Comet Mission 02: "Friend or Foe?"

Stardate 20602.07

Commodore Tam Otlan, USS Comet, recording. The USS Comet, on her first official voyage, was sent as part of a Task Force, consisting of the Comet and the USS Gettysburg, commanded by my old friend Captain Darsyn Syntranos, to the Ecurai system. The Ecurai system is on the edge of Romulan Space bordering the Neutral Zone. This system is under control of a group of Romulan Reformists who wish to become allies with the UFP and are working towards possible reunification with their Vulcan brethren. Star Fleet sent us there to determine if these Reformists were genuine, or simply a new scheme by the Romulan Star Empire.

Our ships were greeted near the Ecurai system by Romulan warships, there to presumably stop us from reaching the Reformists system. With the aide of Reformists warships, sent to escort us to their home system, we drove the Romulan ships off with little damage to either the Comet or the Gettysburg.

Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly by the Reformists and invited to transport down to their main planet and look around. Both crews sent detachments to the planet and we spent several days amongst the people living in the newly colonized system. Unfortunately, their peaceful planet had been infiltrated by loyalists to the Star Empire and the ruling Council, along with my CMO Cdr Ysiadina Lanael, were kidnapped. The Council had been kidnapped for obvious reasons, while Cdr Lanael was taken in hopes of curing these Romulans of the sickness that comes with using a folded space transporter. Technology that has been banned by the Federation for years due to its lethal effects on the user.

Teams were sent into the sewers of Ecurai, being such that they could not be scanned by traditional means. The teams quickly located not only Cdr Lanael and the Council, but bases of operations for the Romulan loyalists. Many were captured and returned to the local authorities, while others were killed during the struggle. Overall the teams managed to return without any life-threatening injuries and all the missing parties were returned.

The mission was a success in my opinion and I am recommending the Ecurai Reformists be given protectorate status with the UFP.

Captain's Logs

Cmdr Tam Otlan

Stardate 20502.28

Stardate 20502.28

The Comet is launching on its maiden voyage and I am pleased to report that most of the Titan's crew has opted to remain under my command. The Officers that decided to remain with the Titan, now under command of Captain Joseph Daher, will no doubt continue to serve the Titan and her new CO well.

The Comet, along with the USS Gettysburg, under command of my old friend Captain Darsyn Syntranos, have been ordered to a remote border world in Romulan space. Apparently this system is under the control of Romulan Reformists who wish to change the direction of the Romulan Star Empire. The traditional Romulans are of course opposed to this, which is why the Reformists are attempting to seek Federation support and aide.

The Comet and Gettysburg are to investigate and determine if these Reformists are genuine about their goals. While I have had considerable experience in fighting with Romulans, I also know that they can be honorable and trustworthy. I must admit to curiosity about how my First Officer, Commander Vaebn Tei, will react to this mission as he himself is half Romulan.

It's my hope that this mission will prove to be a positive one and that these Reformists are on the up and up. I guess we will see.

End Log.

Stardate 20504.17

Stardate 20504.17

We are currently en route to the Romulan Neutral Zone to investigate group of Reformists who are looking for Federation Protectorate status. Naturally I have my reservations and having spoken briefly with Captain Syntranos, I know he has them as well.

I will be calling a meeting with the senior staff of both ships to discuss the mission and outline what we will be doing and with any luck, we will find out that their actions are honorable.

If we find ourselves in a trap, I hope that the Comet and Gettysburg will have the firepower to get away safely. I have no intention of allowing a repeat of my final mission as CO of the USS Titan.

End Log.

Stardate 20504.26

Stardate 20504.26

I received a communiqué from Cmdr Cypher of Starbase Bravo about our rendezvous with the Romulan Reformists. Apparently they have their own navy and are dispatching ships to meet the Gettysburg and Comet at the section of the Neutral Zone they control.

I was warned that we will have to be careful that the ships we meet are the real thing since the Empire seems less than pleased about the Reformists actions. With any luck we will not have to fight our way into Romulan Space. Fighting our way out would be bad enough.

End Log.

Stardate 20505.22

Stardate 20505.22 Captain's Log Stardate 20505.22

With the senior staff of the Comet and Gettysburg in the Observation Lounge, I was able to bring the meeting to a start. I had anticipated resistance and suspicion when outlining the mission to go into Romulan space for the purpose of a peace initiative with supposed Romulan Reformists, but I hadn't expected there to be complete disbelief on the part of some of the crew.

My own prejudices aside, I can certainly understand why these Officers would be uncertain considering many of them served during the last Romulan war which was brutal and bloody on both fronts.

Should these Reformists show any duplicity while we're visiting, it may permanently shatter any hope of peace between our governments.

End Log.

Stardate 20506.13

Stardate 20506.13

The meeting with the senior staff of the Gettysburg and the Comet went about as well as I could have hoped. We're sailing into a situation that will either mark a new era for peace in the galaxy, or a possible war the Federation doesn't need and can't afford. Only time will tell which it is.

I also took a moment after the meeting had wrapped to promote White and Anduval to Lieutenant Commander and Tei to Captain. Yssy is officially the ship's Second Officer, though she obviously wasn't happy about it, but for the moment she is the best choice for the job.

Once we're past the buoy that has been the topic for conversation in the Observation Lounge, I plan on pouring on the speed and getting to the rendezvous. I'm anxious to meet these Reformists.

End Log.

Stardate 20506.24

Stardate 20506.24

We had no sooner finished the meeting when the Red Alert klaxon sounded and four Romulan warships decloaked surrounding the Gettysburg and Comet. We attempted to hail them to see what their intentions were when they opened fire.

I have ordered the fighters ready for launch and returned fire. So far we have not gotten any response other than aggression and I hope that these ships represent the Star Empire and not the Reformist movement that we were sent to meet.

