Sheridan Mission 08: "When Did You Lose That Shuttle?"

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Stardate 20903.24
Captain Quillian Dramar Recording

The Sheridan was sent on a mission to investigate a level 8 encrypted transmission coming from Rosox IV, home to the prewarp civilization known as the Durios. When we arrived, we found the source of the transmission to be the Duration, a federation Aeon Class Time ship from the 29th. Pirates attacked the duration, causing it to make an emergency time jump and crash-land on Rosox IV over 2,000 years ago. Another time traveler, Captain Takari, appeared in her own ship and offered to help us recover the vessel. While she was on the planet’s surface with the away team, another copy of Takari appeared from the future and attacked the Sheridan. The Sheridan was nearly destroyed in the battle, but managed to fight off the attacking Takari. The original Takari went into the past and recovered the Duration, which repaired the timeline. The timeline of our mission was erased.

Captain's Logs

Capt Quillian Dramar

Stardate 20808.05

Stardate 20808.05
Captain Quillian Dramar Recording

Repairs to the Sheridan will no doubt be moving much swifter now, thanks in part to a conversation I had with Admiral Clery Jambers, in which he dispensed the Sheridan’s next assignment. We are ordered to Rosox IV, located in the Rosox System; Grid 26, Sector 328. Star Fleet has recently detected strange signals from the planet. The signal, which is a Star Fleet transmission with a level eight encryption, is believed to emanating from some sort of a device. He requests that we recover this device and transport it to Research Facility 192. Jambers went on to state that “the mission itself is more important than the prime directive.”

That part unsettled me so I did some research into this Admiral Clery Jambers. Almost all information on him is restricted behind a level 8 security clearance, not to mention the disregard of the prime directive. I will have to give this some though.

To assist us, he ensured that we would have all the parts we need for repairs, including a new warp nacelle to replace the one we lost, and an engineering team to install it within the hour. A report I just received from Lieutenant Katzenjammer estimated repair times at two weeks, which was due to the large demand in the aftermath of One-Five-Seven.

Speaking of the Lieutenant, I’ve been forced to make a series of changes to the senior staff. First, Lieutenant Fran Katzenjammer will be taking the Chief Engineer slot since… Gor’Ame died in the battle. Lieutenant Katzenjammer has been with the Sheridan since her keel was laid at the shipyards. She knows this ship like the back of her hand. I’m sure she will make a fine Chief Engineer.

Lieutenant Ristone received transfer orders to the Gettysburg, where he will be occupying the COS position. Nick is a damn fine officer. His presence was felt across the ship. He will certainly be missed. In his place, I have selected Lieutenant Junior Grade Reginald Hendrix, Nick’s ACOS. If his past service has been any indication, then Reggie will make of hell of a Chief of Security.

Dr. Princip is currently attending to Cortwin in sickbay. Apparently, when he awake from his sleeping state is experiencing fits of anguish over what happened. I’ve give the counselor orders to assist.

End Log.

Stardate 20808.20

Stardate 20808.20
Captain Quillian Dramar Recording

After an extensive consultation with Dr. Hume and Dr. Princip, I have made the decision to remove Commander Cortwin James Ralston from the position of First Officer of this vessel. The Commander has experienced severe posttraumatic stress disorder associated with the events during the Battle of Starbase 157. He feels that he is responsible for the all of the death. The Commander is also having trouble coping with the events surrounding his apparent “death.” Quite frankly, I’m surprised that more of the crew isn’t suffering this same condition. The Doctor was surprised I’m holding up as well as I have. Perhaps my experience with dying shielded me from the effects.

If this were any other time, I would ask the doctor restrict the Commander to light duty and treat him. Unfortunately, that is not the case. As we are at war, I felt I was left with no option but to replace him. He is to remain on board until he is well enough to return to duty, or is transferred to Star Fleet facility to recover.

The person I selected is the ship’s CMO, Commander Princip. Gaelio is an excellent officer, who’s advice I have relied upon on countless occasions. I have no doubt that he make an excellent First Officer.

Transfer orders for Lieutenant Kylara McKenzie have been processed for her transfer to the Sheridan. She has some pretty large shoes to fill as CMO. Commander Princip is, in my opinion, the best doctor in Star Fleet. Though I don’t know very about the Lieutenant, she came with high recommendation by Commodore Grant and Commander Yvette, the CO and FO of the Getty. She will join us shortly by way of shuttle.

