

You know what that stuff is? Roda questioned.

How the hell do you know what he's eating, Peach, he wine and dine ya? Andrena teased.

Grow up Andrena, I've seen him preparing that gunk before. It was sickening.

So what is it? Roda asked.

Yeah, what does a creature like that eat? Fuge inquired.

You gotta tell us! Bute said.

Well, I'm not sure what that paste is exactly, but I did see him mix it with some mud from off the ground.

Eghh! Get outta of here.

No way.

For real?

The Wroughtwilers said in disbelief.

Yeah, no joke. He even mixes it with bugs. I've seen that too.

What? Nah, you're just making fun.

Nah! even he wouldn't do that, would he?

Yeah, look, he's mixing something in right now. Roda interrupted.

The gang turned to see Eeone open a small container that had what appeared to be bug parts, which he sprinkled onto his paste concoction.

The Wroughtwilers jeered loudly as Eeone continued to lick up his handcrafted paste.

This put the group in a frenzy. When the Wroughts found something amusing, their laughter was heard by all. I don't believe it, that guy's a mud licker. Fuge bellowed.

He's a Shit sucker. Bute sneered.

We're not worthy enough to eat at his table. Bute smiled.

We must not be good enough for his gourmet cuisine. Fuge laughed.

Oh, Yeah! He's much too good for any of us. Roda remarked

Yeah, that's why he's alone. Andrena replied, sparking an uncontrollable laughter among us.

I laughed with my new friends. I didn't mean to send the gang into such an uproar at Eeone's expense, but it was funny. We all had a ball coming up with what we thought were clever insults.

I've heard the Wroughtwilers make fun of Eeone before, but this time, it got out of hand. Usually, they just say a few mean spirited remarks out of earshot, and then go about their day, but this time they intentionally spoke loud enough for him to hear. The Wroughtwiler's jokes grew louder, and their infectious laughter incited the others in the mess hall. Soon practically the whole lounge was in on the harsh joking. Things escalated to the guys throwing small scraps of food at Eeone. I was curious to see how Eeone would react. This guy is an enigma. I had no idea what his personality was like. This was a good chance to get a sense of what he was really about. Technically, I didn't do anything to Eeone, except maybe egging the others on. Yet Eeone didn't pay us any attention. It was strange. It wasn't even like he was trying to ignore us; it was more as if he was too busy to pay us any mind. He was locked in deep thought about something. This left me puzzled, and the others confused. They sought no reason to continue picking on him that day. That's enough guys, let's let him eat his shit in peace. Bute corralled the rest of the Wroughts as he grew bored with this game. Eeone didn't even try to retaliate. Eeone was such an easy target. When the Wroughts and I were leaving the dining hall, our antagonizing had taken its toll. Others had begun picking on the poor bastard. Right before I walked out of the room, I saw someone pretend to accidentally knock over Eeone's meal tray. That paste crap splattered all over the ground, and the whole room was laughing. The last thing I saw before leaving the mess hall was Eeone scooping up the spattered paste and continued eating.

Holo-pad Journal Entry 06 

Think-Type initiated.

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In time I started helping out when I could on the Wroughtwiler's digs. As I spent more time with them, It was apparent that they enjoyed mocking Eeone. They considered it playful banter with a fellow miner and honestly everyone made fun of him, at least to some degree. It was just something we all did, some harmless fun. Eeone is a prime candidate for our teasing because he never seems to mind. He never retaliates, as if our jokes don't really bother him. No harm, no foul right. Eventually, we stopped seeing Eeone around as much. At first, we all paid it no mind, but once when some others were discussing his absence the Wroughts grew curious. They must have missed their favorite little joke. Times were less comical without him around. One day, The Wroughtwilers all agreed to quit work early. I, had no objections, I was working overtime anyway working with them. Instead of the usual hang out in the mess hall or kickbacks at the Wroughtwiler's living quarters. The leader thought it would be a good deed to see what Eeone was up to, to make sure he's okay. I thought that would be a great idea. If he was hurt by our teasing we could apologize and clear the air, we were only having a bit of fun. We looked at his usual stomping grounds, then asked people who usually worked near him. We found nothing. We then asked the town gatekeepers if they have seen his RocknRoll. The Canary Mech wouldn't have been hard to notice. Nobody has piloted one of those mechs since the early days of space mining. We found our lead. We got a report of his Canary seen heading out towards the carbon caves. But there's nothing out there but coal. Nobody digs in the carbon caves. That would be career suicide. Coal wouldn't even earn back what you paid for the trip out here. What could he be thinking, is he trying to piss away his resources? Bute questioned.

The Wroughtwiler crew and I took a RocknRoll Hauler out to the coal caves. It was quite a way out. We took a series of subterranean tunnels until we arrived at the border of the mapped dig sites. Land past this point was uncharted. The first dig site out here was known as the coal caves because early explorers found nothing but miles of coal. Until now, there had been no interest in further exploring this region. Over there. Said Andrena, As she spotted a single set of tracks that went deeper into the lightless tunnel. The first explorers on this rock used Excavator mechs to explore this area. Those tracks don't look like excavator tracks. Maybe it's Eeone's Mech. Roda observed. We ventured behind Eeone's tracks. The trail looked practically undisturbed by humans. We were forging a path to new territories. I always wanted to adventure out to the unexplorables, but I never had the equipment or the knowhow. Exploring unmapped areas is ill-advised without a RocknRoll. For some time we passed through the darkness, the lights from the Mech Hauler revealed nothing more than the same sedimentary rocks all around us. We all wanted to head back to the living quarters, but the leader was determined to see where the tracks lead. We felt our search nearing an end when we started to see tiny glittering pebbles embedded in the rock walls. The sparkling dust increased as we went on. The tunnel opened up to a wide cavern that housed larger crystalline stones. I looked up and saw twinkling stars but then realized that we couldn't be near the surface, the tunnel we were in only trailed downward. It had to be crystals reflecting the light we brought into the cavern.