In any event we are now fighting for our lives and the Gettysburg's CO is stuck here on the Comet instead of being able to direct the battle from his own ship. I know if I were Darsyn, I would be rather peeved at such a position.

End Log.

Stardate 20507.08

Stardate 20507.08

The Comet and Gettysburg were spared possible destruction by the arrival of Reformist warships that were able to wipe out the Empire ships with little trouble.

We have begun repairs of both vessels and hope to be underway quickly. I for one am anxious to get to the Reformists home system so we can meet with their leaders and determine what they expect from the Federation and whether or not they can be trusted.

Though this mission has had a rocky start, I am still hopeful that we can see a peaceful end to this meeting.

End Log.

Stardate 20507.16

Stardate 20507.16

Commander R'Merex of the Midnight Bird has invited Captain Syntranos and myself to his ship for a 'drink'. While I'm not quite ready to roll out the welcome mat to the Reformists, I am hopeful that this is a small step closer to our governments becoming allies. If Darsyn and I can behave ourselves and our guest doesn't murder us and hang our skins on his wall as a trophy as soon as we beam over, I am confident that we will be able to open a dialogue with the ruling party of the Reformist government.

End Log.

Stardate 20508.13

Stardate 20508.13

After an extensive and rather informative tour of the Reformist vessel, Captain Syntranos and I were treated to food and drinks from Commander R'Merex in what appears to be his version of a Ready Room.

Everything seemed to be moving in a pleasant direction until Darsyn started showing signs of what I can only assume was an allergic reaction to the Romulan food or drink he had ingested. I'm hopeful that this was an accident and not a deliberate act on the part of our host, but I still can't help the feeling of distrust that comes automatically when dealing with Romulans.

War makes everything seem suspect.

End Log.

Stardate 20508.20

Stardate 20508.20

It seems that the reaction Darsyn had to the Romulan food was little more than nerves, then again, his hair changed color which I don't think hives will do to a human under normal circumstances. Good thing I'm not a doctor.

The rest of our journey to the Reformist system passed without incident and before long we were being greeted by a rather impressive fleet which I assume will lead us to the home planet of the Reformist Council. We have been invited by the Council to come down for shore leave, which will give the two crews a chance to look around and see if there is anything suspicious about the Reformist government. With any luck, we won't have to throw anyone out an airlock for starting a war with the Romulans.

I can hope anyway.

End Log.

Stardate 20509.04

Stardate 20509.04

Everything to this point has gone as planned, with the exception of the brief fight with the Star Empire, and we're preparing to transport to the planet. With the open invite from the council, I have spoken to the Department Heads and they will soon gather their teams and begin to look around Ecurai. My hopes are to learn as much as we can about the Romulan culture and in the end offer a recommendation to the Federation that we continue the peace talks between the UFP and the Reformist government.

Now we just have to keep out of trouble for the rest of the mission.

End Log.

Stardate 20509.25

Stardate 20509.25

Darsyn and I have met with the ruling Council of Ecurai and so far everything seems to be going well. I have witnessed no signs of treachery or even minor contempt from these people which is...odd when dealing with Romulans. It has been my past experience that Romulans are an arrogant race, much like many sentient, space-faring beings tend to be, but these Reformists have been nothing but pleasant and generous. I can only hope that it holds out.

In the meantime, Darsyn and I will take some time to join our crews and experience the local sights and customs until such time as we meet with the Council to discuss why they are seeking the Federation's friendship at this point. Unless there is something else going on that we don't know about, the Reformists look to have their new system well in hand.

I'm anxious to rejoin my away team and will try to relax enough to enjoy myself on an alien world with willing tour guides to answer my questions.

End Log.

Stardate 20510.15

Stardate 20510.15

I met up with the away team and joined them for dinner in a rather nice little restaurant. The food was good, as were the drinks and Darsyn managed to not turn his hair any abnormal colors, or break out in hives, which is certainly a pleasant change.

Afterward we decided to look around the town and entered a local bar for drinks. The Reformists, and pretty much everyone we've met, Romulan or not, have been very pleasant and all too helpful. If this is the reality of their life on this planet, I can see why they are so anxious to see it preserved at all costs.

We haven't secured lodging for the night yet, but I'm going to attempt to remain on the planet.

End Log.

Stardate 20510.29

Stardate 20510.29

So far I have yet to see any need to worry about our hosts or their intentions and they seem to be going out of their way to make our stay a pleasant one. I'm anxious to meet with the ruling council and determine if there is an agenda that I am unaware of for their worlds. For now I'm content to take them at their world until given a reason not to.

End Log.

Stardate 20511.28

Stardate 20511.28

After a subdued meal with the Romulans and the bulk of the Gettysburg and Comet crews, we were invited to a local fair. There seems to be much we don't know about the Romulans, including their idea of entertainment and 'games'. I think this will be more opportunity for us to learn about them and any information gained by us can only move us closer to a peaceful coexistence with a people thought to be nothing more than cold-blooded killers bent on conquest. I think we are all quickly learning to see beyond our prejudices, theirs and ours.

I will add more later once I have had some time to observe the festivities.

End Log.

Stardate 20511.30

Stardate 20511.30

So far it appears that the crews have been behaving themselves, which I know could not have been easy all things considered. While some of have moved off onto their own with their Romulan guides, many have remained to enjoy the fair. I'm anxious to get the meeting started with the Council now that I have had a chance to look around.

At this point, I see no reason not to offer any aide the Federation can provide.

End Log.

Stardate 20512.11

Stardate 20512.11

What was running like a textbook version of a successful peace mission has just taken a turn into a diplomatic nightmare. The ruling Council of Ecurai has apparently been attacked, leaving an unknown number of casualties and fatalities. We have also apparently lost contact with Commander Ysiadina Lanael.

