January 9, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
This is strange, but I have nothing to report out of the ordinary. We are entering an area of space where everything is getting dimmer. As if the stars are disappearing by the day.
Even the repairs seem to die down. It seems nothing is breaking down or catching on fire. I’m in the lounge most days playing cards, even on my shift.
I get to spend additional time with Isabella, which is a plus. Our relationship is strong, and I am considering proposing to her. However, I must find the perfect moment.
Oh, I just got a message. I must great vacuum again. I am close to cutting some wires, just to have some action around here. At first, I welcomed this change of pace, but now it’s downright boring.
January 9, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
When I wished upon a sun, we were passing through that things would slow down here so I could catch a break, I didn’t mean it.
This region of space seems to get dimmer, and the farther we go, the fewer stars we see. Everyone is calling it a void pocket. We even had to turn on our outer lights. One theory is a massive star went supernova and destroyed several solar systems and even caused a chain reaction of other stars.
Fred doesn’t see it, but I do. The crew is getting restless. Tempers are rising, fights have broken out. In response, the Captain granted extra leisure time and permitted the rec deck to be expanded. Engineering also created window curtains for those who wish to avoid gazing into the void.
This makes one wonder what Earth will see when the last light of the stars flickers out. Does the starry night turn into the darkest night? Ok, that’s enough existential talk. I’m going to shoot some pool or darts or bowl.
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January 16, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
I’m on my way to repair some lights. I’m on Deck E, where Dr. Kroeger’s lab is. Security Chief Pavel cleared Kroeger of all charges and could continue his work. The lights have been flickering. I’m convinced power is being siphoned to Kroeger’s lab.
When I told my boss, he sighed and ordered me to focus on my repairs. I can’t concentrate, and I’m getting curious. What is Dr. Kroeger building in there? What is he doing? It was strange. I saw glimpses of people walking down the corridor, but they looked different.
You know what? I’m going to sneak into Dr. Kroeger’s lab. He has no guards nearby, and I’m confident the security cameras are off. So I’ll wait until he goes back to his quarters. Then I’ll sneak in.
January 16, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
I was running some diagnostics on Deck D when the power started flickering. I sighed, and I started tracing where the power drain was coming from. After a few minutes, I discovered it was coming from Dr. Kroeger’s lab on Deck E. I sigh. You know what? I’m going to check it out.
As I head toward Deck E, I wonder why the Captain hasn’t sent that nut job to the brig. Or blow him out of the airlock. I checked the shift register, and it seems Fred is working on Deck E. I’ll have to pay him a visit and ask if he wants to tag along.
Lo-and-behold, as I turn the corner, I see Fred trying to get into Kroeger’s lab. I startled him; he was happy to see me. Fred tried to come up with an excuse. But I silenced him and told him I was curious, too. So together, we broke into Kroeger’s lab.
January 16, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
I’m making an extra log for today. Laura and I entered Dr. Kroeger’s lab and holy cow. We saw tables with either organic material or circuit boards and junk. Flashing computers were all around us, and ahead was a round portal.
Then, Dr. Kroeger stepped out of nowhere and chewed us out. He got angry and activated the portal. He mentioned something about different universes and timelines and paradoxes wrapped in paradoxes. After that, I don’t know. I stopped paying attention to him.
Then Kroeger opened a portal and told us to find him. Laura and I followed him into the portal.
January 16, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
I need to make a second log. This is one of those days. After Fred and I entered the lab, I noticed tables full of alien artifacts, organic materials, and various circuit boards and wires. I even saw a couple of glowing eyeballs in a tank staring at us.
What was this madman building in here? I checked his logs. It seems he’s building everything from a Frankenstein knock-off to weapons that go against every moral code in the galaxy.
The portal on the opposite side of the lab opened. A vortex opened, and Dr. Kroeger walked through. He yelled at Fred and me. When I expressed my frustrations to the good doctor, he responded with laughter. Kroeger opened another portal, taunted us to follow him, and then he went through the portal. So, we followed him.
