Date: September 22, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
When I woke up, the first thing I noticed was the room was dark. The only illumination came from my pod. There was no attendant to greet me. In fact, I had to open the pod myself. I stumbled out of the cryo pod and nearly collapsed. I got up, held onto the pod, and moved my legs around. As soon as I regained strength, I slowly walked toward a station. I felt like I was walking for the first time. I checked the logs, and I was asleep for nearly a month.
Well, the ship went through an ion storm and lost some power. The good news is protocols kicked in and saved the Arugula, but at the expense of some pods. I checked the list of the dead. Thank goodness Isabella was not on the list.
I looked over at what needed to be fixed. The computer seemed to go a little haywire and triggered a triage program. I tried to check the sensors, but even they are minimal. Now I must find a way to restore the ship to full power.
The computer wouldn’t let me revive the rest of the crew. I could only wake my work partner, Laura. She will not be happy.
Date: September 22, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
When I woke up, it was darker than usual. I thought I had died until Fred told me to calm down and told me about the situation. He told me I’ve been asleep all this time. I feel like crap. I told Fred to get me water and some food. It’s going to take a while for me to get accumulated.
Fred and I checked the computer’s logs, and I could get a proper sitrep. Unfortunately, the ship couldn’t avoid an ion storm and went through it. Unfortunately, we lost some people. I noted that Fred and I must investigate why the Arugula didn’t do a course correction. Something is not right.
Well, Fred and I figured out that there is a hole in the starboard side. The pirates hid a bomb. The question is, how did anyone not hear or feel the explosion?. I checked the logs. It seems as if the computer changed the cycles. Did someone tamper with our computer?
What bothers me is the computer didn’t bother to wake the command staff or anyone more qualified than Fred and me. I checked their vitals, and everything seemed to be okay. However, when I try to wake them, I’m denied access.
Fred reminded me I’m in charge now. Great. On a personal note, I will retire when we get home and work for a civilian shipping company or something.
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Date: September 29, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Something is not right here. The computer won’t let us revive anyone else. There is an enormous gaping hole in the hull, and the computer didn’t bother to alert anyone? Something sounds fishy.
We couldn’t even send a signal out to command because the computer locked us out. So we are on our own. After taking over for several hours about what to do, we devised a plan.
We will cut pieces of walls near the hole and weld them onto the hull. I know that area won’t be as secure as the rest of the ship. But, hopefully, that will unlock the computer and allow us access to more systems.
Date: September 29, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician laura styles
Ok, so I figured out how to patch the hole. Laura and I are going to cannibalize other parts of the ship. By my calculations, ten pieces of a corridor wall are as thick as the hull armor. And the corridor walls are as thick as a house wall. Thank goodness we have access to the exoskeletons, so picking up a wall should be like picking up a piece of paper.
I’m glad they make us technicians keep our welding skills up. But Fred is not used to hostile environment welding. I am. I had to master it to become a Senior Technician. However, patching up a hull while going at insane speeds on Zero-G was not in training.
Now I am getting suspicious about this computer. It claimed it was following regulations by only waking Fred and me. It could be just me, but I think it gave me attitude when I further pressed it for answers. When we have completed patching the hull, Fred and I will pay a visit to the server room.
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Date: October 6, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
So Laura showed me how to weld in a hostile environment. At first, I was afraid. But once I got used to it, hostile environment welding is fun!
Sure, I had to keep one hand gripped with the welder and the other holding onto a strut. Oh, and definitely watching my step. If we needed to weld a wall in, we needed to bring down a force field. Luckily, the exoskeleton also insulates when required, and the magnetic boots helped with not being sucked into space. Needless to say, we had to do a dance to weld them in.
But you know what fun is? These exoskeletons! I could sprint for miles, not be tired, and pick up heavy munitions without a sweat. What’s nice about the exo-skeletons is the suit is small that I could fit through doors with no hassle. I wanted to wear this all the time, but Laura said no.
We work about ten hours a day and have a lunch break. We should be able to patch up the hull in no time. I miss Isabella. Every morning when I wake up, I go to her pod first, talk to her and blow a kiss at her. In the evening, I talk to her about my day, blow a kiss, and head to my bunk.