I know Yssy is more than capable of handling herself, having served with her on and off for much of my career I have no doubts of her abilities, but I still can't help but worry about what's happened to her. I hope that this isn't the beginning of the end of our peace mission.

End Log.

Stardate 20512.20

Stardate 20512.20

Sometimes I wish I had stayed with Security where if a problem arose, it usually involved me smashing someone over the head with a rock and calling it a day.

Apparently there were a few things the Reformists didn't think were important enough to thoroughly investigate with their happy little system. We have recently discovered that the Council has a tunnel system of sorts running under it that the abductors could have used to kidnap the council. It's also possible that they are using a dangerous and illegal, at least in Federation Space, method of matter transportation.

If that wasn't bad enough, someone who appears to be related to my friend and CMO is living on this planet and has been teaching the Reformists Vulcan mental abilities.

Things just seem to get better and better.

End Log.

Stardate 20601.15

Stardate 20601.15

We have put together a search plan with the Reformists in hopes of locating the missing Council and Commander Lanael. With the use of shuttles and personnel, we're hoping to find them quickly before they can be harmed.

My hopes is that this abduction won't set back the possible peace process with the Reformists and cause more tension between our peoples. While they need the Federation for safety, we can use their position to get our foot in the door with the rest of the Star Empire.

End Log.

Stardate 20601.25

Stardate 20601.25

The search is underway for the Council and Cdr Lanael. I am hopeful that the teams will be successful.

Unfortunately there has been a new development to deal with. Apparently a pregnant woman who was present during the attack on the Council Chamber has given birth to her child, who happens to somehow be related to Syntranos.

Considering how Darsyn feels about the Romulans in general, I can't imagine him having...relations with a Romulan woman and the timing doesn't make any sense. There is another mystery here and we haven't even solved the first one yet.

Maybe we'll get some good news soon, it would be a nice change of pace.

End Log.

Stardate 20602.07

Stardate 20602.07

The search teams were successful in finding and rescuing the missing Council and Cdr Lanael. They also captured many of the kidnappers and have turned them over to the Council's custody. Overall I think the mission went well, though the Reformists will have to rethink their security measures against the Star Empire.

The Gettysburg and Comet will soon be underway back to Federation Space and I for one am happy to have a successful mission now behind us.

End Log.

Crew Logs

LCdr MacDonald

Stardate 20502.23

LCdr MacDonald Personal Log: Lt Commander MacDonald. USS Comet Stardate 20502.23

The ship is preparing to leave spacedock soon. I am happy to report that the damage to the ship had been repaired. Plus for this mission the ship will be fully staffed.

When we launched last time we did not have the full compliment of crew.

I have finally finished looking round the main areas of the ship. She is very impressive. I also noticed that my quarters are even bigger than on the Titan. On a sad note I will miss the comfort that the Titan had.

As the Titan was the first ship I served on, she will always have a special place in my heart. However, the Comet is my new girl and by jings is she big. 73 decks of Battleship.

It is my intention to inquire to the Captain the possibility of undertaking the Bridge Officers Course. I never thought that I would get the itch to possibly command a starship. But after last mission I think it is a feeling i would like to have more often.

If I did pass the course I would probably spend more time on the bridge. This would mean that I would have to have an Assistant Chief Engineer who I could leave down here in charge.

End log.

Stardate 20510.17

LCdr MacDonald Personal Log: Lt Commander MacDonald. USS Comet Stardate 20510.17

Well it has been an eventful time.

The ship has arrived to meet the reformists. We are in orbit of the planet. I was supposed to be assigned to one of the teams on the planet. However an altercation occurred in Ten Forward. It would appear that it got slightly out of hand.

I managed to stagger to sickbay. Where I was informed that I was very lucky as I had somehow been stabbed. I thankfully for the crewman responsible have no memory of this.

I am somewhat irked at the moment. The Doctor has banned me from active duty. And given my feelings towards the Romulans I am reluctant to go down to the planet.

My convalescence has given me an excuse to visit sickbay a bit more. I spotted a nurse in there who has caught my eye. I am not sure how it will proceed at this time.

On the practical side. Engineering seems to have been able to cope without me. I may even be out of a job if this continues.

End Log.

Stardate 20610.17

LCdr MacDonald Personal Log: Lt Commander MacDonald. USS Comet Stardate 20610.17 or thereabouts.

I didn't check the stardate before starting this log. But hey what the heck.

Well I finally got the all clear from sickbay to go back to active duty, it would have happened sooner if I hadn't blew myself and a replicator up. Needless to say that I am being bugged about that one by Ruth.

Ruth has entered my life to a certain degree. I am not sure how things are going to turn out, but for the moment we are seeing each other. I am hopeful that it may become permanent. Plus as she is a nurse it would be advantageous given my current run of injuries.

Well I am making this log while stood on a Romulan planet. I never thought I would do that, after what happened. I was ordered to work with one of the Reformist Scientists. While I will never be friends with him I have a grudging respect for his knowledge of engineering and science.

I am still unsure as to what has transpired on the planet. All I know is that we had to modify the shuttles sensors so that we can conduct a search mission. I will need to find out who it is we are looking for. I was so busy with the modifications to the shuttles I forgot to ask.

End Log.

Stardate 20602.06

LCdr MacDonald Personal Log: Stewart MacDonald. USS Comet Stardate:20602.06

Well I have returned from the Romulan planet. I never found out what they were looking for. I do know that they found some people they had lost or something.

Of more importance is the fact that I reviewed the maintenance of the shuttles and found that there were a number of outstanding repairs. Thankfully the repairs are nothing serious and won't interfere with the shuttles ability to fly. Unless you start messing with the systems, as I found out.

I have been busy that I haven't even seen Ruth yet. Although I have arranged to meet her for dinner tomorrow. So I am looking forward to that.