Our transport slowed to a stop, parking in a clearing facing Eeone's lone Canary RocknRoll. Eeone was a few feet away from his mech, examining a crystal he had in his hand. When our transport's lights lit up the area, he hardly reacted to us until we piled out of the Mech hauler. But even then he just lifted his head to see who was approaching. He looked at us for a moment and went back to his work once he saw who we were.

Hey Buddy, whatcha doing here? What is all this? Bute interrogated. Eeone ignored him but Bute was momentarily distracted by the beauty the cavern presented. The sight was a lot to take in; I saw the others milling about inspecting the source of the twinkling. Eeone! What is all this?

It is "my" new dig site. Now leave! Eeone grumbled.

Still, in awe, Bute leaned over to Fuge and whispered out the side of his mouth. What is all this, is it worth anything?

The chemist plucked a small crystal from the ground and squinted his eyes at it. He shook his head. Nope. It's just compacted carbon, more commonly known as diamond. Fuge explained as he lightly kicked at one of the bowling ball sized crystals at his feet. It failed to even wiggle. There are even some immovable diamonds here.

What kind of diamonds? Bute asked.

Immovable Diamonds. Fuge elaborated. They are diamonds that cannot be moved with bare hands. The carbon is so compacted by the white hole that its weight is deceptive. Often weighing tons. Be careful when immovables are around. These diamonds come in many sizes. You don't want to throw out your back trying to lift one that is the size of an apple but the weight of a truck. If you can't wiggle one, don't try to lift it without the help of a RocknRoll.

What are they good for? Bute really wanted to know.

Not much, mostly construction. They don't go for a lot. They are especially not worth the effort for a lowly miner like Eeone. His Mech probably couldn't carry more than a handful of them.

Then what is he doing here? Bute scoffed.

Your guess is as good as mine. Fuge replied.

Eeone ignored everyone. He was too engrossed in his study of immovable diamonds, which he was closely examining with a handheld microscopy lens. After further examining the cavern, Fuge saw something that caught his eye. He wasn't sure, but he had an idea of what it was. He pointed to what he saw to the team's leader. Fuge and Bute whispered among themselves for a while, Then Fuge whispered something to Andrena and Rod. I couldn't hear what they were saying, for some reason I was kept out of the loop. The Wroughtwilers all looked each other in the eye for a bit before Bute turned to speak to Eeone.

So Eeone, did you need any help with these baubles, the Wroughtwiler's mechs could help ya move the immovables. We are always willing to help out a fellow miner. All we ask in return is let us dig here with you every now and then.

Without even taking his eye off the diamond, he grunted,

No. I am the sole owner of this site. I shall be the only miner to mine it. Now leave!

Bute's brow furrowed. Bute was a man not used to hearing the word no.

His frown quickly turned to a forced smile.

OK, Fine, we will leave you alone. Bute said as he rallied his crew. Leaving Eeone to his dig, Andrena nudged Bute with her elbow. You saw it right?

I think so, hints of it at least. Bute answered silently.

Do you think he knows?

Nah, he's too infatuated with those damn diamonds. But we'll have to come back later to be sure. Bute said with a glint of excitement in his eye. On the ride back to the living quarters, I tried asking Roda what was going on in Eeone's cave, but she told me it was official Wroughtwiler business and changed the subject. The others all seem to be in good spirits, but I was feeling left out. Why were they so secretive? I thought I was one of them. What's going on here? The ride back was quiet and as awkward as if I road with a bunch of strangers.

Holo-pad Journal Entry 07 

Think-Type initiated.

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Lately, things have been strange, I have never seen the Wroughtwilers this determined before. Since meeting them they had always been hard workers but come quitting time, they turned to a regular bunch of party animals always looking for a way to have some fun. Since we discovered Eeone's new dig site, their demeanor has changed. There was a renewed hunger in their eyes. Their energy didn't diminish. After work they would go right into keeping tabs on Eeone and try to figure his angle. The Wroughts even became more civil towards him, acting as if they had been friends for years. The Wroughts' seemed different towards me as well. The request for drugs lessened. And when they did ask for anything it was for stimulants, and brain boosters. Selling them drugs soon became the extent of my encounters with them, my apprenticeship was neglected, and they claimed to be too busy for social gatherings. They took everything so seriously now. Even meals in the mess hall were somber. I became suspicious of the Wroughtwilers after I found the Wroughts talking about what they discovered on a repeat visit to Eeone's cave when he was away. When I tried to join them, they politely asked that I leave. They said they had some important business that they needed to discuss in private. They assured me that they would catch up with me later. Why were they so concerned with a stupid diamond mine? I decided to investigate on my own. With the free time I had between shifts, I snuck off to Eeone's cave. I had to hitch a ride with some guys heading out to the unexplorables. They took me as far as they could, but after we parted ways, I still had a great deal of walking to get to Eeone's secret spot. I brought along my own flashlight but most of the trek I had it turned to dim cause I was worried Eeone would spot me headed to his property. The rock walls that surrounded me were enough to induce paranoia, but still curiosity pushed me onward as beads of pure anxiety began to perspire on my forehead. I finally got to Eeone's cave, and it was deathly silent. I turned my light to full force and started looking around. I kept getting distracted by the many sized diamonds. I had to admit they were beautiful. I could understand why people once placed a lot of value on them. I even took one of the small non-immovables as a keepsake. I eventually came across the unusual material that the Wroughts were talking about. It appeared to be flaking off some mysterious shadowy substance but was actually solid. This couldn't be what I think it is, could it? The rare and highly sought after Bleaf Stone sometimes called an obsidian lotus. A mineral composed almost entirely out of dark matter. A solid clump of mystery that has eluded scientist for eons. I've heard of this stuff but only by word of mouth, It was thought to be a myth. Was it true, did it actually exist? Before I could find a sizable sample I heard the sound of a vehicle approach. I had to hide. I found an untouched pile of boulders near the mouth of the cave. From there I climbed to a small concave ledge that was recessed enough to keep me out of sight. I lay quietly in wait, curious as to who was approaching. I tried to remain out of sight behind the rocks, but when the light from a RocknRoll flooded the chamber, I had to take a quick peek. It was the Canary. The cave's owner had returned.

