November 28, 2107
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
We dropped Vince off at his planet; I watched the whole thing. The shuttle crew reported the cats were hiding and ready to pounce, so they quickly landed, pushed Vince’s carrier out, and fly out as fast as they could. As soon as the shuttle landed, we detected several launches from the planet.
Well, at first we thought they were sending missiles at us, instead it was about a dozen fighters. The Arugula’s engines stopped working. Vince must have sabotaged them. However, our weapon systems were intact.
I would have seen the rest, but I was in damage control. Those tiny ships could fly fast and pack a punch. I should have turned Vince in. I should’ve monitored his work. But look, I couldn’t resist that little furball.
November 28, 2107
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
The crew caught that little furball of trouble while Fred and I were on the Carmack. Honestly, he looks cute and his purring gets to me. Nope, nope, I must resist. I already saw Lieutenant Higgins tried to pet the cat, it took three security officers to subdue him.
No one suspected his race would come and attack us, though. At first we thought it was missiles, but then it was tiny fighters. With pincers. They hit hard but easy enough the puncture the hull.
I was assisting engineering with trying to get the engines online. We speculated our stowaway had something to do with it. Smart little furball. While we were working, the attacks just stopped.
From what I gather, one of the bridge offices suggests we shine a laser on the planet’s surface. Sure enough, the cats flew their tiny fighters toward the arrow. I’ve never seen that many explosions. Within minutes, the engines came on and we booked it out of there.
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December 5, 2107
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
A probe followed us on our way to the next system. We tried hailing it but got nothing. Then it began sending data to the Arugula. However, our firewall blocked most of them, well, all of them except one.
I got curious and opened it. Turns out it was an ad for a Casino Planet. Oh, and it had a virus attached to it. Don’t blame me. I was curious. So this virus took control of the ship’s engines, and now we are heading toward an unknown destination.
So, now I’m assigned to work in the ship’s galley, chopping potatoes and washing vegetables.
December 5, 2107
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
So, as the saying goes, curiosity killed the cat. Fred is not dead. He might be court-martialed. We’ll see. Despite warnings from the Chief Engineer and the Captain, Fred opened one of those spam messages. The message had a virus which infected the entire ship within seconds. Now the Arugula is heading to an unknown destination.
I tried to help fix this problem, but this virus is too advanced. So advanced that it made our computer core sentient. I’m not joking. Oh, and I’m writing this down on pen and paper. I don’t trust this new sentient computer named Marcy.
Ok, I have to confess, I might have told off Marcy. She doesn’t like me. So I’m going to play pool.
Supplemental: Well, the Captain sweet-talked Marcy into releasing the ship. But it was too late. We are now at our destination.
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December 6, 2107
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
We arrived at the planet Galaxy Treasure. Hospitality Incorporated, the owners of Galaxy Treasure, hailed us. The virus was a trick to lure us. HI will remove the virus once every crew member spends at least three days on the planet. After three days, HI will provide a survey to the crew member. Sounds fishy if you ask me.
HI sent us brochures and information about this planet. It seems about seventy percent of the planet is one humongous city. I mean, imagine Vegas and turn it into a megacity! However, when we asked HI about the remaining thirty percent of the planet, they changed the subject and dodged our questions.
My punishment is over, and I’m being transferred back to technician duties. I want to bring Isabella to the planet with me. I love Vegas, but gambling, but not so much. Instead of gambling, I would like to walk around the city with Isabella and enjoy the sights.
December 6, 2107
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Well, it seems everyone must spend time on the planet. If they wanted to or not. Already several groups are on the ground, and well, despite people having fun, there are still duties that need to be fulfilled. So the virus was a prototype Hospitality Incorporated made to send vessels to Galaxy Treasure. The virus was supposed to tell us where it was taking the ship. Oh, and it was not supposed to become sentient. The Captain is trying to save it from being destroyed, arguing that it has evolved into a new life form.
Ensign Mateo brought a bottle of some alien moonshine on board the Arugula. Unfortunately, he dropped the bottle on a live wire, which caused the moonshine to turn into a blob.
The blob killed Ensign Mateo and Ensign Smith. We subdued the blob with a mixture of vitamin B and lemon juice.
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December 13, 2107
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
The virus is still in the computer. Advertisement? What are they calling it? Oh, right, Advir. The advir remains in the computer until the entire crew stays at Galaxy Treasure.
The Captain sent the first officer and half the bridge crew first. Their orders are to assess the situation, gather information, and have fun.
We are splitting up into groups. Initially, I was among the last groups, but Isabella arranged for us to go together. I can’t wait to see a couple of shows and walk along the waterfront of a lake or river. Oh, I need to work on my dance moves.