End Log

Stardate 20602.22

LCdr MacDonald Personal Log: Stewart MacDonald. USS Comet Stardate:20602.22

Well this will be my last log as a member of the Comet's crew. I have been reassigned to the Titan. It feels somewhat strange. I feel like I am going home somehow.

The Titan was my first posting all that time ago. I got to know all the little quirks of the ship. I had a few good times and some bad times.

On a happy note I asked Ruth if she would accompany me and she has agreed. I spoke with Captain Daher and he has agreed that she can transfer over with me.

I am also pleased that Page has been announced as the new Chief Engineer of the Comet. I am sure he is a capable man for the job.

I am sorry to leave Captain Otlan, or Admiral now. It was an honor to serve under his command. But I am looking forward to the new challenges that await me on the Titan.

I noted a few names whom I remember. Notably York is still aboard and it will be good to see him again. Assuming he has forgiven me for promoting him.

End Log.

Mid Sadread Croma

Stardate 20504.21

Mid Croma Personel Log: Midshipman Sadread Croma USS Comet Stardate 20504.21

Inventory: none

People: COS: Lt. Paul White -> Easy going but appears to do things by the book. Intelligent? LCdr MacDonald Chief Engineer's Log Lt Cmdr MacDonald USS Comet

Lt Page had discovered a serious problem with the Tertiary Computer Core. It would appear that it is running systems it shouldn't be. Page has personally went down to investigate.

I have confidence in his abilities and am happy to leave him to deal with it. I have ordered a team to assist him.

It is strange the way the core is acting. But I am confident that Page will fix the problem.

End Log Ens Croma Personel Log: Midshipman Sadread Croma USS Comet Stardate 20505.12

Inventory: 1 Type II hand phaser

People: COS: Lt. Paul White -> Easy going but appears to do things by the book. Intelligent? -Security officer Lt.[JG] T’Nel -> Naturally suspicious. Proceed with caution.

End Log

Stardate 20509.30

Ens Croma Personel Log: Ensign Sadread Croma USS Comet Stardate 20509.30

Inventory: 1 Type II hand phaser

People:

COS: LtCdr. Paul White LtCdr. White has become somewhat suspicious of my activities. It will probably be necessary to run a lower profile in his presence. As my commanding officer he will be responsible for my promotion.

Security officer: Lt.[JG] T’Nel T’Nel was assigned to practice in the holodeck with several security crew members and I. T’Nel is a teacher’s pet and is White’s unofficial right hand.

Security Crewman: Carl Murchill and Buddy Jones This pair of security officers has gotten me into trouble on several occasions. I hold them responsible for the Medical officer incident.

MCO: MCapt. Willam Bateson Bateson has had it out for me from the beginning. He has been unreasonable in all of my dealings with him and lacks the competence to command a platoon. His men were involved in a bar fight in Ten forward. The culprits were expertly apprehended by security forces and I plan to bring the incident to Commodore Otlan’s attention.

CMO: Ysiadina Lanael The Chief Medical officer of the Comet created an incident with two security officers. I was dragged into this situation and became the focus of her ire. I plan to avoid sickbay for the next few months.

End Log

Stardate 20602.25

LtJg Croma Personel Log, Lt.[JG] Sadread Croma USS Comet BB-102 Stardate 20602.25

Inventory: 1 Type II hand phaser 1 Disruptor (most likely Romulan) 1 Data Cube (contents unknown)

People:

COS: LtCdr. Paul White Perhaps my initial evaluations of the Commander were harsh. He has recently promoted me to the rank of Lt.[JG]. I think that he has recognized my abilities perhaps the only commanding officer who has.

MCO: MCapt. Willam Bateson The Marine Captain will always be a thorn in my side. Perhaps worse is the fact that Commodore Otlan appears to take Bateson’s side in every disagreement. After the poor behavior of the Marines in Ten Forward I am astounded that anyone could trust his leadership abilities. I think that Otlan has a soft spot for him and in traditional Federation military style has allowed it to block his critical thinking skills.

Engineering Officer: Lt. Alex Page The Lt. is dark and brooding. The word used in high school was emo I believe. He is short of words and short of action something I do not mind in the least. As long as he does not stand in my way he will not cause a problem.

Science Officer: Midshipman Valeria Ris This science officer has been recently assigned to the Comet and unfortunately my away team. She has been nothing but disrespectful of my authority something I intend to remedy upon her return to the ship. Apparently she is keen on using so called Vulcan telepathic powers to invade the privacy of other minds. It would be prudent to keep a close watch on this one.

FO USS Gettysburg: Cdr. Meor The first officer of the Gettysburg has been in close association with me during the away team to Ecurai. His sarcastic and dry humor is definitely not appreciated. Although he has given some recognition of my skills as a security officer it is often accompanied by a snide underhanded remark. His assignment to the Gettysburg makes future engagements unlikely.

End Log.

MCapt Bateson

Stardate 20505.12

MCapt Bateson Marine Commanding Officer's Log USS Comet BB-102 Stardate 20505.12

Well all I have to say is wow. This is a huge ship. A Battleship of all things. Its brand new, I get to go down as the Comet's first MarCO. I think thats pretty cool. I was super stressed to start off. I know my boys from the Sheri are solid, but I had to form what I call a "half-battalion" with the scraps from all over the fleet.

Scraps make it sound like they're leftover, maybe they are, but the best leftovers I've seen. I need to check in on the fighter wing soon, but even from the limited amount I've seen from them, I think I have one of the best single units with the fleet.

My Company commander, formerly of Starbase Bravo, is excellent. She's firm, confident, and full of young blood. She's got stamina..not bad looking either. I look forward to this alot.

I need to speak with my Wing Commander more, he's a Pole, from what I have seen, he's top notch.