In the mean time, we are on route to Rosox IV. While I would normally like to arrive on station quicker than we will, time restraints prevented us from doing a shakedown of the newly installed systems… or the entire ship for that matter. Though she was christened by combat, I would have preferred a proper shakedown. Until such time, I have limited our speed to warp 6. No sense in blowing out a nacelle if we don’t have to.

End Log

Stardate 20809.10

Stardate 20809.10
Captain Quillian Dramar Recording

The Sheridan has arrived at Rosox IV and begun preparations to recover the device emitting the level 8 clearance signal. Scans of the planet have been inhibited by the atmosphere’s unusually high vaporous sodium chloride contents, so the data we’re working from is less than optimal. What we’ve seen so far indicates that the Druios have discovered the device, which is located in/underneath a heavy concentration of rocket fuel.

An away team, which is being lead by Commander Princip, has been surgically altered to pass as durios and will be heading down to the surface to investigate the presence of the device, and if all goes well recover it. This will be a complicated task as sensors indicate a high concentration of life forms around the device.

There are also indications of activity around Rosox II. Dr. McKenzie volunterred to take shuttle craft to investigate, but unfortunately, I was forced to deny her request. I need my CMO aboard when an away team is heading into a possibly dangerous situation.

Just after their cosmetic procedure, Commander Princip and I promoted Ensign Maket to the rank of Lieutenant JG and assigned him to the position of Chief Science Officer. This mission should prove to a good test for the new department head. I have also promoted Lieutenant Katzenjammer to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Her promotion is certainly well deserved.

Currently, I am investigating a possible modification to our transporters to allow them to compensation for the atmospheric interference and be used in place of a shuttlecraft, which would be more difficult to conceal.

End Log

Stardate 20809.18

Stardate 20809.18
Captain Quillian Dramar Recording

A hiccup with the sensors has been founded and repaired. A slight miscalibration in the lateral sensor array caused the spectro-photometric profile of Rosox IV to spike. This spike indicated a higher than actual amount of sodium in the planet’s atmosphere. If this had been the case, then it would have posted a danger to the away team. Instead, the sodium concentrations should be no higher than salty air at sea.

As a result, the away team has beamed down wearing appropriate clothing for Rosox IV. Lieutenant Kapetanaki has found appropriate identification from a hotel registry in an attempt to create coverstory for the away team’s presence. I hope she was successful.

I am currently waiting for Dr. McKenzie to arrive to discuss her impressions of the Sheridan crew.

End Log

Stardate 020901.01

Stardate 020901.01
Captain Quillian Dramar Recording

The meeting with Lieutenant McKenzie was shorter and… less illuminating that I would have liked. Before finding out anything really “crunchy” about Lieutenant McKenzie, Lieutenant Kapetanaki interrupted with a need for a higher security clearance to delve further into the Rosox computer network. Since I was needed on the bridge, I would have to wait for another time to find out a bit more about the Lieutenant.

On the planet’s surface, the away team set about information gathering. While at the local pub, they learned that the plant was closed to the general public, and that access was restricted to scientists, and government officials. Lady Luck is apparently on our side. Mr. Maket learned that there was going to be a tour of the facility. Apparently, the Durios believed that the landing of the beacon is part of some greater prophecy. Though it provides access to the facility, the team will need to be careful. Anytime religion is involved, it makes it that much trickier.

The tour is two days from now. They’ll have to keep their heads down to until then.

End Log

Stardate 020901.04

Stardate 020901.04
Captain Quillian Dramar Recording

Lieutenant S’Renn is just as sharp as ever. She dove into the Book of Durios, the religious text of the Durios, and searched it for any relevance or mention to the beacon. Her research paid off with a cornucopia of information.

First, she found reference to a chariot in the sky, which corresponds to our ship. The second was mention of “angels” coming down from the sky-chariot, seven in number. Coincidence or not, the away team is seven in number. The third passage, “Overhead the skies were aflame with purple and orange spears being thrown by the gods…” seems to indicate some sort of a space battle.

The fourth passage speaks of things to come for the Durios. “And our dear ground which we love shall we depart, with boats the sail the stars, then shall the lords of heaven welcome us, and accept us within the federation of their love and peace, and we will join them in their bold quest to explore the galaxy for other forms of lesser life and culture, and ease them onto the path of Durio.”