Honestly, I could use some shore leave. Being couped up on a ship can be challenging. But I can’t wait to get down there and try their version of poker. Back on Earth, I was a skilled poker player, good enough to win some small tournaments. Not skilled enough to play in the big leagues.
Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
I was reluctant to open my messages today. I ran them through my spam filter. One of the other technicians showed me how to open them up in a virtual machine. So, safe to say that I didn’t get any spam messages.
December 13, 2107
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
I held off going down to that planet. Don’t get me wrong, I like some shore leave, but this place seems too sterile. The parks have no trash or leaves, cleaning bots go through the park every half hour and sweep up the leaves and pick up trash. I heard they set the lake to the universal comfort temperature of seventy-two degrees.
What is strange is that if I inquire about the rest of the planet, I’m cut off. HI is hiding something. Nope, can’t be curious. It’ll get me in trouble like Fred. Do I want to be like Fred? No. Oh great, I’m writing this to myself now.
The person who created the schedule neglected to discuss it with the department heads. It seems, every group that goes down to the planet, at least four technicians or engineers, are part of that group. Which means those left behind, like me, have to pick up the slack and take on extra shifts. I look forward to one thing, though, getting kicked out of every casino for counting cards. Heh.
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December 20, 2107
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
It’s my turn to go down to the planet! I’m so excited. I saved up some energy credits to have the Material Synthesizers create a spiffy suit for me. However, Isabella stole the show in her skin-tight blue dress and fancy heels. Oh, I’m so lucky to have her!
We went down to the planet. Vegas has nothing on this. I saw that half the planet is one big city with multiple districts. The buildings and lights had many colors, about a dozen I haven’t seen before.
The casinos were remarkable. I saw some shaped like pyramids, one that looked like a castle from medieval times, even one hovering above a small lake. I’ve been told there was a light show north of the lake.
They gave us credits and told to have fun. Isabella wanted to see this magic show. I wanted to check out the casinos. So we went to the magic show. When we stepped outside after the show, the city’s lights dimmed, and in the sky were shades of blue, purple, and green floating around. We walked to a small pond, sat on a bench, and watched the fireworks.
December 20, 2107
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Energy weapons hit Shuttle-2 as it flew over the forest. When the shuttle docked with the Arugula, the team discovered twelve-inch arrows protruding out of the hull of the shuttle. The science team examined the arrows. Whoever made the arrows made them out of sturdy metal. It’s extremely light, but according to the science officer, if the arrows were sharper, they could have gone through the shuttle. The metal is stronger than the Arugula’s hull.
The science officer concluded a platform launched the arrows. He guesses that it’s an advanced version of anti-aircraft weapons of Earth’s past.
When the Captain asked First Administrator Babom about the arrows, he became defensive and demanded them back. The Captain refused, so the Premier threatened to detain our crewmen. The Captain agreed, and we would hand the arrows to the Galaxy Treasure government.
However, the Captain did not mention how many arrows we had. He intends to keep one for analysis. Our crew might be at risk.
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Date: December 21, 2107
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Before you prejudge me, know that I’m a technician at heart. I like to fix things. So Isabella and I were at a Plunkle Machine. I do not know how it works. There are three flashing levers on the top of the machine, a dozen buttons on the bottom, and multiple prompts on the screen in a language I can’t understand.
We wandered away from our designated area, which made Isabella nervous. Isabella told me that according to the dossier, there are tensions between two civilizations in this region of space. I didn’t read it, by the way. I like to be surprised.
So anyway, HI tries to keep the peace at these casinos. So I take another jab at the Plunkle Machine. The machine started to beep and vibrate. So I opened the control panel, and within a few minutes, I changed the language to English.
That pissed off the Lovo Confederacy, whose dedicated play zone we were in. At first, I couldn’t understand what they were saying. The universal translator couldn’t keep up. Then, about two minutes later, the translator kicked in. Apparently, we insulted their culture. So I apologized, grabbed Isabella’s hand, and we ran out.
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Date: December 21, 2107
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Fred reprogrammed one of their ‘Plunke Machines’ language settings to English. Which almost caused an intergalactic incident. Color me impressed. I didn’t believe Fred had the skills to reprogram an alien computer, but he proved me wrong.
The reason I came to the planet early was to undo the damage caused by Fred’s tinkering. I had to reset the Plunke machine to factory settings. Lucky for me, Fred set the language settings to English. How did he do it? The worst part is Fred impressed the Captain on his tinkering skills, but the captain told me he was more impressed that I could fix his mess.