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January 23, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
I have some free time to make a log. We were still on the Arugula when Laura and I got sucked through the portal, but it was different. We were in an armory, the alert bells ringing. The ship rocked. We were under attack.
Laura and I walked out and noticed the hallways looked different. They were gray instead of white, and dozens of soldiers and crewmen running about. I found a console and gathered information. Apparently, this version of the Arugula is still a military vessel!
I flagged a crewmember down, and he snapped to attention when he turned around. Then Laura pointed at her rank, and I did the same. I’m a lieutenant. I saluted the crewmember and asked him to fill me in on the situation here.
We are invading Canus Prime, but the funny thing is that Canus Prime is United Earth’s ally. I dismissed the crewman. I dismissed the crewman and then got called to Engineering Two. Laura and I didn’t know where Engineering Two was located. It turns out it was around the corner.
January 23, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
It’s been a week since we stepped through the portal. We are on the warship Arugula, not the exploration ship Arugula. Second, we appear to be in a reality where Earth is still involved in the Galactic War.
When we arrived through the portal, the Arugula was part of an invasion fleet surrounding Canus Prime, which, in my reality, is an ally. The ship was getting rocked hard, but judging by the specs I pulled up, she could take the hits and still dish out the damage.
Fred and I were called to Engineering Two. We tried finding it, until we asked a crewman, it is on the same deck as us. So we went to engineering to get our assignments. To make a long story short, Fred is my superior officer. I wanted to scream.
The Chief Engineer assigned Fred to damage control in the engine room while I was on patch duty. I told Fred to open a private channel with me if he needed my help.
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January 30, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
I learned more about this alternate reality. No one is evil, so that’s good. But worse is that Earth, the Confederacy of Planets, or COP, is militaristic and bent on eternal war.
I should mention first that when the Chief assigned me an impossible task, I objected. At first, I thought I would get yelled at, but the Chief patted me on the back and told me it was fine. He’ll find someone else.
After digging around, I find out I’m the Senior Technician and friend to the Captain. I wanted to update my rank on the logs, but Laura swore she would kill me in my sleep. She looked serious. I skimmed through other-Fred’s logs. Being friends with the Captain has its benefits, from choosing what assignments he wanted to coming late to his shift. Unfortunately, from what I’ve gathered, other Fred is a jerk.
So, other-Fred appeared to work his way to the top fast. He and the Captain met in the Academy. I see nothing about Isabella. In fact, I checked the crew logs and found she was not on board bummer. I want to leave this universe.
January 30, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
I’m Fred’s subordinate. Again, I’m Fred’s subordinate, and I want to scream. Alternate Fred is friends with the Captain, and any job he does not want gets thrown on me. That is great, lovely. So it seems we are part of the Confederacy of Planets or CoP. So instead of exploring the universe, Earth vows to conquer it.
I checked the logs of the other Laura. To start, she doesn’t have any addictions, which is nice. However, she is incompetent. Ok, get this. In one entry, her assignment dealt with fixing the Navigation Computer. Unfortunately, mirror me loaded up the wrong software package and made the computer think it was in the middle of the Pacific. Ha! Oh…my…god.. the other me is Fred in this forsaken alternate universe.
After that revelation, I found the nearest supply closet. I walked inside and screamed. As soon as I walked out, my PDA beeped. I had to report to docking bay 4. Fred and I were heading down to Canus Prime.
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February 6, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
The Captain sent Laura and I to Canus Prime to handle the beachhead. The forward command center needs some needed maintenance. My job is to ensure the forward command center operates at 100% efficiency within the week.
Once we got down there, I barked orders that Laura told me to say. I walked around, encouraging the troops to continue their work. I also ensured I had time to make it to the shooting range. So I guess in both universes, I’m a skilled marksman.
