Flying missions in NY is ok, but easy and boring. Here is how I start a (pirate) character. Keep in mind being a pirate can be more difficult, but also rewarding
...............possible spoiler alert...................
...There are storage depots in Manhattan and Ft. Bush, select your 'loot' scanner menu to find them easily... then blow one up! Kill a few incoming cops if you can, otherwise grab the goodies and dock with a trade lane. Docking at any station will reset enemies to nuetral, then go to Newark and sell your goods. Repeat until cops are neutral. Rogues, Junkers, and Xenos will be neutral too.
...Goto Buffalo (rogue) base and buy the Dagger.. best ship available in NY, and decent cargo room. Get decent weapons as soon as you can. I usually mount xeno scorpions, or rogue laser guns. Match velocity on your guns for accuracy.
...Then go to a jumpgate and scan transports for cargo. When you find a good one (not food, water, or oxygen) fly in close underneath and shoot the cargo pod until it pops off.. Don't kill the freighter or escorts. Grab the loot and sell. Kill a few incoming Navy ships. Repeat until Navy is neutral with you.
Congrats! You are now neutral with everyone, except perhaps the Rhineland criminals - so look out there. Now you can fly missions for criminals, which pay better than good guys. You can also do trade runs anywhere you want (cept maybe rhineland) without worrying about getting raided.
Also there are a few really nice places to raid Transports, and I recommend using a Dromedary for doing so. 275 tons of pure profit will get you rich pretty fast. Any area near a Freeport is a good pirate spot, though I will say some are better than others.
Any ship marked 'Raider' you see will help you on your pirate career, don't be afraid to ask.
Edited by - leadpill on 15-07-2003 02:58:47