Date: October 6, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
I have to say Fred has been an excellent team member. He was hopeless at first, but he changed. I think it was Isabella, a kind and a beautiful woman who saw something in Fred.
I had someone too. Cathy was supposed to join me. But she and I broke up right before we launched. So she transferred to another ship. I never got over the breakup, and I figured I let it fester inside of me. So, I took it out on Fred, which I now regret. But I’m glad he and I talked things over.
I went back to the computer core. To my surprise, the pirates have an inhibitor attached to the computer core. About ten years ago, a pirate crew raided a research vessel that contained a mini supercomputer from an alien civilization long dead. The pirates could reverse engineer it and turn it into an inhibitor.
The pirates installed the inhibitor on a ship’s computer to gather information and disrupt the ship’s functions. Its purpose was to cripple the ship and allow more pirates to board the Arugula. From the looks of it, the inhibitor took some damage. Hmmm, it looks like some shoddy installation. Whoever installed it did a poor job.
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Date: October 13, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Well, now we have two problems. The hull is one, but now the inhibitor. Laura explained to me what an inhibitor does. So it attaches to a ship’s computer and causes havoc on the ship. This one is preventing us from reviving the rest of the crew.
So with that said, we had to perform surgery. My job is to remove the device while Laura monitors power levels and confuses the inhibitor. However, as expected, it threatened to reveal our secrets to the crew.
The computer threatened to reveal to Isabella and the rest of the crew how I knocked up the plant-Isabella. I don’t want her to know, so I’m unsure what to do. Laura had the same dilemma. It was threatening to reveal certain aspects of her past.
Date: October 13, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
So I found where the inhibitor is located. The main computer core, of course. They hid it well. It cut off all access to the main computer core as soon as Fred and I found its actual location. I’ll admit it will be a little tough getting it out. I gained access to more systems until the inhibitor caught on and locked me out. But I could encode my work with an enhanced cypher I stored on my personal storage stick.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
I sent Fred to prep the tools, but I stayed because I knew what it would do. It’s going to blackmail me. I can remove these devices, nothing too complicated. The hard part is negotiating with it.
Alright, I should come clean then. During my youth, I was involved with some sketchy crews. I got caught and had to serve time. I received a light sentence because I made a plea deal with the court. The court sealed my records as part of the deal. Well, I’m confident I’ll get a court martial this time.
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Date: October 14, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Ok, I’m going to bite the bullet. I’m not giving in to this talking box. I’m going to assist Laura in getting rid of it. If that means I must come clean with Isabella when the inhibitor reveals that I accidentally slept with plant-Isabella so be it.
So tricking the inhibitor was easy. Laura snuck into the computer core and talked to the inhibitor. Meanwhile, I hooked up a non-networked computer to the cryo pods. When Laura gave me a signal, I disconnected the cryo pods from the Arugula’s network. Then, I hooked them up to the local machine. That way, the inhibitor can’t threaten to shut off the cryo pods.
Welp, it turns out it was a decoy. When Laura disabled it, we heard a laugh from the ship’s systems. It called itself Dave, and it’s at the secondary computer core. Dave blocked all physical access to the secondary computer core.
Date: October 14, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Well, that was a bust, and I’m royally pissed. I expected the pirates to pull something like this. I knew it was too easy. Cracking the codes leading to the core didn’t take long. Also, the automatic turrets didn’t go on. If this thing had been intelligent, it would have activated the turrets.
These pirates pulled a fast one on us. Dave blocked all access to the secondary computer core. The good news is, because of Dave’s hubris, I could lock Dave out of most of the ship’s systems. But I couldn’t lock Dave out of the ship’s speakers. Luckily for Fred and me, we have earbuds.
Now we have to waste time pinpointing the real inhibitor. Great, the ship is rocking again. I always have a tablet on me to fight off our little intruder. Dave is attempting to hack the Arugula’s navigational control. There were some close calls, but I thwarted Dave from crashing the ship. So before we sleep tonight, I better make a reminder to set the firewall at 100%.
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Date: October 15, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
We thought we had the inhibitor until it taunted us through the speakers. It sounded like a cartoon villain. I know I couldn’t take Dave seriously. So Laura and I had to reach the secondary computer core. Dave locked down every entrance to the secondary computer. Also, Dave could activate some defense turrets near the computer. During the refit, nobody removed the defense turrets near the computer core.