It would seem that this Lisbon, who apparently wrote the book of the Durios some 2000 years ago, somehow had intimate knowledge of our ship and our away team composition. That certainly doesn’t sit well with me. Whoever this Lisbon was, he seems to be playing the role of puppet master and I do not enjoy being playing the part of the marionette.

End Log

Stardate 020901.06

Stardate 020901.06
Captain Quillian Dramar Recording

The away team has made a startling discovery. The “device” is actually a federation shuttlecraft of current design, however scans of the craft indicated that the ship was over 2000 years old, which places it temporary to the time when the book of Durios was written, which lead us to the conclusion that Libson and the shuttle were connected.

We didn’t have to wait long to find out the answer. When the away team scanned the shuttle, it broadcast a signal to their tricorder. I have attached the message, complete with visual to this log. Libson was a Caption of the United Time Ship USS Duration. He was attacked by hostile forces attempting to steal the temporal technology. In order to save his ship, he activated an emergency time jump. Apparently, his ship was severely damage causing him to crash on Rosox IV. He requests that we send a team to repair the displacement drive and deactivate the temporal protection shield on the Duration, allowing the Star Fleet of his time to detect the incursion and put a stop to it.

Something tells me that somehow Admiral Jambers knew all of this. Exactly how is beyond me… unless Jambers has been in contact with the leaders of Rosox IV. Though it seems unlikely, it is for another day. We have to focus on the here and now.

Based off the text, it seems likely that Libson was in contact with the leaders of Rosox IV, which could explain why the Durios revered as a prophet. His technological ability would seem like magic to them.

Based on fears of possible attack, I took Lieutenant Kapetanaki tactical advice and moved the ship to yellow alert.

End Log

Transmission from Federation Shuttlecraft on Rosox IV

The display showed a human at his 50s wearing rough cloth clothes with slightly graying hair. The background seemed to be the interior of an unidentifiable ship’s cockpit.

[Star Fleet command, I suppose I should begin by introducing myself, I am Captain Libson of the United Time Ship USS Duration. Sometime in your future I came under attack by a hostile force attempting to steal temporal technology. My options ran out and I was forced to activate an emergency time jump. Unfortunately my ship was highly damaged, I crashed into the planet you will have recorded at Rosox IV. My temporal displacement drive burned out, and I was stranded.

By now, I will be long gone, over a thousand years ago. If you are receiving this then the people of Durio, that’s what they call their world, will have uncovered the Duration, which I buried deep underground. You must send a ship to the Duration to repair it’s displacement drive, once that is operational you can disable the temporal protection shield that I was unable to deactivate, allowing the future Star Fleet to detect the incursion, and put a stop to it.

I do not know how advanced the population of this planet will be by the time you receive this message, but even if they are pre-warp, you must still complete the mission. The temporal prime directive supersedes even our directive to not interfere with the development of other cultures.

You may consider this, my final request. Libson out]

Stardate 020901.13

Stardate 020901.13
Captain Quillian Dramar Recording

S’Renn’s suspicion proved to be true. We aren’t alone up here. The probe we sent to investigate the temporal disturbance was destroyed by phaser fire moments after arriving on location. I ordered the ship to Red Alert while we search for the area for whomever or whatever destroyed the probe. We heavily scanned the area, but were unable to locate anything. Approximately 5 minutes after the destruction of the probe, we got our answer.

A ship decloaked off the port bow. The ship, small and sleek, was not of a recognized design in the computer’s data banks, the reason being because it hasn’t been designed yet. The ship, UTS Instant, is commanded by Captain Ura Takari. Captain Takari hailed us, indicating that she is investigating a “large and complicated temporal incursion” is about to incur and requested that I hand over all files related to our mission.

So far, this mission has involved two of my least favorite things, Star Fleet Intelligence, and time travel. This must be a continuation of my punishment from the Olean mission. My feelings aside, there are serious events and powers at work here. And treating them with anything less than my full ability would be a crime against my crew, and the Oath I took.

Scans of the Instant revealed the ship to be made of an unidentified material that proves to interfere with our sensors. Sensors indicated a crew complement between one and two. Life signs were fluctuating, no doubt due to the hull material. Both propulsion and shields are of an unknown, and likely superior design. She appears to be armed with only one bank of phasers, thought Midshipmen Kuznetsova believes that she carries others.