For the past few weeks, Laura and I have been plotting our escape. Last night, I discovered a promising lead. While digging through files on this planet, I discovered that Canus Prime has an advanced research facility dedicated to theoretical concepts. Laura suggested going there.
February 6, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
I’m down on Canus Prime. We are to establish a base here for the invading army. This is making me feel uneasy. I have some friends from Canus Prime and visited a few times too.
I should be looking at the Quorum, a massive pyramid dwarfing the city. Instead, it’s a smoldering ruin. So when CoP attacked Canus Prime, they fired everything at the Quorum. It fell, which was a moral blow to the Canusians. However, the Canusians used the destruction as a rallying cry and vowed to avenge the dead.
Anyway, back to the plan. Fred discovered a research facility under the Quorum. I could tap into the pyramid’s remaining computers and determined there was a portal down there. At night, Fred and I will sneak off to the research facility.
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February 7, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Laura and I grabbed some rifles and snuck out of the base. We entered the ruins of the Quorum with no fighting. I felt uneasy, as if we were being watched. At least I’m not at the command center, barking orders at people. I’m not used to being in charge.
We avoided patrols along the way. It seems the Canusians haven’t wholly abandoned the Quorum. We pressed on deeper. Laura reminded me to be quiet and avoid firefights. At first, I suggested fighting our way down, but Laura reminded me the Canusians outgunned us and wouldn’t survive.
Two hours later, we were in the lab. There was so much cool stuff down here. Then Kroeger spoke through an intercom. Laura and I were both shocked that he was still alive. It turns out the good doctor transferred his conscience into a clone body.
Kroeger explained that this was his secret lab, where he could conduct the most unethical experiments he could get away with. Then, he taunted us and dared us to capture the bad doctor.
February 7, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
I was not expecting it would be easy to leave camp, but here we are. I bought some cool-looking rifles, which I’ll take back with us. Ok, Fred and I took a couple of tactical vests. Look, I will not die in some forsaken alternate universe.
Of course, we ran into some patrols. However, we had the element of surprise and could dispatch the patrols. We hurried and discovered a fortified entrance at the bottom. As we descended, we saw warnings posted up on the walls from both CoP and the rebels, warning anyone to turn back.
After pressing on, Fred and I entered the lab, which surprised only Fred was Dr. Kroeger’s central lab. He congratulated us for finding it; now we must search for him and survive his little gauntlet.
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February 8, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
We survived Dr. Kroeger’s gauntlet of his creations, failed creations, and clones. He explained everything to us. Kroeger could figure out a way to travel between multiple universes. In one such universe, he discovered how to clone his body and transfer his conscience to another body. He has dozens of bodies across many planes.
He told us he planted a bomb on Laura and I’s Arugula and would set it off if we didn’t release him. So we agreed to help Kroeger. If we allow him to steal the Jewel of Canus, he will tell us where the bomb is on the Arugula. I remember that the Jewel of Canus was at the top of the Quorum. Kroeger claims it survived the bombings.
Doesn’t sound so bad. We grab a jewel and give it to Kroeger. He will take us back to our universe and diffuse the bomb. So I grabbed some armor and weapons. We tied up Kroeger and made sure he was under guard.
February 8, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
I want to punch Kroeger in the face so frigging bad. After two hours of him making lab rats out of us, we had him cornered until he gave us an ultimatum. We help him retrieve the Jewel of Canus, or the Arugula gets blown up. Fred and I agreed, but I know something Fred doesn’t. The jewel of Canus is enormous. It’s forty feet high.
I was going to ask Kroeger how we would transport said jewel, but he shushed me. He insisted he come with us, and I reluctantly agreed. I don’t know why he wants this jewel so much. He tracked the Jewel about four miles away, in a mountain.
I remember seeing the Jewel of Canus. The red crystal glowed with the sun. I felt a strange energy when I got near it. Some claim they could hear a voice. I didn’t hear one. I think it’s a trick of the mind.
