Date: March 16, 2108
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Ship: USS Arugula
We had a couple of skirmishes with the Bacterians. Over the course of just a few days, their attacks increased. Luckily, we could fend them off and take the hits. But the last battle took out some chunks of the hull. They hit cargo bay 4, which housed raw materials for repairs. The impact from Bacterian heavy cannons tumbled around some volatile containers in the cargo bay. The explosions disintegrated everything in the cargo hold.
I’m so grateful the cargo bays are reinforced with Saturn steel. They held heavy munitions when the Arugula was a warship back in the day. I had to help clean up and inventory the missing items.
The ship is running on seventy percent power because of a piece of the hull being ripped off. The Captain ordered sections of the Arugula to be powered down. We sent shuttles ahead of the Arugula to look for any planet, space station, or natural resources. The Chief chose Laura to go on the away team, lucky. I wanted to go. In the meantime, I’m busy repairing the damaged areas on the ship.
Date: March 16, 2108
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Ship: USS Arugula
We keep on getting attacked by the Bacterians. The Bacterians asked us to surrender multiple times, which the Captain refused. They kept on poking at us, trying to find soft spots. Then, they brought out their big guns and sent a capital ship after us. It fired some energy weapon that took out a chunk of the hull.
Back in the day, the Arugula was originally a warship, but someone repurposed it as an exploration vessel. During the conversion process, the Arugula was stripped of most of its armaments. However, the thick, reinforced hull of the Arugula remained untouched.
So it was impressive that their beam could punch through our hull. After some maneuvers, we could cripple the Bacterians flagship. The Captain showed mercy and didn’t destroy the vessel. Showing mercy to an enemy showed respect in Bacterian society, so they backed off and promised not to attack us.
A barrage of missiles hit cargo Bay 4. This caused Cargo Bay 4 to buckle. Crates and barrels fell, and some very hazardous chemicals interacted. Well, anything in Cargo Bay 4 is gone.
So, now I’m in a shuttle looking for a planet or space station to trade. The Bacterians told us of a station in the next sector. However, they didn’t give us coordinates. Instead, they claimed they weren’t familiar with that region of space. They seemed salty. I wonder why? So we are flying blind, so to speak. But I’m unhappy because I’m stuck with Lieutenant Hope and his guitar.
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Date: March 23, 2108
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Ship: USS Arugula
It’s been five days since Laura and her team left to find help. So far, they haven’t seen this station that is supposedly out there. While the shuttles are away looking for a place to make repairs, everyone is pulling double shifts. I’m helping restore systems and ensure the force field around the breach is stable.
So I’m in way over my head. I am given assignments that are way above my pay grade. One of my assignments was to help repair the engine core. I almost blew up the ship. When I had to explain I had little experience with engines, the chief backed down and apologized. He said he was under a lot of stress getting the ship patched up.
I notice everyone’s spirits and overall mood down. But, wait, I just heard some news. Shuttle 5 has reached Outpost Omega. It’s a neutral station run by one of the local governments. Unfortunately, the Arugula is too big for the dock, but it can berth near the station.
Date: March 23, 2108
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Ship: USS Arugula
I had enough of Lieutenant Hope’s guitar, so I asked Commander Jenkins if I could confiscate it. He seized it himself, despite Lieutenant Hope’s objections. One more rendition of Wonderwall and I would have ripped the guitar from Hope’s hand and sent it out the airlock.
Ensign Ricky once again reminded us how many days we had been searching for the fabled station. I try to pace around the runabout, but that gets old, and there is not enough room. What makes things worse is the food. We are using frozen meals and only one flash oven. Stars take me.
Going back to Ricky, I told him to shove it with the updates. Lieutenant Hope defended Ricky. Commander Jenkins stepped in before we all came to blows. Then, with perfect timing, Ensign Patel alerted us he found the station.
When we approached the station, I gasped at the sight. Trade Station 5 is a floating pyramid with two docking rings around it. The Arugula cannot dock at the rings, it must berth on an outer platform away from the station.
Once we docked, I was eager to leave this forsaken runabout. However, the outside of the runabout had to be cleaned before docking. Which was annoying, but whatever. After going through brief decontamination and being given immunities to certain viruses and diseases, we could enter the station.
I ran out of the tram station. I had to stop and admire the station. Our section is the promenade, with shops and restaurants lining the area. As I stood there, taking in the view, I couldn’t help but be in awe of the sheer size of the park and the vibrant colors of the trees and grass. The lake shimmered with a light blue tint, reflecting the artificial sky above.
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Date: March 30, 2108
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Ship: USS Arugula
We arrived at Trade Station 5. The Arugula was too big to dock at the rings, so it had to dock at one of the nearby platforms. I’m on the list to go aboard the station. While I’m there, I plan on getting something nice for Isabella. But the First Officer assigned crewmembers to different teams.
My team’s assignment is gathering Helium-5, Tritanium ore, and some containers. The docking platform had a decontamination area and shuttles. So they must transport us to the station on the stations’ shuttles. Something to do with procedure and whatnot.
After decontamination, my group boarded a shuttle and arrived at the docking ring within ten minutes. This pyramid is enormous. If I’m being honest, it looks more like a Mayan pyramid than an Egyptian one. Once we docked, we took a tram to the station itself. Once I got off, I couldn’t help but take in the sights.
Above me was an artificial sky, and I saw some strange birds flying around. I remember from the introduction that this station has different sectors. First, the promenade section comprises shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Second, the lodging sector is where the hotels and rental properties are. Third, the habitat sector is where housing is. Last, the commons is home to the burrows and the red-light district. We were told to avoid that area.