I refused to hand over our mission data without some sort of proof of her story, which Captain Takari provided by suggesting that we scan her vessel for particles associated with time travel. The particles were there, just as she said they would be. Though those particles are very difficult to fake at our technology level, I am very hesitant to take this as proof of her story. It could all be a cleaver trick.

As a sign of trust, she lowered her shields and disarmed her weapons. The truth was that I didn’t have much of a choice. It could work to our advantage. Going along with the Captain could prove to be our best chance at finding out what was actually going on and who all of the players were. I agreed to forward her the data we had gathered on site. While doing so, I sent a message to S’Renn asking her to covertly, get a status check from the away team.

When asked about why she was here, Takari provided little information, other than the disturbance originated on the planet, no doubt referring to Libson’s shuttle. She then indicated that she knew of the shuttle’s existence, and requested to speaking my away team on the surface.

She caught me off guard. I should have known she’d be monitoring our communication,and would know of the away team’s presence on the surface. I’m not thrilled about giving Takari unrestricted access to the away team, but I’m not going to let it degrade into open conflict. Princip is capable officer and won’t do anything foolish on his end.

I agreed to give Takari the access she requested, after coming to an understanding that she would not compromise our mission, or the integrity of the Durios. The away team has gained access to compound and is currently standing around the shuttle, trying to find a way in. I’ve contacted them and inform them of this new development.

It’s frustrating… I can’t seem to get a handle on this woman… She’s entirely unreadable. What’s the old phrase, “like trying to nail Jell-O to the wall.” I guess she’d have to be work her way up to center chair of a time ship… who knows… maybe I will… Only time will tell.

End Log

Stardate 02092.09

Stardate 02092.09
Captain Quillian Dramar Recording

After Captain Takari departed for the planet’s surface to meet with the away team, sensors detected another temporal blip. The source of blip quickly revealed itself as another incarnation of Captain Takari. This one was much less amiable. She immediately demanded that I surrender control of the ship to her. I couldn’t do this.

She responded less favorably. By some ability she has deactivated our warp core. Fusion reactors are running, but they are going to be hard pressed to keep up in a battle, especially when up against such a challenging foe. One hit from her phaser array had reduced shields to 45%. We may have to withdraw, leaving the away team on the surface.

End Log

Stardate 20902.26

Stardate 20902.26
Captain Quillian Dramar Recording

Things have gone from bad to worse. Takari’s ship far out matches the Sheridan is speed, maneuverability, defensive capabilities and packs one hell of a punch. Two hits from her weapons array collapsed our shields. Another one brought catastrophic damage to deck 12... No word on how many dead or wounded.

We attempted to charge the deflector dish with choniton particles. I have a theory that such a concentrated blast might wreak havoc on whatever temporal systems she has. Having her anywhere but here would have been lovely. We didn’t get the chance to find out. Takari kept her ship out of the firing arc, and destroyed the main sensor grid, preventing us from targeting her. She then targeted the port nacelle, knocking out helm control. We’re currently held in a tractor beam.

Midshipman Swanson has come up with a plan to route the chroniton beam through the shield generator, hoping to project it against Takari’s ship. Things are getting pretty bad, and we’re running out of options. If this doesn’t work then our sole remaining plan relies on Hendrix’s ability to figure out the tractor beam modulation on Takari’s ship. We might be able to channel the beam through the hull plating and the tractor beam, directly into Takari’s vessel.

On the planet, the away team has discovered a series of three switches on Lisbon’s shuttle. They must be triggered in the correct order to unlock the Duration’s computer.

End Log

Stardate 20903.24

Stardate 20903.24
Captain Quillian Dramar Recording

Lieutenant Katzenjammer's theory about Libson's shuttle security system. Since Libson had access to our logs, knew what sequence we would select, and used that as the security sequence. Once inserted, the crew had access to the shuttle's computer systems.

Midshipman Swanson’s plan worked, though not quite in the way we expected. The sensors logs provided the details for what actually happened. The chroniton beam was not able to penetrate the Instant’s shields, so the chronitons simply gathered around in front of the shield. The chroniton particles interacted with the energy of the Instant’s shields, they pulsed generating a chronimetric surge along and just in front of Takari’s shield grid. Space-time along the grid was beginning to change. If unabated, it could lead to a full-scale temporal anomaly. However, fate had other hands. The number of chonitons present in such high concentrations caused the Instant’s shields to shift out of phase with surrounding space, allowing the chroniton beam to surge into her ship.