Because I helped repair the machine, the Captain allowed me to take five days on the planet. The Casino, and by extension HI, offered me a room and a wardrobe. I insisted on choosing my attire. Traditional dresses never suited me.
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Date: December 23, 2107
Ship: USS Arugula Galaxy Treasure
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
So I’m stuck in my suite. No one will tell me anything. Isabella is safe on the ship. She stormed off and told me we were through. While I was moping around, I heard some commotion outside my room.
I peeked open the door and noticed a tall man standing over two of the guards. He was holding a crossbow; it was metallic, and lights were flashing. I asked him who he was; he said his name was Wot, and he said he needed to leave and I was welcome to tag along. So I followed him.
We snuck out of the city through some hidden passageways. Then, we exited into the forest. After what seemed days, but I’m sure it’s hours, we ran into his tribe. I was expecting tents, but they were tiny houses. I think these are the natives of this planet!
He told me he is a part of the T’lan, the original inhabitants of this planet. Wot took me to see the elders. The T’lan planned on storming the city and asked me if I wanted to help. I said yes.
Date: December 24, 2107
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Nothing to report. Everyone except me is in a festive mood on Christmas Eve. I’m worried about Fred. Isabella is too. She regretted saying the things she said, and now he’s missing. Normally, this would be a festive time, but I’m not in the mood to celebrate.
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Personal Log
Junior Technician Fred Williams
Alright, so I learned more about the T’lan. Their ancestors crash-landed on this planet over a century ago. They tried to send a distress signal but were too far out to be picked up by their race. So they settled on this planet and lived a peaceful existence.
This planet, which they call T’lan Prime, was sixty percent desert. The rest is jungle. Even though the desert was hot, they mined for minerals and metal. Then, fifty years ago, Hospitality Incorporated offered the T’lan a deal. HI would reform the dessert into a tourist destination. In exchange, the T’lan would get a quota of minerals and metals.
It turns out HI has been neglecting the deal, so the T’lan has been fighting back. Wot, the man who rescued me, was the T’lan representative. He was supposed to negotiate a deal. However, talks broke down and that is why Wot escaped.
The T’lan expected that might happen. That is why a year ago, they had begun secretly building ships. They plan to storm the city and take the Governor hostage. I agreed to help. I even told them the Captain would help.
The night of the raid, I entered one of their stealth transports. I saw their warriors and their cool crossbows just disappear into the forest. So we quietly entered the city at night, and the advance scout team took out the power in various parts of the city.
Once we landed on the admin building, hundreds of T’lan warriors were in the city and at the facility. We stormed the building and captured Bobom, the Administrator of Galaxy Treasure.
So, after some talking, Administrator Bobom agreed to pay the T’lan. After a night of celebration, they gave me a gift and told me I was a member of their society. Then the T’lan beamed me onto the bridge of the Arugula.
After giving my report to the Captain, he hailed Galaxy Treasure. Although shaken, Administrator Bobom confirmed everything. A T’lan destroyer decloaked in front of the Arugula. They hailed us, and we answered. The T’lan completed their new warship, the Bastion. They plan to stay on the planet and use their ship for defense only. The Captain offered help, but the T’lan refused.
I’m also happy Isabella and I reunited after a long night of ‘talking.’ Oh, and because of my ordeal, the captain gave me extra time off. Without a doubt, this is my most memorable Christmas.
Personal Log
Senior Technician Laura Styles
We thought the worst had happened to Fred. Isabella is in shambles, still beating herself up after what she said to Fred. HI demanded the Arugula leave orbit immediately. So we went, but were behind one of the planet’s moons. Rumor has it the Captain intends on a rescue mission.
Our sensors alerted us that sections of the city’s lights were being turned off. We accessed Galaxy Treasure’s communications and determined they were under attack. Unfortunately, when we contacted First Administrator Bobom about what happened, he was dodgy and hung up.
So the next day, on Christmas, as the Captain gave his bittersweet Christmas Day speech, Fred Williams beamed on the bridge in some clothing that the natives wore. To say it caught everyone off guard was an understatement. As soon as the Captain said, “Fred, is that you?” Isabella rushed to the bridge.
Fred talked about his ordeal on the planet. He said he saved a T’lan and joined them in retaking their planet. A T’lan cruiser decloaked in front of our ship. The T’lan just finished building their starship.
They have reclaimed their planet. Since HI stopped paying the T’lan, the contract is void. The T’lan intend to explore their solar system. They informed us that their planet is open to humanity. The captain told them they were welcome to visit Earth any time.
We offered the T’lan on board for dinner, and their leaders accepted. So, we spent our Christmas day in good spirits. But, as much as Fred was a dork, I missed him.