Hours had gone by. I could not leave without being discovered. I had hoped Eeone wouldn't be there long, but he had an inhuman amount of focus. His RocknRoll wasn't as exciting to watch as the Wroughtwiler's was, but it was efficient none the less. The Canary used a highly ergonomic drill to excavate dirt and rock. Anything harder than that could be diminished by a thin laser cannon mounted on the mech. The laser didn't look remarkable, and it was slow to burn through some surfaces, but It got the job done. Eeone was methodical in how he labored. First, he would dig with his mech, then he would exit the mech and dig with a Shovelaxe, Next, Eeone would examine his finds, record the data, then he would repeat. When Eeone worked independent from his mech, his Canary would continue performing menial tasks off on its own in the background presumably on auto pilot. Eeone seemed content with this kind of work in isolation. He was unbothered by the long stretches of complete silence that it afforded him even though from time to time I would hear him speaking as if someone else was in the cave. He had an ongoing conversation with himself, about what I don't know. I just don't get this guy. I don't know if he hears voices in his head or if he has an imaginary friend or what, but it must be how he copes with his loneliness. He did this for hours with no breaks. I was puzzled, by how he only examined diamonds or anything that looked like diamonds. He didn't seem the least bit interested in the Bleaf Stone. The monotony of Eeone's work habits was finally broken by the sound of another approaching vehicle. It was The Wroughtwiler's RocknRoll hauler. After the Hauler had come to a stop, The Wroughtwilers exited the driver's cabin. They huddled together, quickly discussing something. They stacked their hands together before giving a triumphant shout that I've heard them make routinely before embarking on a dig. They broke away from each other and loaded into their RocknRolls. The Crucibles trembled as they powered on. The ground shuttered as the Monsters stepped off of the RocknRoll hauler. Each step thundered as the four Titans approached the lone miner recording his diamond data on the other side of the cave. This did not look good.

Holo-pad Journal Entry 08 

Think-Type initiated. Video record mode initiated.    

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The video showed Eeone confronted by the Wroughtwilers. The Crucible Mechs blocked the cave's entrance. The RocknRolls piloted by Roda and Andrena slowly positioned themselves behind Eeone and his idle Canary. The four crucible mechs surrounded Eeone. Bute and Fuge exited their RocknRolls. Fuge went on to examine the shiny, flaky rocks in the background while Bute approached Eeone face to face. I tried to be nice, we could have shared this site, but you had to be selfish. Bute said in a patronizing voice. Leave me the hell alone, you don't deserve what's here. Eeone hissed. Bute had a smile that would have looked innocent in any other circumstance, but here it looked demonic in the ambient lighting of the cave. Then you leave me no choice. We're gonna teach you how to share. Bute strolled toward Eeone with a confident stride. Eeone turned, desperately trying to get to his Canary. Right before Eeone got within inches from his vehicle, the monumental arm of Andrena's Crucible swatted the Canary away. The Canary Mech tumbled rapidly into the face of the cave wall. Just one swipe had reduced the Canary to a heap of crumpled metal. Eeone was gripped with terror as he thought about what would have happened if he had made it to his mech. If he was part of that high impact collision. Eeone was dwarfed by the giant blocking his path. Slowly backing away, Eeone realized that Andrena had no intentions of squashing him like a bug on the boot of her Mech. At least not yet. Eeone spun around to face a smaller but no less menacing monster. Bute was approaching with a gait that resembled the power of the crucible mechs. Eeone scurried away. He was afraid to face the man coming at him. Eeone's eyes were frantic. He didn't want to take his eyes off the metal giants that barricaded him in this pit fight. Eeone was cornered, and Bute was almost upon him.

Alright! Fine! Take what you want. Take what you came here for. Then go!

Eeone hollered with his arms stretched out, trying to halt the man towering over him. Bute snickered as he looked at his teammates to see if they heard Eeone's plea. The others found amusement in Eeone's cowardice and chuckled to egg on their leader. I'm afraid it's too late for deals. I have to teach you some manners. Bute took one forceful step forward, and Eeone tripped over himself trying to get away. As Eeone fell back on his ass, Bute and his gang were in an uproar of hyena-like laughter. 

Y'all see that? I didn't even touch him yet. How are you gonna call yourself a miner and you can't even stand up to a challenge? How pathetic. Bute taunted.