A surge from her temporal drive, combined with the pulsating, high energy chronitons exploded outwards, bathing the immediate space around Rosox IV in a blue glow. The Sheridan went dark as electrical systems were disrupted in a massive electromagnetic pulse. A blue wave passed through the entire ship. Fortunately, for the crew, the hull took the brunt of it. The particles scoured the hull plating, reducing structural integrity to critical levels as some of the plating had phase-shifted. Several crewmen including myself were injured.

After a round of repairs, the crew righted the ship. Commander Princip requested we use the ship phasers to carve out an escape path for the Duration. Thanks to the precision work of Lieutenant Hendrix and Midshipman Swanson, the Duration was free and joined us in space. I imagine those on the surface saw quite a lightshow. It is unfortunate, but we really had no choice.

Once in orbit, the friendly Takari took control of the Duriation and beamed the away team aboard the bridge. She took the Duration, saying that she was going back into the past to repair the damage to the timeline. As soon as she disappeared into the temporal votex, a white light envolved us all.

End Log

Stardate 20903.24

USS Sheridan, Repaired Timeline Stardate 20903.24
Captain Quillian Dramar Recording

I’m happy to report that the Sheridan’s shakedown cruise has come to close. Yes, it’s true that she was baptized by fire during the Battle of One-Five-Seven, but I feel more comfortable with this ship knowing that she operating a peak efficiency.

That being said, something odd happened today. While we were investigating the Rosox System for signs of romulan activity, a sudden cold chill passed through the ship. It happened just as we entered orbit around Rosox IV. Though our scans didn’t reveal anything unusual for the pre-warp civilization, I’ve been out here long enough to know that you have to trust your feelings if you want to survive.

I would have liked to engage in a more thorough investigation of the planet, but we received a priority one flash message from VAdm Riani Luhan, Chief of Operations for the 2nd Battle Group. We’ve been ordered to make for Starbase Bravo at best possible speeds. Our ETA is 2 days.

End Log

Crew Logs

Ens Nar Ren Tain

Stardate 20808.12

Ensign Nar Ren Tain, Stardate 20808.12

Acting Chief Tactical Officer’s log,

Lt Kapentanaki is still on light duties for the time being, leaving me as the acting Chief Tactical Officer until she returns to active duty. We are heading off to the Rosox System, what will we find when we get there is anyone’s guess. Commander Princip is heading up this mission.

I am a bit sad that I have not had a chance to see Adami but I did manage to send her a message. I did as Adami asked and have been working to improve my relationship with Etin. I must admit that once you get to know him, Etin is not bad company at all.

Etin and I did have a little run in at Bubba’s BBQ but much to my surprise three of our Sheridan crew mates came to our aid, Ensign Peterson and two other by the name of Anderson & O’Halleron.

As I was getting ready to leave a Betazoid named, Lara Jarot approached me and said that she could deliver my message for me. She seems nice enough and said that she heard my thoughts about Adami and being a romantic she felt it was her duty to help. At first, I was a bit upset that she had invaded my thoughts but she assured me that was all she had picked up, as it was so strong a thought that it hit her like a phaser on heavy stun. However, to be on the safe side I didn’t reveal anything mission specific or too personal.

I can’t wait for our current mission to end, to see if Lara was waiting with a reply from Adami.

-End Log.

Cdr Gaelio Princip

Stardate 20808.12

Commander Gaelio Princip, Stardate 20808.12

First Officer's Log

Well, I have finally made First officer. When I first arrived as a midshipman it did not take long for me to assigned as the Chief Medical officer, a position I have held for about 3–4 years now, as much as I loved my job in sickbay, I felt I was stuck, at a dead end, I was good a saving people's lives, but I needed something new, especially after the Orb incident. That shook me so much I needed a change, to help me recover.

As it happens that change came, after our recent battle of 157 where we basically all got killed by some temporal anomally then brought back again, it left some members of the crew... struggling.

In particular was Commander Ralston, I think his midn was already suffering stress from the orlean colony and this tipped him over. The Captaina nd our ships counsellor Doctor Desmond Hume decided he needed lighter duties so he has been assigned to Chief Tactical officer, and that left First officer free.

Me and the Captain met up for a fencing duel on the holodeck and it was there he approched me with the position. I really was thrilled so accepted happily.

Now we are headed for the Rosox system... this should be intresting...