Laura and I tried to shoot the turrets. We did minor damage to them. Laura brought up the specs on the turrets. Laura discovered that the turret’s armor was made of Damascus Titanium. So we had to find a different way. We cut power to the turrets. Which was no easy feat. We had to find the primary power source for the turrets.
Laura told me the steps to start the shutdown sequence. First, we both had to be at two stations. Second, we would have to turn the key and simultaneously press a red button at our stations. Third, we have to turn the key back and walk away. Laura and I decided that method would take time. So we cut power to the internal defense systems. Laura ran and told me to book it. When I got to the core, she was talking to that.. thing.
Date: October 15, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
I ran as fast as I could for the inhibitor the moment Fred and I deactivated the turrets. I regret leaving without Fred, but I needed to remove this thing from my ship. Once I reached the entrance to the inhibitor, I opened the doors and yelled at it. I heard a voice from the box. It sounded more natural, like a living thing.
Initially, Dave wanted to negotiate with me. I said fat chance, but then the weirdest thing happened. It told me it was a brain. I thought it was bluffing until the inhibitor opened its outer casing to reveal a brain.
It was green, with many ridges shaped like a smooth cartoon heart. And it glowed when it talked. I agreed to save it, but I’m putting it into cryostasis. It screamed and refused to go into cryo. We argued back and forth. Then it grew nerve endings, and I realized what it would do.
I’m not letting that thing inhabit my body. So I shot it multiple times, and the nerve endings retreated. Then I stuffed it in my bag, went to the nearest lab and burned it. Then I took its ashes and sent them off into space.
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Date: October 22, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Laura unhooked the inhibitor from the computer core. She explained Dave was a brain, and it wanted to take over her body. I wish I had been there. We saved the crew and mourned the loss of those who died. We could wake the command crew. The Captain ordered more techs and engineers to fix the hull.
Luckily, the inhibitor didn’t spill the secret that I fathered a child with the plant version of her, so that’s a relief. Now it’s back to repairing the hull and ensuring the ship is intact.
On a lighter note, the Captain promoted me to technician! This is the happiest day of my life. Hip, hip, hooray!
Date: October 22, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Well, Fred and I did it. We saved the ship and crew. I had to explain what happened to the Captain and senior staff three times. The Captain and the senior staff were astonished, but understood what we had to do.
The captain offered me a promotion. I declined. Once we get to Earth, I’ll travel, probably to Luna or Mars. Then I’ll get a job in the private sector. I know I’ll be in high demand once we call home.
I’m glad Fred received a promotion. He deserved it. He has grown through trial and tribulation. I now see a bright future for that man.
I’m also leading the crew to fix the hull repairs, which should be another week, since we have the entire crew at our disposal. But, unfortunately, we had to slow down the ship, so that would add another month to our journey.
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Date: November 1, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Technician Fred Williams
Promoted. Wow, I still can’t believe I’m promoted. Isabella and I had a date in a corridor. Some of the crew set up a table and chairs, while the chef made spaghetti.
As for our trip home, we are now within Union space. The fleet sent several vessels to escort the Arugula home. The escorts will be trailing us at high speeds and have the Arugula’s command codes if they need to slow down the ship in an emergency. That said, everyone will enter stasis. We should be home in a month.
As I entered my stasis pod, I thought of being with Isabella on Earth. We agreed to find work on a planet or space station. Somewhere safe for a family. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my tour on the Arugula, but raising a family in space is dangerous. I’m going to miss the excitement. I heard of a new station under construction on the edge of the solar system. Maybe Isabella and I can ask for a transfer.
Date: November 1, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Welp looks like we have a month to go before we head to Earth. The Arugula is being escorted by the 7th fleet. The main cruiser, the Aventine, is directly in control of the Arugula’s systems. During the rest of the voyage, the crew of the Arugula will be in stasis. Command believes this will bring our ship faster to Earth.
I’m still committed to leaving the service once we return to Earth. I have so much experience that I’m certain I could secure a highly profitable job in the civilian sector. In addition, I heard some Corporation has openings on Mars. I might apply there.
For now, I might just use my collected money to travel to New Vegas on Terra Nova. Terra Nova is more beautiful than Earth, with greener grass and bluer oceans. Well, I can dream of it in my pod.