Damn it, what is it you want? Eeone uttered.

You can't be that dumb. You know exactly what we want here.

Ok, Ok! Take what you want, then leave. Just leave me with my diamonds. Eeone pleaded.

Diamonds! Don't play coy with me. What you have here is a cash cow. Don't tell me you didn't notice the Bleaf stones littered throughout the cave. There isn't a miner in the galaxy that hasn't heard of the Bleaf stones. This kind of find is every miner's wet dream. Bute yelled.

So that's what you're after. Greedy bastard! Fine, take em, take the damn stones, just leave me the hell alone! Eeone's voice trembled with anger.

Sorry, I'm afraid we're way past negotiations, We want it all now, Who knows what else this cave of wonders has to offer. You're in over your head here, and it's our job to liberate you of such a hefty burden.

Bute crept toward Eeone with malice in his gaze.

It's time you learned what happens when you get in the way of the Wroughtwilers.

Eeone was scooting back on his butt when Bute made another sudden move. This time, Eeone was certain he was attacking. He clutched a fistful of dirt and flung it in Bute's smug face. Bute winched back, rubbing at the coarse, ruddy mixture that blinded him. Bute began backing away, thinking that Eeone would flee as well. To everyone's surprise, the dirty little man charged Bute with everything he had. The Wroughtwiler didn't see what hit him; he was still struggling to get the dirt out of his eyes. Despite having a running start. Eeone's tackle attempt was unsuccessful. Even half blinded and staggering, Bute was a mountain of a man compared to Eeone, and now Bute had Eeone in his grasp. Bute reached down, and body locked the weakling grappler. Heaving upward, Bute tossed Eeone just as easily as if he were pitching a bale of hay. Eeone flew through the air and tumbled on the rocky surface just as his Mech did earlier. There was no wall to stop Eeone's momentum. So he rolled on the hard ground until the friction from the rough rock floor ended his tumbling. Eeone didn't know what part of his body hit the ground first, but as he lay there, he had cuts and scrapes all over. He didn't want to get up, but he knew Bute wasn't finished with him just yet. Bute was walking around the vulnerable diamond miner. He circled Eeone as if stocking his prey, deciding what to do with this pissant.

Ha! I should have known that someone like you would be at home in the dirt.

Bute kicked some dirt on Eeone, trying to urge him to stand up.

It took a while, but Eeone finally picked himself up. He looked hurt, but there was no more fear in his focused eyes. His eyes stabbed at his attacker with intense hatred. Bute Smirked as he brought up his fist, to show he was ready for Eeone's worst. Eeone's arms were weighty. He barely lifted his fists when Bute launched a devastating right cross. The punch knocked Eeone back, but he didn't fall. It took everything Eeone had to keep from falling to the ground. Eeone didn't even know where he was anymore, but when he heard Bute coming closer, he lunged with a poorly timed swing that missed his nimble opponent by a mile. Bute moved in, burying a fist deep within Eeone's solar plexus. Eeone hacked up spit and blood. He couldn't even fall to the floor now because Bute grabbed him by the collar. He pulled him close just to say, see what happens when you don't share. Bad things happen to people who don't share.

Bute Shoved Eeone hard to the ground, immediately wiping his hands on his pants as if he was disgusted for having touched such a filthy creature.

Eeone was still conscious, but his movements were slow and stiff. He could hardly see anything, his head was spinning, and he was still gasping to regain the wind that was knocked out of him. The bright lights of the crucible mechs shined down on the two contenders like they were in the center of a boxing arena. He could just barely make out Bute's strutting silhouette. Bute was boasting about how this dig site belongs to the Wroughtwilers now. The rest of the Wroughts cheered him on as Bute challenged Eeone to do something about it. Eeone was dazed and badly hurt, but this was still his dig site. He devoted too much time here. He had to try to defend it, but instead he crawled away on his belly. Bute laughed as he stalked him. 

Don't worry, Eeone, we're not going to kick you out. In fact, you're not going anywhere. Since you love these stupid diamonds so much, you can stay here, forever. Eeone didn't get too far, but he did get far enough. He made it to a small mound of dirt that he was working in earlier. Right when he made it to this area of the cave, Bute caught up and grabbed him by the ankles. Bute pulled Eeone back, but as Eeone struggled, Bute yanked Eeone back harder that's when Eeone had obtained a small old-fashioned iron shovel from behind the mound. He twisted back and whacked it across Bute's forehead with every ounce of strength he could muster. It was a glancing blow. Bute had just managed to avoid the bulk of the attack, escaping with just a gnarly gash over his right eye. Eeone retracted the shovel for another swing, but Bute didn't give him a second chance. Bute rushed Eeone, disarming him with ease. Bute was on top of him, pinning him against the cold hard ground, raining down punch after punch. When Bute's onslaught had stopped, Eeone's face was a mound of swollen flesh. Eeone had stopped moving. Bute got up and spat on his beaten opponent, an opponent that should have been no match for the mighty Wroughtwiler. Bute was angry and frustrated because Eeone put up such a fight. Bute walked to his Crucible Mech, his pride hurt after being wounded by such a runt. When Bute wiped the warm blood that still dripped from his brow, he noticed the rest of the Wroughtwilers staring at him with wide eyes as if they just witnessed a god being struck by a mortal. Bute put on a feeble smile, then he shouted to his teammates with false bravado, Alright everyone, play times over, let's get to work.

Holo-pad Journal Entry 09 

Think-Type initiated.