Stardate 20901.06

Commander Gaelio Princip,Stardate 20901.06

I do not know who is listening to this.

I have no doubts however that if you are listening to this then either something extremely intresting has happened or you have a very bizzare job within the federation.

But let me tell you this...

I am troubled.

Stuck on a planet where an entire religion and culture has been formed as a result of non-divinitive action is disturbing. There was the team, on the planet surface, trying to repair a shuttle craft that had crashed years ago.

The thing that most stuck out with me was the religious side... Libson... the shuttle... all had been made into a vast religion for the people of this planet.

Where does this leave me, i am a man who can be sure of nothing, but wants to be assured of everything, i follow no set religion but i experince them all and yet here I now am.

I have nothing, I pray, I think, I debate, and yet all I find is the same thing, doubt, everywhere.

I am not particularly intrested in if there is a divine being that controls us, I am more concerned with whether or not what I am doing in my life actually counts for anything, God would assure that, his non-existence would deny it, I would be stuck.

The more my religious and philosophical troubles strengthen the worse the pain gets, my antenna is where it started... but I fear it spreads... my head aches... my shoulders feel tense.

I dread to go and see McKenzie, for I will not like what I see, I know that. But I must, and I must do what i can to save my soul.

May Peace Be With You.

(It certainly is not with me)

End Log.

And clear the data banks computer you are storing logs that have already been documented! Are you not supposed to be cleared out!

Lt Kylara McKenzie

Stardate 20808.27

Lieutenant Kylara McKenzie, Stardate 20808.27

Chief Medical Officer's Log

I've been aboard the Sheridan for about a week, and already I've noticed a few problems that I'll need to discuss with Commander Princip when I get a chance. Mostly my concerns revolve around the civilians that lurk about sickbay, and their attitudes. I have no problems with Dr. Lamont, but Dr. Antz is another beast entirely.

So far they seem fine with taking orders, but whether that will remain the case is unknown. I wish we had time to drop them off with another ship heading back towards a Federation outpost, but with war looming many of the shipping companies have pulled their assets in close, and charge enormous prices for anything beyond a certain point.

I suppose for the time being I'm stuck with them. I just hope they realize what a favor it is I'm doing by allowing them to assist in sickbay, rather than stick them in the brig until we return to starbase. I hope I'm doing myself a favor in doing that too. Last thing I need are out of control civilians in sickbay.

My only other concern at the moment is Midshipman Darin Calcant, a young Trill who was rejected for a symbiote. He's competent, but he lacks self confidence, and has no desire to excersize authority. Either I'm going to have to teach him to be self confident, or he's looking at a long career at the rank of Lieutenant.

I just hope that the decisions I make turn out for the best, or else I'm going to be in quite a situation.

Stardate 20810.24

Lieutenant Kylara McKenzie, Stardate 20810.24

Chief Medical Officer's Log; Supplimental,

The Sheridan is orbiting Rosox IV trying to retrieve a Federation device without blowing a giant hole in the Prime Directive. So far our away team members have managed to infiltrate the local population, and are proceeding to the device to determine how to get it off the surface without starting the local equivalent of a jihad trying to find it again.

The tension is starting to affect the crew, and it's understandable why. There are too many questions and not enough answers, especially with so many of our senior staff down on the surface. I'm especially concerned with Midshipman Calcant, who has been reluctant to answer my attempts to contact him. Whether he's trying to avoid suspicion or ignoring me, I can't be certain.

Hopefully we'll be able to transport the device back aboard and proceed on our way. I don't like sitting around like this when there are other things that need doing. I think it's time I called on Mr. La'Boe to arrange something intresting for the crew to do to ease the tension. Everyone's going to need to be on high alert for when it comes time to secure the device.

Mid Ekaterina Kuznetsova

Stardate 20812.18

Midshipman Ekaterina Kuznetsova Personal Logs sent via Subspace Communication. Transmission sent: Stardate 20812.18

To: Commander Aleksandr Nikolayevich Kuznetsov, Chief Engineer, USS Raman. CC: Alina Iosifovna Kuznetsova, Chief Geologist, Federation Geological Outpost Tessen III. From: Midshipman Ekaterina Aleksandrovna Kuznetsova, Security Officer, USS Sheridan.

Stardate 20809.04 Midshipman Ekaterina Kuznetsova recording.