Tori is in sickbay right now. I can't believe it, but when those damn Orions attacked the Sheri, she got real hurt. Memory problems. Something's happened on the Sheri, I'm not sure where I stand with her. Women...there's an issue I don't even wanna get into tonight.

The first officer is a hard one, firm, but fair. He caught me off guard, surprise inspection. I shoulda known...

And I think I have been saved by God on this one, he's granted me with the Marine Corps' very own Angel; Master Gunny William McCandless. It's weird not having to stiffen infront of him anymore, but he seems to think its right this way. I've learned from years back, never argue with the gunny.

Scuttlebutt says we're dealin' with rommies...great, I think I've had enough of them fro half the battalion.

I think I'll stop boring the one random unlucky person who accidentally reads these now...

End Log.

Lt Alex Page

Stardate 20505.23

Lt Page Personal Log: Lieutenant Alex Page, Engineering Officer. USS Comet, BB-102 Stardate 20505.23

I have just returned from a somewhat disturbing trip down to Deck 73, where the Tertiary Computer core is. It all started when I entered Engineering for my shift this morning and ran a shipwide diagnostic. After much agro, I learned that the Tertiary Core had essentially taken on a mind of it's own, and was running systems it shouldn't be and replicating and transporting various materials down to it.

I left for the Turbolift, which would not let me out at Deck 73, whatever I tried, so I went up a deck, to 72. I called Lieutenant White, and he came and met me there. Together, we managed to reach the Tertiary Computer core by going through the Jeffries Tubes. The computer fought us every step of the way, and we only reached it with a dozen or so security clearances and reroutes of hatch power.

When we reached the core, nothing could have prepared us for what we saw. We only had light from flashlights, but we could see that the Tertiary Computer was basically building a robot, made up of thousands of nano-replicators. This robot was destroyed by Lieutenant White.

After attempting more methods than I can recount, I managed to shut down the core, using the engineers' emergency code. Not wanting to waste time in case the core decided to reboot, Lt. White and I transferred the files responsible for this escapade over to a tricorder, and removed the power cell immediately. Lt. White left at this point, as he was late for a senior staff meeting. I do not fault him for that whatsoever, as the danger had passed. I rebooted the Tertiary Core using it's original settings, and everything now seems fine. Ensign Simons and a small team are down there now, making checks. I am confident this is over, however.

To draw conclusions from this event, I now have more confidence that I can handle serious problems. Lieutenant Commander Macdonald has always seemed to show confidence in me, and I hope this reassures that in his mind.

One last note I feel I should make is that I was impressed with Lieutenant White. He kept cool and level-headed for the entire escapade. I think Commodore Otlan made a wise choice in making him Chief of Security.

End Log.

Stardate 20602.07

Lt Page Personal Log, Lieutenant Alex Page. USS Comet BB-102. Stardate 20602.07

Where do I begin? This has been one hell of a mission. Well, I have just returned to the Comet after an away mission to the Ecurai system, which is the home system of the new Romulan Reformist movement. And what an amazing place it is. The Reformist people couldn't be more different from their Empire cousins. I was beamed down in a team with a mixture of Comet and Gettysburg personnel. All highly professional and amiable people, I might add. We were greeted by two people from Ecurai, named Sindari and Vri, and they were consistently willing to answer our questions and make us comfortable.

The evening was spent in various spots of one of the large cities, including a superb restaurant, and the theatre. One of my companions in the team was Commander Taryn Larsen, CMO of the USS Gettysburg. She....she's something special. We seemed to have things in common, and get along very well, sharing similar mindsets too. Not to mention the fact that she's bloody stunning. Our friendly relationship seemed to improve throughout the mission, that is, until all hell broke loose. More on that later.

After staying the night on Ecurai in a hostel, we found ourselves attending a festival in the city, though I fail to remember what was being celebrated. This was a wonderful chance for us to let our hair down, which we did, for a while at least. Probably the thing that made the fair seem so enjoyable was the general attitude of the reformists towards us. They were welcoming and friendly always, as we wandered through the fair, engaging in games and light-hearted activity. I haven't smiled that much in years, though that could also be put down to Taryn's company...... well, as I said before, she's special.

However, this was not to last. Everyone from Star Fleet was soon ordered to the Council Chambers, to help investigate the disappearance of the Reformist council and Commander Lanael, our Chief Medical Officer. It transpired that the aforementioned peoples were abducted by means of a folded space transporter, which is an illegal and highly dangerous device. After a short while debating, we were split up into teams again, and sent to investigate the Ecurai sewers, where we concluded the prisoners must be held. This was successful, and the entire council, along with Cdr Lanael, was recovered. The folded space devices were also destroyed. and the away teams shortly returned to our respective ships.

As I said before, it's been one hell of a mission, and I now fully intend to relax.

End Log.

Lt Hiruma Sanchiko

Stardate 20505.28

Lt Sanchiko Personal Log: Hiruma Sanchiko, Lieutenant. U.S.S. Comet, BB-102 Stardate 20505.28

Well...this is my first log on board the Comet. In fact, this is my first log ever. I...suppose I don't like putting my thoughts to paper, as the idiom goes.

I guess I'm enjoying my time here. We haven't started our mission yet, but when we do start it should be enjoyable. I believe the department heads are meeting with the Commodore right now in fact...

Well, the point of this log, that is, this particular log, is to express my ... feelings about my goals.

I recently had a drink with my fellow Tactical officers. Well, one; truth be told, the Irishman didn't show up. We talked, and I drank. Perhaps a bit too much. Anyway... after hearing his reasons for joining Star Fleet and voicing my own, I realized that .... that perhaps .... perhaps my goal was too narrow, that trying to get every convict ever was too narrow an idea, and too broad an objective.

