by Simon Coates
Spaceship test - Gilbern Golden Dragon
With this ship being the most expensive on the market, this test was to see what this mean machine was all about. John Messier, Formula X Galactic Champion in 2283 and 2284 was given the keys to this dream machine, so let's see what he thought of it…
"OK, it isn’t easy to ignore the fact that, at 1½ million credits, this is not exactly your everyday transport. But when you see the spec sheet you will notice the numbers that cannot fail to raise the eyebrows of someone used to more mundane machinery – how about the 1,600 THz power rating – with cruising speed of 300,000mph? But seeing this machine as simply a high speed device is displaying naivety at its highest. People buy Gilberns for one reason, the whole reason why Steven and Margaret Gilbern decided to go into this field of manufacture – to offer simply the best space cruising experience possible, regardless of cost. So, we can finally experience what a small number of wealthy individuals have been used to since 2275, when the first Gilbern became available, the Eclipse. The machine on test here is only the third ship introduced by Gilbern, as they don't replace their machines that often, preferring to only introduce a new model when they can offer significant improvements from the previous spaceship. A big ask when they are already built to the highest standards in the first place.
Firstly, the look of the thing. It is the most stunningly beautiful spaceship I have ever seen, and absolutely massive, at 60 meters long. As its name suggests, it is mostly a golden hue on the metal cladding. I am almost apologetic touching it and marking its perfect body panels with my fingerprints. The shell makes use of new developments in metal sheeting – a material which Gilbern manufacture themselves, which offers improved soundproofing called ‘Cerandion’, that also integrates the solar power units.
Moving to the lower section of the ship, we have the solar power unit. I cannot believe how big it is. Gilberns have always had big engines, but this is taking it to the next level. Gilbern build big engines to allow a large capacity, and then tune them down for least stress, so they have better cruising ability. Also, a physically large engine will make less noise, all important aspects for luxury travel. As opposite to a Formula X powerplant as you can get. Amazing to think it can pull this beast along at close to 1/3rd million miles per hour! The main turbine units are polished to an impeccable finish – details that will simply delight a new owner, proving the lengths Gilbern go to in their attention to detail. The level of soundproofing employed is incredible as well. Thinking back to the list price, I’m beginning to think it’s almost cheap!! Either that or I’m becoming a convert…
Getting in, I am instantly hit with a wonderful smell of leather. You go straight into the sitting quarters, which is as you’d expect – full pile carpet and top quality upholstery. It looks like a living room that very wealthy people live in – which, in view of who will buy such a ship, is exactly correct. When Gilbern design their interiors, they try and create an atmosphere for the occupants like they are at home and it certainly works here. A very luxurious pad indeed. You could almost do away with your house and live in one of these.
I decide to take the ship for a test run, from its base in Florida to one of the Moon bases. Most owners will of course allow the autopilot to take them there – but I decide to take control. A tough job, I’m sure you’ll agree, but someone's got to do it…
Initialising the engine I think there is a fault – there is absolutely no noise at all. However, the display in front of me indicates we are ready to go. I engage the thrusters, and can hardly believe my ears as we appear to move with a barely perceptible hum from the solar cells. Soon, I am in Earth orbit and with barely a twitch the ship launches towards our natural satellite. The autopilot takes over, and soon we are cruising at 200,000mph. The engine is barely audible at all. Landing on the Moon is completely without drama. Cruising back to the Earth I decide to try out the various systems on board. The music system uses state of the art surround sound. I am also assured the ship has the latest in satellite technology to allow the owner to engage in business dealings while on the move. I am not going to argue with this. Landing back on Earth is faultless.
In conclusion, this is by far the best spaceship I have ever been in. The attention to detail is staggering, the craftsmanship on show is amazing. The quality of fittings and the general flying experience is beyond anything on the market today. It is not surprising that Gilberns are so sought after by people with sufficient wealth to buy one.
Overall – A magnificent ship. I thought the Palatia-Sonnar H6000 was the reference for business cruisers but the Golden Dragon is really in a different league.
Pros – Beautiful design, virtually silent engine, magnificent opulence, etc, need I go on??
Cons – Err…"
Significant People in History
Abramov, Sergy (Earthite, male) – astronaut, first human on Mars
Born 15th March 2009, died 12th November 2056
Uttering the immortal words, “Well, it’s red, dusty, barren, but one day might just be called home," while stepping onto the surface of Mars, Sergy Abramov was the first human ever to set foot on another planet other than Earth on 5th October 2037.