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What just happened? What are the Wroughts doing? Was this their plan all along? Was this why they didn't tell me what's going on. They must have a good reason for this. What about Eeone? Is he ok, or is he..? No No No, Eeone can't be hurt too badly, they just got into a little scrape, just a couple of guys roughhousing, that's all, he'll be fine. Or did they plan to get rich off of somebody else's efforts all this time? Nah, miner's are tough, that's just how they goof around. The Wroughts were just roughing him up a bit, it's nothing serious. Should I go down there and see if he's ok. No! They kept me out of this for a reason, I'm not supposed to be here. I'm not supposed to see what I just saw. What should I do? Are the Wroughtwilers really the type of people I thought they were. What will they do if they see me here? Maybe I should stay hidden and wait to see what they do next.

The Wroughtwilers operate differently from how Eeone worked; they were fast and precise. They moved like a well-oiled machine getting right to business. The four of them worked in unison with each other and complemented each other's talents. In no time they had torn up a sizable chunk of the diamond cave. The way Eeone worked was slow and organized. A big contrast to the Wrought's controlled, chaotic way. In only a couple of hours, they had their Hauler filled to the brim with Bleaf Stones and other lesser items of value like Chronoskite and Fossil Plus. The immovable diamonds were left alone except to move them if they were in the way. The Wroughts all but packed up when Bute told Andrena to finish up. She walked her Mech to where Eeone still lay motionless. He seemed to move slightly when Andrena's Crucible came close. He was regaining consciousness. Andrena examined the cave structure. Her mighty Mech then proceeded to demolish the nearby wall. She hit the wall in such a way that only a small portion of the cave collapsed. Fragments of rocky debris avalanched on top of Eeone. Andrena was trying to make it appear as if Eeone was caught in a rock slide. The Wroughtwilers were covering their tracks. By the time anyone, if anyone finds Eeone here, he would have been long dead. It would be seen as a naturally occurring accident caused by unsafe conditions, a lonely miner who didn't heed the warning of having a buddy system to help in the event of such mining hazards. 

When Andrena was certain that the fallen rocks looked unadulterated, she piled her mech back onto the RocknRoll hauler. The Wroughwilers left the cave as suddenly as they arrived. I waited in my hiding place until I was sure the Wroughts were gone. Before long I felt the ground shake. I didn't know what was happening. The sound of metal crashing into rock was heard from outside the mouth of the cavern. I rushed out of my hiding place just in time to see the entrance to the cavern collapsing.

I'm trapped! No way out. I panicked. I could scream and hope the Wroughtwilers come to their senses and to my rescue, but I fear that I will have a better chance of survival in the diamond cave. I race over to where Eeone was buried. This mound of rubble was nowhere near as formidable as the collapsed cave entrance. I dug at a fevered pace. My fingers were going numb as I clawed at the debris. Eventually, I heard coughing. The next hefty sized rock I lift revealed what could only be Eeone's disfigured face. I thought this guy was ugly before, but now his face was further marred by extensive bruising. He let out a whimpering cough as well as some gasps for air. Good, he was conscious, he's ok. I finished uncovering the rest of his body as I asked if he was alright. It took him a moment to regain himself, Then he nodded. I'll be okay.

Frantically, I relayed what had happened. That the Wroughts had sealed us in.

What do we do? How do we get out of here? I asked.

Eeone struggled to look around. His eyes were nearly swollen shut.

My Canary..., He uttered.

We need my Canary.

His shaky hand tried to point in the general direction of his Mech.

But its, I don't think it can...

It's fine, it can handle a hell of a lot worst. Eeone Interrupted.

I jog over to the Canary heap and clear away some debris. Upon closer inspection, I see that despite being riddled with gnarly dents and scrapes, everything appears to be intact. Up close I could see that the Canary is comprised of a combination of various metals. One had to have been Fortifidium, a recently discovered metal that seems pretty typical by itself, but when coupled with other types of metal it can yield impressive results such as nearly invulnerable toughness. Now I see why Eeone puts his trust in this mech. It sure is resilient for an old model. The Canary Mech was on its side. Luckily the cockpit door was exposed. After working my way into the Canary's interior, I take note of a first aid kit, then I immediately head for the controls. Though my time apprenticing with the Wroughtwilers was short, I did learn the basics of operating a RocknRoll. Enough at least to get The Canary back on its feet. I walked this bipedal digging machine over to Eeone, who was already trying to get to his feet. I parked the Canary and got out to assist Eeone into the Mech's cabin, where I hooked him up to the first aid kit. The Cabin was not very spacious but could at most cram three people in it, but with just me and Eeone, it was a comfortable fit. The First Aid kit was automated so I let it decide on the best course of treatment for Eeone's injuries. I took the controls again and powered up the Canary once more. I started to gain an appreciation for this beat up ole RocknRoll. Sure it wasn't as impressive as the Wroughtwiler's Mechs, but what it lacked in pizazz, it made up for in reliability. I've seen my share of mech maintenance that Roda and the other Wroughts vigilantly tended to. Plus there was a simple charm to Eeone's Mech, it had character. 

What do I do now, Eeone? How do I activate the drill? I asked.

Hit the switches on the ceiling to enable the voice command. Then just tell her what you need her to do. Eeone grumbled from the back.

Voice command, huh? All this time I took you for someone who talks to themselves. I thought as I laughed a little inside. Operating the Canary was simple enough, I still couldn't believe it still worked after the beating it took. I guess I really shouldn't judge a book by its cover. I said out loud as I looked at Eeone. The drill activated, and it was pretty damn sturdy. It took some trial and error as well as some help from the mounted laser, but it did the trick. Eventually, the Canary punched a hole through the rock wall that was sealing us in.