I'll have to think more on this. Have I been driven simply by anger and revenge for this long? I would prefer to think otherwise, but...

I must think.

Computer, close and seal log.

Stardate 20506.01

Lt Sanchiko Personal Log: Hiruma Sanchiko, Lieutenant. U.S.S. Comet, BB-102 Stardate 20506.01

I've applied for a leave of absence for the following month to re-prioritize and re-evaluate what I'm doing. I hope to return to active duty in time for the mission, but I may not.

I have also requested to be allowed to stay on the Comet during my leave, as it is the place I will be living in for quite some time. It makes little sense to me to get better somewhere else, because I would have to deal with the ship and people every day when I returned.

I'm excited for the mission, and I know I will throw myself into it when I return.

Computer, close log and seal.

LCdr Miller

Stardate 20506.10

LCdr Miller Personal Log Stardate 20506.10 Lieutenant Commander Miller Recording:

I, along with most of the Titan crew, transferred to the USS Comet when Commodore Otlan took permanent command. My boss, Commander Sky, however, remained behind on the Titan to serve as her First Officer. I am happy for her and I wish her luck on her new position. Since the CMO was gone, I acted as Assistant Chief Medical Officer until Sky's replacement arrived. Commander Ysiadina Lanael from the Daystrom Institute arrived and took her place. Though I have only met my new boss briefly, she seems nice and I look forward to working with her.

I have also had the pleasure of meeting a corpsman from the Marine detachment aboard who has been assigned by his MarCO to work in Sickbay. He seems to grasp well the medical knowledge despite his young age and I look forward to working with him also.

As for the mission, I don't know much of what is going on since I have been in Sickbay for most of the time. However, my Bridge shift starts soon and I will most likely learn all of the details once I get there. Scuttlebutt says it has something to do with the Romulans; I hope they're wrong.

End Log.

Cdr Ysiadina Lanael

Stardate 20506.22

Cdr Lanael Personal Log, Stardate 20506.22, Commander Ysiadina Lanael recording.

I swear to the Maker that if I ever get the chance I will see Tam paid back for his high-handed, stubborn and pig-headed interference in my career. I wonder if he even read any of the reports that Star Fleet has appended to my personnel file?

At any rate, he should have asked before springing it on me in the middle of a dual ship briefing, especially after our little talk about me not wanting to take on too much too soon.

I will accept the necessity of the position given my experience and training, but I certainly do not have to like it. I intend to discuss it with him, A.K.A. yell my head off at the next opportunity.

End log.

Cdr Arthur Flynn

Stardate 20506.30

Cdr Flynn Chief Tactical Officer's Log Commander Arthur Flynn Stardate 20506.30

Here I am, on a Battleship. It's a nice ship. Commodore Otlan, last time I served with him he was a Commander now I'm the Commander. I'm the Chief Tactical Officer here, which is kind of a disappointment because I was once a First Officer. I know that everything happens for a reason, but I can't help but wish that I was still a FO or maybe even a CO of a small freighter, but then again I have the chance of being FO and then maybe CO on a much bigger and better ship. Maybe one day...

LCdr Paul White

Stardate 20507.16

LCdr White Personal Log, Stardate 20507.16.

LCdr Paul White USS Comet BB-102 Chief of Security

Well this has certainly been an interesting mission so far. We left the starbase without a COS and the mission wasn't even made known to the crew. But I knew it was something was up.

Anyway I have been promoted! To Lt. Commander and made the Chief of Security! Though my first duties haven't been too good. Already at our first red alert three of my officers have gone to sickbay and made a fool of themselves in front of the CMO and 2nd Officer.

Though I have managed to sort this out and hopefully they will be ready for our mission to Romulan Space. We are investigating a group of Romulan Reformists! I mean how could the Romulans let a group of their own get away...anyway we have been sent with the Gettysburg to investigate. It should be an interesting mission to say the least but security will definitely be very high.

End Log.

Stardate 20509.03

LCdr White Personal Log, Stardate 20509.03.

LCdr Paul White USS Comet BB-102 Chief of Security

It has been quite a while since my last log entry and to say the least I have been quite busy again.

This time instead of sorting out my own officers I have had to deal with a barfight in Ten Forward between some marines. Though things didn't go to well and much to the displeasure of the MCapt and myself. Ens Croma took the lot of them down to the brig before I could smooth things over with Bateson.

Anyway because of this 'incident' tensions between Security and Marines have been high. Though I haven't had much to do with Marines on my past assignments I had learnt to let Marines deal with their own business and that barfights were not uncommon. When I became the COS here and found there was a Marine group posted on this ship I thought I could change tradition and make Fleet Security and Marines work well together but I feel this has been ruined by these actions. Though hopefully I can patch things up with time...

Anyway I have been assigned to Capt. Tei's group to go down to the planet, to a small town near a mountain range. With the Capt. being Romulan it should be interesting to see how he gets on down there but I hope this mission does go smoothly...there has been a little too much action in past missions to warrant a break...I hope.

End Log

Stardate 20602.05

LCdr White Personal Log, Stardate 20602.05.

LCdr Paul White USS Comet BB-102 Chief of Security

Well it certainly has been a while since my last log but I really have been really busy this mission and I can say it has definitely been more interesting than it started out to be.

I met loads of new people from the Gettysburg. Taryn Larsen, the CMO from the Getty, a great person and hopefully I'll get a chance to work with her again in the future. As well Aiyana Baldwin, CEO from the Getty and an amazing person as well. Its a shame that we are all on separate ships I'd like to work with them again if I get the chance.

Also on a good note I promoted Croma to a Lt[JG] after his success and dedication this mission. He deserves it and I am sure that even though he has only been here for a short time I am sure he will grow into an excellent officer.

