I've encountered a bug in the Hornblower mission after you first save him. He tells you to buy an 8LY field drive and meet him outside the trade station in Lynch`at.

When I arrive there, there is nothing but a trade station, the warp gate, and a research station I think. No Hornblower, no other traffic either. I landed at the trade station and went back out, and it was the same.

Anyone else encounter this bug, and know how to resolve it?

You need to buy the 8 LY field drive before. I find mine in the Lyn'ore system (seem to need tech >= 7 systems).
It's an old post, but it can help somebody else.