Dearest Alya and Sasha,

I miss you both so very much, I'm sorry for not getting in touch earlier but this is the first chance I have had to write to you. I have been on board the USS Sheridan for nearly a week now and it's taking me some getting used to. Oh who am I kidding, I'm scared and the only things I have to keep me going are the promises I made to you. This is really hard for me, I feel so alone. I was so used to being the loudest, most undiciplined, first to start a fight. I was so angry and closed that being a functional member of a Starships crew is sometimes too much.

I'm not making friends very well and I'm being given every menial task on board. Back home I was always surrounded by people I knew, even if I didn't get on with them, and of course you Mama but here? Here I feel empty and can only think of you and Vita. I don't like to go over what happened but its the worst thing when I'm alone because if I had been able to do something then I would have the thought of seeing Vita again to keep me warm at night. I don't mean that to sound harsh towards you two, I love you both very much, you are everything to me now.

But I have to keep going and perhaps you have caught me at a bad moment. I managed to strike up a decent conversation with a colleague today and as they say, small steps. Perhaps I am too guarded and it has only been a week. I have just finished my duty shift and wanted to say a quick hello to you.

Much love, Katyusha.

End Log.

Stardate 20810.10

Stardate 20810.10 Midshipman Ekaterina Kuznetsova recording.

Dearest Alya and Sasha,

Thank you for the communications you have sent me, they are the things that make me smile the most so far from home. I am saving my entries up because I haven't had chance to send them all yet, they are working me hard here! Many congratulations on your promotion papa, Commander Kuznetsov sounds so grand! Perhaps one day I will catch up with you! Mama, I uploaded and framed the pictures you sent me of you and home, they are the last things I see before I close my eyes.

Things are becoming easier now, I feel more like a member of the crew rather than the ignored little fish in the giant pond. I think my English is improving too but sometimes I struggle with sayings and proverbs. I am not so alone anymore, perhaps the time I have spent on board so far has served to thaw me a little. I don't quite feel so restricted by the routine and the rules as I first did. I seem to be getting on with everybody a bit better.

I can't say I have done a lot today but I am beginning to meet a few more faces. I have been walking the decks to try and introduce myself but I fear that this will only serve to interupt people doing their work, everybody does seem so busy. I bumped into the FO today in Sickbay, a friendly individual who always seems to be on duty, he welcomed me aboard the Sheridan over a month ago now. Yet I haven't spent a lot of time among the senior crew, although as a Midshipman I don't see why I should but I hope they have been aware of me.

I fear I am rambling on, I'm going to wrap it up tonite, I'm quite tired and I've pulled the early shift tomorrow. Goodnight Mama, Goodnight Papa.

Much love, Katyusha.

End Log.

Stardate 20810.30

Stardate 20810.30 Midshipman Ekaterina Kuznetsova recording.

Dearest Alya and Sasha,

I don't have time to write a lot now, I rushed here because I haven't written in a while. I have to report in to the Captain for bridge duty in an hour, I think some serious activity is threatening. It will be a break in the other duties that have come my way since my posting. Today I had to conduct a routine check of the forcefields in the Detention Area. Everything was fine but the cynic in me thinks my DH knew that already! Crewmembers must be kept alert at all times it seems.

I hope you are both well, I expect many replies when I get the chance to send this bundle. It is certainly odd writing to you without a reply, I don't know what to tell you sometimes and I do go on and on.

I have been quite frustrated recently. It is so easy for me to be open and expressive to this log and to you but I fear I cannot do the same to my crewmates. I am frustrated that something is stopping me from showing the person beneath the bitter experiences and years of anger and fighting, I don't want a reputation for being cold or aloof. I know I am a nice person but I don't think it comes across very well.

I will be sure to try and maintain my logs and send them when I can. Perhaps when you reply it will be easier for me to know what to say. I love you both and miss you so very much, I will keep you updated.

Much love, Katyusha.

End Log.

Just to explain the backdated Log Stardate: I joined part-way through a mission and when Cdr Princip emailed me welcoming me to the Sheridan he advised that it would be best to assume that Katya had been on board since the start of the current mission. So I read through the Captain's and Mission Logs to find a date (re: Captain Dramar's post in 'Captain's Logs' Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 10:55 am) and so hence the Stardate showing the Log to have been made almost 2 months before I joined This is a log entry to chronicle the gap between Katya coming aboard the Sheridan and the first post on the bridge Stardate 20810.30