Anyway this mission has been one of the best. Working with another ship and meeting new people and making contact with the Reformists who could be a great asset to the Federation. It will certainly be a mission I won't forget.

Stardate 20602.22

Cdr White Personal Log, Stardate 20602.22.

Cdr Paul White USS Comet BB-102 Chief of Security

This is my last log for this mission before I take some shoreleave. Though I am just making this after getting back from a promotion ceremony on the starbase with the rest of the ships.

Guess what? I been promoted to Commander! I'm really surprised and I got the Diamond Star as a result of the mission.

Anyway there are a few crew changes to the crew but nothing major. Though Alex has been promoted to Chief Engineer and I shall have to congratulate him when I see him and I will have to congratulate Croma after on his promotion and medal.

Overall...its been an excellent mission. I met loads of new people and got a chance to see another side to Romulan culture with a few changes. Hopefully the next mission will be just as good.

End Log

Sgt Alec Daher

Stardate 20508.22

Sgt Daher Personal Log Stardate 20508.22

Sergeant Alec Daher Recording:

Well, my first mission on the Comet isn't going exactly as I had planned. Actually, up until the past day or so everything had been quiet on the ship since I left the Sheridan with Captain Bateson to take on the higher billet of company sergeant here. And while I don't mind a little R & R every so often, the only thing I've had to do for the past few weeks of interest was to run PT for a Corporal Tayonis who had apparently gotten on the new company commander's wrong side.

That all changed yesterday, however, when a few marines—myself included—got involved in a brawl in Ten Forward. It was nothing serious and hardly uncommon among marines and probably merited nothing more than a slap on the wrist by our MarCO. That is, until Star Fleet Security decided to round up the marines and arrest us un trumped up charges. The Cardassian was even talking about referring us to the JAG!

Thankfully, Captain Bateson was able to smooth things over with the Chief of Security and all charges against the marines were dropped under one condition—that I accept full responsibility for my men's actions. I accepted and was given an informal reprimand and ordered to do two weeks extra PT—something I consider a small prove for having beaten security at their own game.

The rest of the marine unit appears to share my sentiments, however. When word spread among the troops that Security had gotten involved in a marine matter, tempers flared everywhere. Though jarheads and squids have never really ever been to fond of each other, on the Comet at least, they seemed to get along without any problems. Now the tension is so high that a security guard and a marine can't walk past each other without throwing a few nasty words at each other. In fact, I'm sure that if it were not for the watchful eye of the first officer, the ship would surely break into chaos... not that that would be so bad. I wouldn't mind kicking a little Navy •••.

End Log.

Stardate 20509.30

Sgt Daher Personal Log Stardate 20509.30

Sergeant Alec Daher Recording:

Right now I'm sitting in a hotel room on some God-damned Romulan planet. We're here on a diplomacy mission to meet these so called "Reformists" who are claiming to seek friendship with the Federation. Well, I have two words for that: bull and ••••. The day the Federation makes peace with the Romulan Empire is the day that pigs will learn to fly—and a lot of people are still waiting for that to happen.

I'm not concerned about my personal safety as much as I'm concerned about the rest of the away team's. Most of them seem all too trusting; I believe they are playing right into the Romulans' hands. Even the other security officers, seem to trust our "guides". They don't fool me, however. If Star Fleet wants to form diplomatic relations with these people, give me a battalion of marines and I'll show 'em diplomacy.

End Log.

Mid Valeria Ris

Stardate 20601.16

Mid Ris Personal Log: Midshipman Valeria Ris, Science Officer USS Comet, BB-102 Stardate 20601.16

I had no sooner graduated from Star Fleet Academy when I found myself stationed aboard the USS Comet heading for Romulan space. Our ship, along with the USS Gettysburg, had been sent to investigate a group of reformists who had broken away from the Star Empire and set up government on the planet Ecurai. The Reformists had requested recognition and support from the Federation, and it was up to our command staff, led by Commodore Otlan, to judge the validity of the Romulans’ motives.

With barely enough time to settle aboard ship, I was sent on my first away team mission to the reformist world. My time on the planet was rather uneventful at first. Arriving on the surface, I found the inhabitants in the middle of a celebration. The event was simple, featuring local entertainers and offering a variety of games, which the Romulans seemed to enjoy immensely. I had planned only to observe the proceedings, curious as to the culture of these people, but suddenly found myself in the middle of a large, impromptu water balloon fight. It was quite undignified, though I managed to remain dry for the most part. The two officers who accompanied me were less fortunate, for reasons that need not be noted here.

A disturbance at the Ecurai council chambers soon prompted all Star Fleet personnel to be put on alert. The building had been attacked, and several of the council members had been kidnapped, along with, it seems, the Comet’s CMO, Cdr. Lanael. Though much of the detail surrounding these events was not made available to me, I understand that the situation is grave and potentially damaging to the fledgling relations between the Federation and the Reformists. The attackers were Romulan, possibly a terrorist cell connected to the Star Empire, and were thought to use a folded space transport system to gain entrance into the council chambers, which was otherwise guarded from the exterior and shielded from transporter beams.

As the incident involved both Star Fleet and Romulan personnel, a joint search effort was organized. Shuttles were to be used in scanning large sections of the city, looking for evidence of the attackers and their folded space transport mechanism. The problem lay in the fact that the planet, and subsequently much of the building material used by the Reformists, was composed of the minerals kelbonite and fistrium, both highly resistant to standard scanning equipment. Scientists and engineers from the Comet and the Gettysburg were given the task of finding a way to overcome this dilemma. After much discussion and a brief period of testing, our science team was able to compensate for the minerals’ refraction by using a compacted frequency and adjusting the modulation of the scan. Though we achieved only a 63% accuracy in our efforts, it was enough to give confidence that we could perform a productive search. Shuttles were brought down from both ships, and engineers began modifications to the scanners. The Reformists also supplied shuttles.

