This random event occurs in:
- Civilian Sector
- Engi Controlled Sector
- Engi Homeworlds
- Zoltan Controlled Sector
- Zoltan Homeworlds
- Pirate Controlled Sector
- Rebel Controlled Sector
- Rebel Stronghold
- Mantis Controlled Sector
- Mantis Homeworlds
- Rock Controlled Sector
- Rock Homeworlds
- Uncharted Nebula
- Slug Controlled Nebula
- Slug Home Nebula
- Hidden Crystal Worlds
Can also occur at an exit beacon.
The intro text for this event varies, and could be any of the following:
- When you ask a nearby station for aid, a friendly programmer gives you the schematics for a drone!
- An abandoned space station circles a lonely planet. A quick check yields schematics for a drone. You bring it aboard the ship.
- Federation sympathizers contact you as you arrive. "We know your mission should be secret, so don't ask how we know about it. Take this schematic, it's all we can do to help."
- A small Engi research vessel is trying to fend off a Mantis ship. You move in to engage, but after a quick scan of your ship the Mantis ship retreats. The Engi offer you a drone schematic as thanks for your timely arrival.
- You find an abandoned mining station on a nearby moon. A quick scan shows no life forms; however, you discover a usable drone schematic!
- You receive a wide-band message, "Free schematic samples! Be sure to visit our new military-grade drone store opening in sector XR1-45!"
- You receive a low amount of scrap and a drone.
Trivia
This event is called "FIND_DRONE" in the datafiles.