I've a few ideas regarding this:

a.) Aetherbubble Transport NPCs
-much like a coaching service from one aetherbubble to another

b.) Aethership rental services/aethercrew hiring
-players can rent aetherships from denizens and can hire npcs to serve as empaths/combateers/commander
-players have to pay for rented ships and hired npcs based on the length of time the ship was rented/npcs were hired, counted per number of days
-a system would be made to ensure that players can pay what they rent, example:
*INQUIRE SHIP RENTING
-this gives the player the maximum number of days a ship can be rented based on the gold they have in hand
*INQUIRE HIRING
-this gives the player the maximum number of days individual denizens can be hired based on the gold they have in hand
*RENT AETHERSHIP FOR DAYS
*HIRE FOR DAYS

Discuss, please!

Absolutely on a). I've wanted this from the start.

Then make bubbles larger, because there sure isn't enough room on Xion (or any other bubble) for public transports to it.

Or more bubbles.

I love the idea of being able to hire NPC crew members. Or. make them artifact crew. That way I could get more use out of my ships.

Trans combateer miniatures...so tempting. Just more toys to add to Zynna's collection

I have a feeling that coding an NPC crew would be extremely difficult, unless you want them to be basic to the point of barely being able to fend for themselves. I would love to see some kind of transport service, as long as it's not too convenient. Could charge a city/commune an amount of power to fuel their shuttle(s), or gold which they pay to gnome pilots, or could do it via a construct. Also, have them move along their routes rather slowly.

I'd rather just see player-driven aetherspace made a more viable option.

Oh man, transport NPCs. Do want.

On the top of Aethertravel: Escorts

NPC ship that travels along a path, while a player ship is set out along with it to guard it from aetherbeasts and creatures as it travels along. Alternatively, have a gnome pilot the ship, while players either empath or combat for the ship as it makes it way through its rounds. Also Piracy, have mini merchants ships that you can ram to steal their cargo! Once inside, Mobs will attack trying to keep you from their lucky charms holds. Also the escort could be to protect these ships from other players, who would be trying to steal their marshmallows cargo.

You mean I could recreate the Star Trek crew?

You could with manse dwellers already. They just couldn't actually do anything >_>