OK Eeone, we're through, now let's go report what the Wroughts did to you.

No! We can't! Not now. My Diamonds, the immovables, did they take them?

No, but they did take...

I don't care what else they took, just get the immovable diamonds. Grab the ones with the blue glow.

Diamonds are you sure.

Yes! Get the damn diamonds, otherwise, you might as well leave me here.

I stop questioning him and do as he asked.

I use the Canary to load up three of the large immovables; The RocknRoll rattled under the strain of lifting each pumpkin sized Jewel. I even pack in a few more pebble-sized immovables. I felt we were risking overloading the Canary if it did suffer any underlining damage. I only got these diamonds because Eeone wouldn't let us leave without them. With the Canary loaded and Eeone's vitals stable, we begin making our way back to the living quarters. 

Holo-pad Journal Entry 10 

Think-Type initiated.    

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The trip back was tense. I was in that cave longer than I expected, close to 72 hours. I was in a heap of trouble for deserting my duties at QSM. I would have incurred serious demerits for a triple no call, no show. I was looking at deductions of earnings if not being fired and losing everything. What should I do next? I couldn't go back to my living quarters. The Wroughtwilers would have been looking for the only other person who knew about Eeone's secret cave. I suggested that we go to the authorities, but Eeone kept saying it was urgent that we get the immovables to his home world. He was right, we couldn't trust anybody. The Wrought's had friends in high places. Besides, who would believe a drug pusher over the highly acclaimed Wroughtwilers? Fleeing the dig site with an independent contractor seemed like my best option. Eeone wanted to leave Copia immediately, he didn't want to risk losing all he's worked for. I, of course, had already forfeited my share of earnings to QSM when I deserted my post. QSM wouldn't tolerate me missing work to go exploring another dig site. I escaped the cave only to be trapped by indecision. I couldn't see a way out. Not until I turned to look at Eeone lying in the back cab, his face badly swollen. He truly was a pathetic sight. But seeing him made everything clear. Seeing what the Wroughtwilers were capable of. Who the Wroughts really are. They would kill me once they find out I helped Eeone make it out of the cave. They would kill me if I stood in the way of their fortune. I think they would even kill me over petty change if they could. That's the thing about greed no amount is ever enough. That was it, I knew what I had to do. I saved Eeone; I pulled him out of that cave, I might as well see this through to the end. I'm going to get him to his home world with all of his finds. On the way to the surface of Copia, we even discussed an arrangement for me helping him. If I see him to his homeworld, then he will give me a cut of his earnings which is mostly slag, but if I play my cards right at the right computer part shops, I may be able to at least break even for my losses at Quartermaine. Maybe I can try this Space mining thing again someday on another dig world. Preferably one light years away from where the Wroughtwilers would ever think to look.

When we got to Copia's surface, a surge of paranoia came over me. We were about to leave this rock, but if the Wroughtwilers were keeping an eye out, it could mean trouble. I was suspicious of everyone as we went through customs. Because Eeone was an independent miner, we were able to leave when we wanted. I, on the other hand, was burning my bridges with QSM, but who needs them. They provided me with transport out here to Copia, but now after the recent events, it was best that I hitched a ride with Eeone. It's funny how things end up. I actually planned to leave QSM someday, when I was employed by the Wroughtwilers. But instead, I'm unemployed and stowing away with the local outcast.

I thought fleeing Copia was going to be difficult, but the only close call we had was when the custom's agent asked if Eeone was alright. I told him he had a minor accident, and the agent laughed at the pun and didn't give us any trouble. It was eating me up inside that the Wroughtwilers were going to get away with theft and attempted murder, but at least Eeone and I were alive to tell the tale. After passing customs, we were set. We ran some quick diagnostic checks on Eeone's Rocknroll, then we were off. The Canary took flight, its rockets had enough boost to get us up into space. The Canary's low orbit capabilities got us outside of the asteroid's gravity. Once in orbit, we ascended to the nearest RocknRoll shuttle ship, a ship that independent contractors used to ferry in their heavy equipment if they don't have an inter-dimensional ship of their own. We docked and prepared for the ship to take us away from this world of dashed dreams. Iit was bittersweet in what I was losing. I left my job, both jobs actually. My stash of narcotics was back at the pad unless the Wroughtwilers got a hold of it by now. I left the promise of fame and fortune, and I even left behind what I thought to be a budding friendship and promising future with would be associates. But C'est la vie. I made it out of that avarice pit with my Holo-pad and my life, be it a new look on life but my life none the less. Another conciliation is that what I lost in powerful allies, I gained in one true friend who, despite his unpleasantries, seems pretty damn genuine to me. Goodbye, Copia. And good riddance.

Holo-pad Journal Entry 11 

Think-Type initiated.    

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The trip to Eeone's home world was a long one. It was a good chance for me to get to know the guy. I thought that once I got to know him better, he wouldn't seem so strange, but I couldn't be more wrong. Journeying several light years across the cosmos with him just revealed a whole new side to his weirdness, even though it took him most of the trip before he warmed up to me enough to open up and say more than a few words at a time to.