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February 21, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
It’s been a while since I made a log. When we left the Quorum, the shelling began. We had to leave now. We spent the day evading patrols and artillery. I even saw an orbital bombardment from the mountains. It was fun! Laura didn’t look too happy.
It rained when we left the city. We had to find shelter. It’s the rainy season, and it gets cold at night. Laura grabbed an instant tent near the ruins. We slept in the tent during the night. We even tied Kroeger up and gagged him. His talking was annoying us.
We woke up with weapons on our faces. The resistance found us. We tried to explain ourselves, but they gagged us with some strong tape across our mouths. We were forced to march to their hideout. As soon as their leader emerged from a cave, I recognized her. It was Isabella.
February 21, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
I know I haven’t made a log in several days. I was a little busy trying to survive. While walking, I asked Kroeger again how to transport a gigantic crystal. All he did was smile. I want to smack his smug face. I don’t enjoy being in the dark. But, since I was familiar with this mountain pass, I took the lead.
I wonder if our other selves appeared through the portal? I hope not. They might cause trouble on my Arugula. Or maybe we possess their bodies. You know what, no, thinking about paradoxes gives me a headache. I’ve always enjoyed the rainy season, but somehow this one feels sad. It’s because of the war and destruction. During this season in our universe, the Jewel has a blueish tint.
What does Kroeger want with the jewel? I mean, it’s just a crystal. Well, no, I take that back. The Jewel powers up the Quorum.
We went to sleep in an abandoned house and woke up with rifles in our faces. The rebels found us. They gaged us and took us to their encampment, where we met their leader, Isabella.
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Personal Log
Fred Williams
I tried to run up to Isabella to give her a hug, but her guards intercepted me. They hit me several times. The rebels chained us inside a tent while trying to figure out how to deal with us.
The rebels already knew we were going after the jewel. Dr. Kroeger has been trying to get the Jewel of Canus for himself. He’s sent his goons, but they were all killed. One of Isabella’s men interrogated us for over two hours. We hardly talked.
I asked to see Isabella, but a guard punched me in the gut. After the guards went to bed, Laura loosened her rope.
She got herself free and then untied my bindings. Laura gagged Kroeger and ordered him to stand. Next, Laura put some handcuffs she found on Kroeger. Then, we took advantage of the rainstorm and could slip past the guards.
We snuck out of the camp. We tried to sneak into the mountain, but an entire platoon was guarding the entrance. Laura snuck into camp to search for a pad. While Laura was away, Kroeger mumbled something. So I loosened his gag. He told me to abandon Laura. He promised me riches. I told him off and put the gag back on.
Laura came back with a pad and loaded up a real time map of the mountain. The rebel camps were clearly marked, and we could keep track of troop movements. On the map, we discovered a smaller entrance. After a long walk and two close calls with patrols, we reached the entrance. There were only two guards posted. Laura and I ambushed the guards, hid their bodies, and all three of us went inside the mountain.
We followed the map until we got to the Jewel Chamber. The Jewel of Canus is humongous! It was glowing blue, and Kroeger was excited. He ran up and touched it, but an electrical shock repelled him back. He looked at Laura and me and said, “She wants to talk to you.” Then Kroeger passed out.
Laura and I just shrugged and placed our hands on the crystal. As soon as Laura and I placed our hands on the crystal, it transported us into a large throne room. A huge, red dragon was ahead of us, looking at us. Then the dragon transformed into a woman with fiery red hair. She approached us.
Personal Log
Laura Styles
The rebels captured us, tortured, and beaten. I’m surprised Fred lasted as long as he did. I thought he was going to lose it. We told them everything we knew, which is the truth. But they didn’t believe us.
They tied us to some posts inside a tent, but I already came up with an escape plan when the guard left the tent. I rubbed the rope against the post until I broke free. Then I untied Fred and Kroeger, and we left the tent quietly. The sound of the rainstorm muffled our escape. After procuring some weapons, we found a map of the side entrance. I now remember this mountain.