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Personal Log
Technician Fred Williams
The computer woke everyone on the ship three hours before we arrived on Earth. It was the Captain’s idea. He wanted everyone awake so we could see Earth on approach. After showering and eating, I took Isabella to the private lounge I booked.
The ship slowed down a bit, and the further we approached Earth, the slower the Arugula went. Feeling the Arugula slowing down was fun, but Isabella was on the verge of throwing up. I had to hold her in my arms, but I didn’t mind.
I’ll admit I will miss exploring, but it’s time to put down some roots. My time here has made me grow. I had some fun along the way, but there was also danger. Meeting new civilizations and coming across strange new worlds was the highlight of my career, and meeting Isabella.
As for Laura, I’m glad she had the patience with me. I was tough to work with, but we understood each other after bonding on the Carmack.
Once Earth was in view, I proposed to Isabella. I made a ring from scrap, and the diamond was from a trading post. She said yes.
Personal Log
Senior Technician Laura Styles
Well, I can’t say I miss Earth, but seeing it again puts a smile on my face. But I must admit it will be bittersweet being on Earth again.
While I’m on Earth, I’ll attempt to reach out and rebuild relationships with those I hurt. Some may not take me up on my offer of reconciliation, and I’m ok with that. As a result, I have a newfound sense of calm. Besides, I’m getting multiple messages from potential employers. So I’ll stick with my plan. No need to rush.
After a shower, I found a small corner of lounge 24b. This is a little-known lounge. Few people here, which I prefer. Once Earth came into view, I gave a small toast and sipped on my 4th cup of tea. Abigail came to my table and asked if she could sit with me. She was one of the technicians in engineering.
Four hours later and she and I were still talking. I asked what she was doing on shore leave, and she said she had no plans. So now she’s joining me on my vacation, and life is looking up.
Personal Log
Captain Ricardo Santiago
Today I met with two of the best officers I ever had the privilege of commanding, Laura Styles and Fred Williams. Even though their respective journeys started out rocky, I saw potential and faith in both of them. Of course, I knew of Laura’s troubled past, even her stint with pirates. But everyone has done stupid things in their youth, have they not?
Fred’s heart was always in the right place. I always believed it. Although he seemed spacy or incompetent, I believe going through the fire as it will have forged him into the man he is today. So when they both announced they were leaving the service, I was heartbroken. And when I was told Isabella was leaving too, well, I knew she was in good hands, and she’ll get him out of trouble.
Laura is now engaged to a wonderful woman, Abigail. From what they told me, they aren’t in a rush to get married. Abigail was also a member of the crew. I was sad to see her go, but happy to see her thrive. She was one of my best engineers. But seeing Laura and Fred and their partners this happy, well, it makes me happy.
After leaving the service, Laura and Abigail traveled for a year. They traveled to several continents on Earth and the Lunar Colony. On the moon, they swam in Lake Armstrong. Amazing lake, built under one of the Lunar domes. Dirt imported from Earth. They even visited Pluto and skied on its mountains in the domes!
After a year of travel, Laura and Abigail opened a bed-and-breakfast on the moon, next to Lake Armstrong. Business has been booming, and they have done well for themselves. As I was talking to Laura, I realized she finally found her peace. I see it in her eyes and hear it in her voice. She finally found what she was looking for.
Fred and Isabella have been quite busy. Fred and Isabella both retired from the service. They both worked in the private sector for several years, and then, with the money they saved, they opened up a farm on the Mars colony. They could grow corn, soybeans, and wheat. Granted, it’s under a dome, but it was no small feat. I hear they are making a killing and selling their product to Earth citizens. The novelty of eating food grown on another planet will never wear out.
Currently, Isabella and Fred have three children and are expecting another. I must say they have been quite busy! Fred manages the farm and workers. I witnessed him working in the field during my visit. In a twist of irony, Fred also repairs any farm equipment that breaks down. Isabella helps with the administrative and logistics side. She helped market and navigate the bureaucracy of selling vegetables to Earth.
When they said their goodbyes, I couldn’t help but shed tears. I felt as if they were my children. Now I must depart. I’m about to start my last tour of duty before retiring. Godspeed, Laura and Fred. I’m proud of you two.