Took my first trip into the void a few weeks ago. To some CMDRs 1500 lightyears is next to nothing, but having never left civilized space it was quite an experience. I got my first twinge of what so many explorers refer to as space madness, though non so terrible as all that, and 500 lightyears from the bubble I managed to stumble across some company, a lost explorer who was glad even to see a friendly face.After I unthawed him from his God-knows-how-long deep space slumber and providing refreshments (freeze dried mystery meat and a couple water pouches) I introduced myself. Claudius was his name, couldn't have been more than 18 years old but with an impressive history of piloting for someone so young. He spent some time running short cargo missions until he saved up enough to A rate his FSD in the little Adder that served him well for the last two years. Claudius couldn't really recall all the details of the accident that led up to his aimless drift through empty space, but falling asleep at the wheel and a critical overload of his powerplant were certainly factors. Claudius told me he didn't think he would see another human again and it was by blind luck (or the care of the Galactic Watcher) that I stumbled upon him. After reassuring him I wasn't a slaver the young man was happy to accompany me on my journey out to Barnard's loop, if not also a little nervous to go deeper into unoccupied space; I think my offer of a warm bunk after his stint in cold space was welcoming enough, especially since he didn't have many options. Besides, like I said, I welcomed the company.We took our first rest after two days of travel. Knowing that many explorers had plotted the same course I now followed took some of the adventure out of the excursion, Barnard's loop being a popular destination for explorers and tourists alike, but being out on your own, nothing to protect you save your wits, hull, and AFMU is invigorating, and the sights only got better the closer we drew to our destination.A trinary star system was the first thing to really take away the breath of both Claudius and I.And an earth-like this far outside of the bubble was something I suppose neither of us expected to find.Nebulas always looked so beautiful in the night sky growing up, and the closer we got the more amazed I was.The view from inside was even more incredibleAfter exploring the nebula for some time, the long journey home began. I suppose I wish there was more I could tell you about this experience, but you really had to be there. Needless to say it waslonelystrangeand incredibleand it won't be the last time I journey out into the unknown.Oh, and I dropped off Claudius at a little planetary base in my home system and left him with a little donation of credits to get him back into an Adder again. I am by no means a wealthy pilot, but I know a good man when I see one and the sky could use more pilots like him.http://imgur.com/gallery/qOvAlThe rest of the album.