The Derelict PCH is a derelict PCH ship found adrift in a random encounter. There are two different types.
Background[]
Radiation shielding failure[]
One Derelict PCH was a cargo ship under the command of Captain J. A. Devi that had embarked on what was planned to be a routine 29-day delivery voyage. After two crewmembers fell ill partway through the journey, it was determined that the cause was not a viral infection as initially suspected, but acute radiation poisoning, and this led to the discovery that the ship's radiation shielding had been compromised. The crew opted to continue the trip despite the danger this posed and Captain Devi's own reservations.
Later, the ship was hit by a cosmic particle burst, and due to the gaps in the radiation shielding, the entire crew received a lethal dose of radiation. Realizing they were all beyond saving, Captain Devi decided against issuing a distress signal because he felt there was no point, there was nothing any responders could do to save them. Some crewmembers chose to end their lives before the symptoms of radiation sickness set in, while the rest allowed themselves to succumb.
The Spacefarer can board and loot the Derelict PCH. There are no hostiles, but radiation hazard zones are scattered throughout the ship. While the radiation cannot be avoided entirely, there are multiple areas that are radiation-free where the Spacefarer can rest to allow their spacesuit's protection to recover. Captain Devi's body and computer logs can be found in the cockpit. Devi's body holds the key necessary to unlock the ship's armory.
Bad smuggling job[]
A second Derelict PCH can be found containing the bodies of its crew and numerous large, aggressive maggots. From the records on board you can find out that the ship was engaged in smuggling. After an unsuccessful voyage in which the crew had to jettison their cargo when authorities were approaching to scan the ship for contraband, the captain and crew experienced financial difficulties, and had to agree to take work from an unfamiliar client. This customer wanted to transport a load of several large boxes from Moloch I to Vectera. It appears the cargo was a load of eggs containing the maggots, and when the maggots hatched and spread throughout the ship, they killed the crew.