This is Mount Bel. I camped here once, and now in this strange universe, it is enemy territory. At night, one might gaze upward and see the stars. Especially the Remus star cluster, with half the stars of various colors.
We press on. I must remind myself that this is not the Canus Prime I know. This isn’t the universe I know. We reached the entrance, ambushed the guards, and then entered the mountain.
We followed the map until we entered the Antechamber. The Jewel of Canus was blue and upright on a gold platform. I swore I saw something move inside it. Kroeger, that idiot, ran up to the Jewel and touched it.
Kroeger recoiled back from shock, looked at us, and said, “She wants to talk to you.” He collapsed. Fred and I walked to the crystal and touched it. The crystal transported us into a massive throne room.
Fred and I were inside the center of a massive throne room. I looked around. Red and gold accents dominated the room. Roman pillars adorned the edge of the room, and before us, a massive dragon.
The dragon transformed into a tall, curvy, and exquisite woman. Her red, curly hair touching her skin tight-mmmm ok Laura stop. She had a smirk on her face. I am intrigued, but very cautious.
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February 23, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
It’s been two days since we met Mariel, the dragon trapped inside the Jewel of Canus. She needed us to free her from the crystal. In exchange, she will send us home. Laura and I refused her offer and left. Dr. Kroeger was mad. I agreed with Laura. Something didn’t sit right with Mariel. She had villain vibes.
It took us two days to trek down the mountain because of the rain worsening and increased patrols. After we descended the mountain, a particle beam from the sky obliterated the ruins of the Quorum. We hurried up the hill and sought refuge in a nearby cave.
We reluctantly returned to the cave with no other options and agreed to help. Our mission is to retrieve the scythe. Mariel sensed the scythe is at the base of the mountain. Next, we go back to the crystal and use the scythe to hit it.
February 23, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
After telling Mariel no, we headed back into camp. Look, I read enough fantasy to never make a deal with dragons. I should note, though, that if we ever get back to our universe, I recommend Canus Prime look into the crystal atop the Quorum.
I hot-wired a truck. When we reached the mountain’s base, a Class 12 orbital beam destroyed the ruins of the Quorum. I’ve never seen one in action. This beam has multiple modes and can decimate a planet in minutes. We went back up the mountain to seek shelter in the cave.
So now we have no choice but to help Mariel, even though I don’t trust her. I know she has an ulterior motive. I can sense it in her voice.
Somehow, she was aware of the events. She said, and I quote: “Well, well, well, it seems your people’s actions have delivered you to me.” I flipped her the bird and asked what the assignment was.
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March 2, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
After talking to Mariel, we sneaked into the camp. However, we had to do something with Kroeger, and she agreed to babysit him. I don’t think she was pleased. Laura and I entered the camp. We found the tent, but there are guards posted at each corner.
The new plan is Laura, and I will disguise ourselves as rebels. We found a makeshift laundry tent and stole some clothes and put them on. We could blend in. Everything went well until the shelling started. It seems CoP forces want to take this mountain, and Laura and I got separated. I ended up with a squad. My new commanding officer gave me a weapon and told me to fight.
My squad marched down the mountain and waited on a nearby road. I’m assuming we are going to ambush the attackers. After a few minutes of waiting, we marched on. My squad leader assigned me to sniper duty. I impressed my squad leader when I eliminated an entire enemy squad in just five minutes. I wonder how Laura is doing.
March 2, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Well, the ruse is up. Fred and I somehow got separated. When I went into camp, Isabella recognized me and had me tied up. I tried to explain myself, but she hit me! Then she had me thrown into a tent and shackled.
About an hour later, Isabella came into the tent. She told me her platoon was guarding the Jewel. She explained to me the ancient Canusians imprisoned Mariel for centuries. If I free her, she will cause the destruction of Canus Prime.