On a personal note, finding myself the only member of the science team from the Comet served as a learning experience. The Gettysburg science officers proved themselves valuable colleagues, and in the downtime during shuttle modification I was able to develop a personal relationship with Ensign Sadie Hunter. We have much in common, and I look forward to seeing her again in the future. It is most unfortunate, though, that the first friend I have made in Star Fleet serves aboard another ship, but that is the nature of life in Star Fleet I fear. As for the leader of the science team, Lt. Archer, our interaction has not been as productive. Though we respect each other professionally, a lack of trust seems to pervade our personal opinions of each other. I know on my part it is my prejudice that has gotten in the way, and I have pledged myself to try and be more tolerant. His attitude and mannerisms, though, remind me too much of someone I knew back on Earth, and I cannot help but feel cautious around him.

As for the Reformists, the little time I have spent amongst them only confirms my original feelings towards Romulans and the goal of many Vulcans to reunify our two cultures. Though most who oppose such a move would also reject me due to the impurity of my half-human bloodline, I still must support them in regards to reunification. The Romulans have not proven themselves ready to become part of a greater Vulcan society. The violence and indulgence I observed on Ecurai illustrate that point splendidly. I would not be so set against reunification if the Romulans rejected aggression and adopted the ways of Surak, but to allow our two societies to intermingle freely at this point would lead only to disaster and the destruction of everything that Vulcan has worked so hard to achieve over the past two thousand years.

Stardate 20602.06

Mid Ris Personal Log: Midshipman Valeria Ris, Science Officer USS Comet, BB-102 Stardate 20602.06

This will be my final log entry aboard the USS Comet. After my experiences on Ecurai and the many personal and professional relationships I began with crewmembers of the USS Gettysburg, I made the decision to transfer to that ship, as I feel it would be more beneficial to my path. With regret, though, I do leave the Comet, as I have learned much there. At the same time, however, I look forward to my new assignment and all the possibilities that it will bring. As I make this entry, I am already aboard the Gettysburg. The transfer request has been approved by all parties, and I shall remain here for the duration of the return voyage, visiting with my friend, Lt. Sadie Hunter, and getting acquainted with my new ship. I sincerely wish the best of luck to all who remain aboard the Comet.

End log.

Mid Markus Bren

Supplemental

Mid Bren Personal Log, Midshipman Markus Bren Security, USS Comet, BB-102

• Recorded remotely, on board shuttle Ejarra*

I am on board a Romulan shuttlecraft in the company of my first officer, Captain Tei, the Reformist Minister of Science, and several crewmen from the Gettysburg. I really must admit, I didn't think this would be what happened on my first assignment. I thought I would be guarding the tertiary computer core or something. But here I am, about to be part of a team rescuing hostages. I'm very excited. There are five shuttles participating in the search though, so there is no guarantee that we will be the ones to find them. There is always hope, though.

I have not yet really had the chance to interact with anyone from the Comet. I'm disappointed, but this mission will be over soon, and then I'm sure that will change.

I miss Betazed, and Uncle Michael. I don't miss the general silliness of that planet, but it's my home. When I return to the ship, the first thing I'm going to do is send a message to Uncle Michael.

Alright!! LtJG Hunter just told Capt Tei that she might have found something. I'll finish this log after we check it out.

End log.

Stardate 20602.04

Mid Bren Personal Log, Midshipman Markus Bren USS Comet, BB-102 Stardate 20602.04

I am recording this remotely from the sickbay aboard the USS Gettysburg. That's right, sickbay. The mission was a success, although obviously it could have gone better.

The lifeforms that LtJG Hunter had picked up on scans did indeed turn out to be the Romulan kidnappers. They were holding some of the Council members there also. Turns out they were in a sealed off natural cave, so we had to transport in using a relay system that we set up in the tunnels above the cave. Talk about stench. That place was horrible, but at least that part went by without a hitch.

Once we beamed in, though, things went not so good. I threw a stun grenade into the center of the cave, and it did knock out three of the terrorists, but it also got Lieutenant Hunter and Commander Baldwin of the Gettysburg. It didn't get the fourth kidnapper who went on a shooting spree, getting all the security officers in the cave, except me. Thank the heavens for that, and the fact that they all survived too.

So how did I wind up in sickbay? Well, in a desperate attempt to neutralize the remaining Romulan, I dove behind a stack of crates and, of course, landed on my shoulder. Man, did it hurt, but it wasn't very serious. I managed to stun the Romulan, and Hunter and Baldwin transported the hostages to safety. Under orders, I released my prisoners to Capt Tei, and beamed to sickbay. Turns out my shoulder was just dislocated. I'm so embarrassed. But I'm looking forward to returning to the Comet and normal duty. But is there any such thing?

End log.

Mid Michael Quinn

Stardate 20602.18

Mid Quinn Personal Log, Midshipman Michael Quinn USS Comet BB-102 Stardate 20602.18

Fortunately we got back to Starbase Alpha in one piece. No thanks to the stellar wave we encountered on the way back.

I am still amazed at the size of this ship, it just seems to go on forever. Nothing like the transports I'm familiar with. I can't wait to see what a Battleship can do in combat. I have taken the time to read up on the specs of the Pulsar class ships, however I don't think they tell the whole story.

We are on layover for some shore leave. I am taking this opportunity to get to know this ship and its officers. There has been quite the stir about one of the officers from Security. One Lieutenant Croma. He seems to be a thorn in a lot of people's butts, but I haven't had a chance to meet him myself. All in due time.

I am on my way to track down the XO, Captain Tei. I am hoping to get some more shifts under my belt while we are in dock. There is only a skeleton crew on duty at any given time, and that's the best time to poke around.

More on my adventures later.

End Log.