He told me about his home world, a small planet named Gyooga. It was a desert world. He told me how he was an outcast there as well. The people on Gyooga ignored Eeone; they saw him as some derelict weirdo living under a rock like a troll shunned by society. The people of Gyooga had technology in abundance, but it might as well have been junk. The desert dwellers were skilled at trading for more techno-junk, but hardly anyone wanted to learn to create new technology. No one was an innovator that could advance their society. The people became enslaved to their machines in such a way that it made them seem primitive compared to the rest of the neighboring worlds. Their dependence on outdated tech and the fuel needed to run them was sapping the planet dry of its natural resources. Drought, famine, and depletion of fossil fuels had Gyooga in a death grip.

Techno junk hoarding became more important to the people of that world than taking care of others or of the planet itself. When Gyooga began to die, choked by poverty, overpopulation, and greenhouse gasses, nobody wanted to believe it was caused by the over dependency and lack of moderation in the use of such technologies, or nobody cared. Those who found living on Gyooga intolerable left the planet if they could. Those who couldn't leave over indulged in techno distractions to make the unbearable bearable. Eeone's suggestions for saving the doomed planet were unfavored by the vast majority and his lack of techno junk adornments branded Eeone as antisocial and reprobate to the populous, His scientific theories are seen as witchcraft or pointless nonsense. It was Eeone, who banished himself from the planet Gyooga. He couldn't tolerate living in a world where others cannot see past immediate gratification to a better future.

Now I think the very oddness that makes people detest Eeone is what makes him so intriguing. When I first saw Eeone I would have described him as homely and disheveled, I thought he was hideous. But now I see him in a whole new light. No body-mods or prosthetic enhancements give him a wholesome quality. Maybe he would have been considered normal looking by ancient standards. I gained a further understanding of why he is the way he is once I got to where he lives.

When we arrived in orbit around his home world, things really got bizarre. We never set foot on Gyooga. From the transport, we used the Canary to find a small asteroid that orbited around Gyooga. It was perplexing to think anyone could live on a slab of space rock such as this, cut off from contact with its parent planet. The canary rattled as it descended onto the rocky satellite. An airlock opened up and received the Canary. We connected to the docking bay. Eeone led me off the mech and into his home. It had the appearance of an underground mad scientist's lair. Eeone's abode was as much an enigma as he was. Eeone didn't even offer to show me around, he just went right to work, carefully offloading the immovable diamonds to a transport cart which he proceeded to take to one of the many workstations. He was moving remarkably well for someone who suffered such an ass whooping as he did. He didn't even seem to mind or even care that I was in his home invading his personal space. Eeone was a hoarder of lab equipment. I always thought scientific environments were clean, sterile, but Eeone's lab was grungy, dusty. The whole vibe had an earthy sense to it. The experiments being conducted in this place were indeed bizarre. Grotesque odors and unsightly grime permeated every inch of Eeone's working and living spaces. At first glance, one would think Eeone is nothing more than a pack rat, a slob but often accompanying his pig sty of lab equipment was detailed notes, equations and elaborate descriptions of his studies. For instance, the dirt and grime everywhere were actually acting to bulk up Eeone's immune system. Eeone had found a way to fortify his gut microbes to thrive in any environment. This must be why he was healing so fast or why he doesn't get sick regardless of what he ate. Even his disgusting choice of food was actually an efficient source of sustenance. He farmed GMO insects along with fungi and algae that he was able to mix into an all-encompassing shake that fulfills all of Eeone's nutritional needs. The science he's doing here could have a profound impact on habitation everywhere. Unfortunately, some of his science may be hard to swallow by the general public.

There was a reservoir that smelled of sweet mountain spring water at one end and reeked of sweat and shit at the other. This was Eeone's drinking water/bathroom and a waste recycling plant all rolled into one. A homemade water filtration plant that came complete with portable canteens that also utilized this sophisticated water purification tech. If one could look past the nauseating idea of drinking and bathing in what was once excrement, one would appreciate the genius of such a habitat. I was thoroughly amazed. This whole rock heap was a self-sustaining ecosystem.

When I was finished perusing Eeone's other experiments, I turned my attention back to what he was doing with the diamonds. I ventured into the work area Eeone was currently occupying. What was with his obsession with diamonds? I still couldn't figure that part out, especially impossibly heavy diamonds with a faint blue glow. He was using some kind of hyper microscope to gaze deep within one of the diamonds. He had another smaller shining azure diamond running through a gravity chamber which was essentially a centrifuge on steroids. For hours, a high-powered laser was concentrating on a single point on one of these pebble sized gemstones. I was baffled by this experiment and Eeone was far too busy to fill me in. So I patiently sat there watching the jewel floating and sparkling in the gravity vortex.

Eventually, I heard a subtle cracking noise, the sound ice makes when it is plunged into warm water, then the diamond sprung a leak. The point of the focused laser had a stream of water spouting out continuously, until suddenly, the carbon structure exploded. Instead of an eruption of fire, the lab was filled with a burst of water in both liquid and vapor form. Eeone and I suffered minor injuries from ice and carbon shards, but the more surprising thing was how much liquid water gushed out of the pebble-sized gem. The water filled the room up to our knees. Eeone was grinning from ear to ear. This was a first. I'd never seen a happy Eeone before. He was sloshing around the lab with such excitement that it became infectious.

This is incredible! What just happened? I shouted with the exuberance of a child getting soaked in the summertime.

For once Eeone seemed glad to speak to me about his work.

I was right, my hypothesis was right! Water-bearing diamonds exist.

What diamonds? What are you talking about? Aren't diamonds just compacted carbon?

Right, but wrong! Eeone frantically explained. In this case, the white hole didn't just compact carbon. The compacted carbon was just a containment shell. It also compacted H2O. A lot of H2O. H2O in an extraordinarily dense form of Ice ten.