Isabella then taunted me. She said once she finds Fred, she’ll torture him to death and then me. She kept teasing me until I slapped her. Well, I unintentionally challenged her authority, and now we have to fight to the death.
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March 4, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
After holding back the enemy’s advance using guerilla-style tactics, we headed back to camp. I feel some sort of bond with these soldiers in our unit. We had to hold back a blitz from CoP forces; they tried to storm the mountain, but we had terrain advantage and could retreat into the mountain.
News spread about a challenge to Isabella’s command. Oh no! Even though she is different, I still feel some feelings toward her. So I ran as fast as I could into camp. I wanted to root for her and cheer for her. When I got to the arena, they finished introductions and were about to fight.
I tried asking around, but no one could give me a straight answer. So I pushed and shoved my way to the front to see who Isabella was fighting. It was Laura.
March 4, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
This has to be the worst band of rebels ever. So, this duel to the death takes two days to prepare. The fight had to get approval from the elders, and then we had a press conference. No, I’m not joking, honestly I think the rebels are using this as a morale boost. So, of course, the parties. A lot of parties. And then the preparations.
Isabella fights dirty, so I’m told. Which is fine because I don’t fight clean, either. Before we entered the arena, we were both given introductions by an announcer. Then we picked our weapons. Isabella picked a pike, and I decided on two short swords. Then, after a handshake, the fight started.
Isabella and I circled around the arena while facing each other. I made the first move and charged. As I charged Isabella, she blew dirt in my direction with her pike. I flinched and covered my face. Then, I turned around and dodged out of her thrusting pike. I tried to hit her with the sword, but she parried.
We danced and parried, trying to one-up each other. Then, Isabella kicked dirt into my face. I dodged it, turned around, grabbed her extended pike, pulled her close, and impaled my sword into her heart.
Sorry, Fred.
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March 8, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams.
I ran away after Laura killed Isabella. I know she’s not my Isabella, but her eyes. She looked right at me when Laura stabbed her. I ran into the woods and cried.
It was the fourth day or third; I lost track. I was skipping rocks across a lake. There was a crunching noise behind me as someone was walking up to me. I grabbed my pistol, and I turned and saw a woman approach. I could not help but notice that her hair was on fire, and her skin had an orange tint.
It was Mariel. She could project herself briefly from the crystal. Mariel told me I shouldn’t be upset, and we talked it over. After talking it over, Mariel kissed me on the forehead, and I felt as if the pain and sadness lifted from me. She reminded me we must complete the mission. I shouldn’t blame Laura. She didn’t kill my Isabella. Mariel was right. My Isabella is still alive.
I went back to Laura, who was now parading around. She ran to me and apologized, but I told her I had forgiven her. I reminded her of the mission; she retrieved the scythe, and we headed into the mountain.
March 8, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
After I killed Isabella, I cheered. Then, I turned around and saw Fred, and my heart sank. He ran off crying, poor guy. This made my victory bittersweet. I tried looking for him for several days and even sent out some search parties. But, unfortunately, no one could find him.
I wish Fred would come back soon. I’m worried about him. It’s hard sleeping at night. I feel some guilt, but for him to see me deliver the final blow? That did it for me. Being in charge sucks. I am way over my head, but I could bluff my way through.
Some positive news, at least the enemies’ attacks stopped. However, Intel says that the enemy is regrouping and plan on assaulting the mountain soon. I also caught wind that the Free Planets Coalition destroyed the Arugula, who, I’m told, has been fighting CoP for years.
After four days since Fred left, he came back. He seemed calmer and willing to talk it over. I felt better after talking to Fred, as if a great weight was lifted from my conscience. Now, time to finish our mission and go home.
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March 9, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams.
I came back to camp. Laura and I talked briefly. I told her Mariel opened my eyes and made me realize I should be mad at Laura. Laura seemed concerned about me and suggested I see the doctor when we return to our prime universe. I told her I will. Now I take comfort in knowing that my Isabella is waiting for me.
