Memo Number 1, 8th September 2467.
Analog radios picked up a new signal on the bridge, today. The signal was much more clearer than the previous one that we've been listening on since we jumped out of sawal. I won't bore you with the specifics, but it sounds like someone has set up a spacedock and a properly-functioning Space Traffic Control (STC) system somewhere in the lane. With rather efficient systems for emergency dockings and somesuch. But they're also pretty focused on filtering out ships not on a 'white list' and shaking down payments from said ships. Leaked transmission from ships on this net has also complained about 'toads' setting up *some* sort of electronic interference in one of the Xar'Qui systems. And that they have at least hit *one* of those Orion Express mobile stations, out here.
In conclusion:
1. In case we haven't noticed yet, the pirates out here seems to be extremely well-organised. By pirate standards, at least.
2. Although it's most likely that the STC transmissions are coming from the battlestation at Sawal. It could be possible that the radio traffic is coming from some other orbital or installation, out here.
2.1 do not expect them to be friendly in the latter case. Transmissions have also pointed out a tendency for them *board and loot* any ship not on their whitelist.
3. During a series of transmission pertaining to an emergency docking from a whitelisted 'indie. The traffic controller kept referring to someone named 'Melv' or 'Melvin'. This could be an important figurehead to pirate operations, out in this lane. Whoever they may be.
4. This is my opinion, but we should be staying well clear of the Xar-Qui systems if at all possible. At best, it's just a bunch of smugglers trying to cover their tracks and get by. At worst, we have another group of pirates trying to set up shop there.
attached: memo1warpmapNTPAINT.png
Memo sourced from user JASON NIX via SCC Horizon IRC board 'Warp/Bluespace jump planning'.