Ice ten?

Usually, people think of water in its solid state as ice in its frozen form, but gravity can also create ice. The gravity of a white hole is strong enough to pack more H2O into one space than one would normally think possible. By using the gravity extractor and a diamond cutting laser, I was able to release all the compacted water.

Wow, this is so amazing. How much do you think we'll be able to get for such a discovery? I selfishly asked.

Eeone gave me a sour look but then quickly reverted back to his mirthful state as he looked to the larger immovable diamonds.

Holo-pad Journal Entry 12 

Think-Type initiated.    

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It was a noble plan. Eeone sought to jettison the immovables to the waterless surface of Gyooga. He targeted dried lake beds and deserts near major cities. After he confirmed the Ice ten composition of the other immovables. The larger gemstones were predicted to hold an even more outstanding amount of h2o. Once this was confirmed, it was time for us to part ways. It was astonishing how motivated this guy was. It was as if rest wasn't an option once he set out to do a specific task. And his task now was to bring the life nourishing gift of water to his home planet.

To my surprise, Eeone left me with a large sum of cash. He has already apparently made what could be considered by some a space miner's fortune. He found a large quarry of Absorbsian crystals a while back. He claimed this find was more than enough to keep his scientific inquiries going indefinitely for some time. Material gains were not of utmost importance to Eeone. It was merely a means to an end in fulfilling his scientific interests. He gave me more than enough to go wherever I wanted in the galaxy. He was giving me a fresh start. I was hesitant to take it, but we both knew that after that whole ugly business with the Wroughtwilers, I didn't have any other choice but to take up his token of gratitude. It was his way of thanking me, which he couldn't seem to do verbally. I was much obliged to accept it.

We rode the Canary back to the rim of Gyooga's orbit, where I got on board a galactic transporter. Eeone, without so much as a goodbye, turned to board his Canary. He stopped for a split second as if he was going to say something but decided against it. He boarded his RocknRoll and flew off towards Gyooga. I like to think that the slight hesitation was Eeone realizing he was leaving what I doubt he's ever had before. A true friend. But then again, that thought could just be me projecting my emotions onto him. On board the transport, I attentively watched as the Canary sailed off around the dying planet. It became a golden glimmer in the dark of space. I wondered if our paths will ever cross again someday? I all but lost sight of his ship when I noticed tiny meteors falling through Gyooga's atmosphere. These had to be the immovable diamonds hurling downwards, to strike the planet like a gift from the heavens. The visible clouds expanded swiftly. White mist obscured the falling stars, but I can imagine that the impacts were glorious. An explosion of torrential waves and steam covering a large portion of dry land with liquid water.

I felt joy for this once dying world but also a bit of sadness for its savior whose deeds go unrecognized. Would they hate Eeone for what he's done or would they even believe this was the work of science. Maybe they would chalk it up to some divine miracle? This was the scientific discovery of a lifetime. Possibly the biggest discovery ever. I smiled as I thought of Eeone living out the rest of his days in solitude on his secluded floating fortress. No recognition, No accolades, No praise from his people, Then I thought to myself, Eeone wouldn't have it any other way.

As my transport flew away from the hydrating world, I tuned into the galactic news broadcast. The reporter was talking about a tremendous discovery made by the acclaimed Wroughtwilers. Bute, Andrena, Roda, and Fuge found rare dark matter minerals known as Bleaf stones in the Copia sector. This colossal haul made the Wroughtwilers the most wealthy space miners in history. That was the last thing I heard as I rammed my finger into the off switch. What a bunch of crooks. They stole that find and they damn well don't deserve any praise for it. I wouldn't be surprised if that wasn't their first time taking a claim that didn't belong to them. Damn them! What they found was just a minor discovery compared to what Eeone has found for the sake of his home planet. The blue immovable diamonds could save many worlds from drought. It could revolutionize space travel, it could even help terraform uninhabitable worlds. Why do the Wroughtwilers get rewarded for criminal acts while Eeone's deeds go unnoticed? The Wroughtwilers might have gotten fame and fortune, but what Eeone discovered saved the lives of billions. It is a shame that real heroes seldom get the recognition they deserve. I don't know when or if the blue immovables will ever be rediscovered, but if they are, I really hope that they would be named after its true founder. He deserves to be associated with the discovery. If it were up to me, I would christen the water-bearing gemstones the Eeonious Diamonds.

Alas, I am signing off. This will be my last entry as Jesse Peete. This persona dies today so that Eeone and I can possibly have justice for the crimes committed to us. I will now send my story to the proper authorities and hope that these Journal entries get to the right hands, to someone, anyone. Just as long as they are not affiliated with the Wroughtwilers, even if justice for Eeone and me are not in the cards, Other people should know Eeone's story, should know of the man with unmatched altruism, whose selflessness saved an entire world. Eeone may not be liked by many, he may not even be a very good person. Regardless of what anybody thinks of him, he is a hero. A rightful diamond in the rough. I am certain that I'll never find another like him in the entire universe.

The Next time I record my thoughts on a holo-pad, it will be under a different identity, in a different galaxy, starting a new life, a new profession. Perhaps someday I'll get back into space mining, perhaps not. Who knows, maybe I can make a decent living doing something other than mining, I hear weta farming is a good way to feed the colonies. I don't think that field pays well, but growing a sustainable food source is an honorable thing, a way I can benefit others and not just myself. Thank you for teaching me that Eeone.

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End.