Laura and I grabbed the scythe. We headed up into the mountain. As soon as we entered the chamber, Kroeger came out of stasis. I hit the crystal with the scythe and it cracked. When the mountain shook, we all fled the chamber. We booked it for the transport, and Laura punched it down the mountain.
The peak exploded, and Mariel emerged and yelled: “At long last, I am free from this eternal torment! Now I shall exact revenge on this world and reform it into my kingdom! All shall tremble before my feet! I am Mariel. I have spoken!”
Did we do the right thing?
March 9, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Mariel said her little speech. I didn’t listen. Don’t care. I wanted her to fulfill her end of the bargain. She admitted she didn’t have the means to send us back. So she lied. No surprise there. But, hey, at least she promised not to kill us on account of us helping her.
After that minor revelation, Kroeger conveniently remembered he had a secondary portal on this planet. So he openly gave us the location. He’s now getting desperate. Good.
I want to go home and be done with this forsaken place. I want to punch Kroeger in the face so hard, over and over, until his own mother won’t recognize him. But that won’t solve anything, now will it, Laura? But it would feel good.
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Personal Log
Fred Williams
Laura, Kroeger, and I spent a day traveling to the secondary portal. Kroeger mentioned he set it to be destroyed as soon as we entered the portal. We had to camp out for the night. I couldn’t sleep well because of the roars of the dragons and the screaming of the canusians. Mariel’s army was sleeping deep within the planet and was waiting for her orders.
We woke up to a patrol passing through. At first glance, I thought the patrol was Canusians. Instead, it was lizard-head people. Laura later told me they were dragon kin and were part of Mariel’s forces. They just waved at us and kept walking. After breaking camp, we rode a skimmer to Kroeger’s secret lab. He was kind enough to give us the exact coordinates.
Laura tackled the doctor as soon as we stepped out of the portal. After confirming we were in the right universe, Laura tackled Kroeger, and we bound him. We alerted the Captain, and a security detachment descended on the lab within seconds. It turns out we were only gone for four days. The captain wanted all three of us under observation and quarantined for five days. We spent that time filling out reports and talking about our ordeal multiple times.
It turns out command wanted the Captain to get as much information from us as possible and not to destroy Kroeger’s lab. As for Kroeger, the Captain ordered him to be put in cryostasis until our return to Earth.
On a personal note, I cried when I saw Isabella. Laura couldn’t bear to look at her. I thought I would be stuck in another universe and have to deal with a dragon for the rest of my life. But now that I’m back, I have this uneasy feeling. What if dragons are in our universe? No matter. At least tonight, I’ll be sleeping with my Isabella.
Personal Log
Laura Styles
I knew it. I knew Mariel was lying. So why did I help her? Because I was told to be more trusting, look where that got me. So as she terrorized the planet and awaken her ‘children,’ we took off. Mariel’s children are a mixture of smaller dragons, humanoid dragons, and whelps.
So, as we were figuring out what to do, Kroeger conveniently remembered his second secret lab on this planet. We had to camp overnight, and Kroeger assured us he would program the destruct sequence to blow up his lab when all three of us enter the portal.
We came across several dragonkin patrols. They were friendly toward us. They thanked us profusely for helping their “mother.” Honestly? I don’t feel that bad. Not my universe.
We found the portal. Kroeger activated it, and I ensured he programmed the self-destruct sequence. As soon as we exited the doorway, I confirmed we were in the right universe. Then I tackled Kroeger and told Fred to contact security.
Fred and I spent hours being questioned by various department heads. Laura and I had to write a detailed report on our time in the other universe. Fred and I were dismissed because of our constant yawning. However, the questioning will continue tomorrow.
I’ve been avoiding Isabella. I can’t bear to see her. All I can think of when seeing her is driving a sword into the other Isabella’s heart. I’m going to hit the gym and run a boxing simulation. That always helps.