Date: March 30, 2108
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Ship: USS Arugula
So the Arugula docked at one of the outer platforms. I did not meet with the landing crews. I was too busy enjoying myself. From what I heard, the Captain is allowing shore leave on the station. Several vessels left the station as soon as the Arugula docked. Apparently, a massive starship appearing out of nowhere irked other ships.
Because my team and I were out in space, cramped up in a shuttle, the Captain gave us extended leave on board the station. We secured some rooms at a hotel in the Burrows. So the Burrows aren’t the best accommodation. However, it was the best the station could do in such a short time. Station management assured us that rooms would be available at the Hotel Aria in a couple of days.
To be honest, I don’t see a problem with the Burrows. Sure, it’s bordering the seedy part of the station, but back on Earth, I grew up on the wrong side of town. So I know how to handle myself. Can’t say the same for my compatriots. They booked it to the tram station when we exited the hotel. Fine by me. I’ll start exploring.
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Date: April 5, 2108
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Ship: USS Arugula
I have to help repair the station. But I knew there was a catch. From what I heard, the station commander lit up when she found out we had technicians and engineers aboard. Trade Station 5 is old and needs repairs. So, the Captain struck a deal. We help repair the station; in return, we have full access to supplies and lodging.
My task was to determine why there were power drains and fluctuations around the station. The station replaced its reactors two years ago. This rules out the reactors, so someone or something is causing the drains and fluctuations.
The repairs, well, there is something off. Anytime a technician finishes repairs, something nearby malfunctions. And when said technician completes repairs, the previous site acts up again.
It turns out I may have found the source of the power drains. I got permission to investigate a power drain coming from an unknown location. After spending hours investigating the power drains, I found the source, a bordered up building deep in the burrows.
I went up a maintenance shaft and located the problem. Unfortunately, someone put some janky taps into the system and siphoned off a lot of power. I knew I was way over my head. I tried to use my communicator but got static. It must be interference. So when I tried crawling back, I was stunned. I was pulled back and placed on the floor. A few unsavory types pointed their weapons at me.
Date: April 5, 2108
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Ship: USS Arugula
I almost laughed when I heard that the engineering and technical teams were being put to work on the station for parts. Glad it’s not me. I played their version of poker, and after about three times, I picked it up. Then I won and had to leave when I saw hands heading toward pistols.
I did some shopping and bought a dagger with some markings on it. It’s light as a feather but durable as the Arugula. The dagger sings when I wave it around. I bought one for Fred, and I will tell him about this necklace I saw that I’m sure Isabella will like.
I took a dip in the lake and saw some light show. Then when I got back to my room, I saw my team in front. My team sat me down on a couch and broke the news that Fred was missing! Again!
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Date: April 12, 2108
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Ship: USS Arugula
The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
The gang tossed me into their jail. I stumbled into an illegal casino. The power drain was from their gambling machines and the supercomputer that runs them. The supercomputer, Lucky 54, calculates odds and interferes with every gambling machine on the casino floor to change the player’s luck. In the end, the house wins.
If a patron wins big and wants to cash out, they are ‘encouraged’ to keep playing. They always lose, and the house comes out on top.
Mr. E told me I couldn’t leave, even though I promised I wouldn’t say a word to anyone. Since I was part of the Arugula, he gave me two choices. Either I work for him, or I die. So now I’m working for Mr. E.
My first job was to perform maintenance on Lucky 54. I wanted to restart it, but I was told no. Then I had to convince the shift manager to let me shut down the computer, or it would be sluggish. He left and returned and told me I could do it at 2:30 in the morning.
Supplemental: I woke up early, I restarted the machine, but something happened. It refused to boot into its operating system. I freaked out. I thought I was a downer. But, two hours later, when the bosses walked in, they saw the screen, frowned, pulled out their keycards, and the machine booted fine. It turns out it needed their codes to boot in.
Date: April 12, 2108
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Ship: USS Arugula
I volunteered to search for Fred. I feel I need to help find him. That poor guy could get into a lot of trouble. So we spread out and searched various places. When we inquired the station’s computer on Fred’s last job, all we got was, ERROR: FILE NOT FOUND. When we asked the station’s lead tech, he shifted around and changed the subject.
My instincts are telling me that Fred is in some sort of trouble with the wrong people. So I’m going to enlist the help of some engineers to figure out where Fred’s last job is. Someone is covering this up, and I need to know why.
I will sneak into the main office and find Fred’s last known location. I observed that security is kind of lacking. Besides, the cameras might turn off because of maintenance.
Isabella is worried sick. I can tell. She always assumes the worst, which admittedly is understandable. I told her I would tear this station apart until I found Fred.
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Date: April 15, 2108
Contributor (s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Ship: USS Arugula
Today I tried to get a message out for help. But, unfortunately, the gangsters caught me, and as punishment, they made me feed the boss’s pet, Scruffy. Scruffy seems like a mix between a hog and a dog; it smells and has an annoying bark. I expected to feed it gross things like spoiled meat or a weird food mix. Instead, it was stale bread and some mystery meat.
I thought it was a joke, but Scruffy sure loves the stuff. He screams in delight, chowing down on the food.
So while Scruffy was sleeping in the other room, the boss, Mr. E, came in and asked about the Arugula.
I refused to answer; he charged at me, and I stepped aside. He stepped on some of Scruffy’s, um, ‘waste’ and impaled himself on one of his ceremonial swords. Then a dozen guards came in and pointed their weapons at me. I’m good as dead.
Date: April 15, 2108
Contributor (s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Ship: USS Arugula
After some digging around on the station’s computer, I got the records of Fred’s last job. Using the information I got, I could find his last location. However, someone sealed up the maintenance hatch for the building. I found an alternate route which led me inside an abandoned apartment complex. Then I went down a maintenance shaft leading me to the area Fred had last reported from.
According to the logs, power was being siphoned from various systems and sections of the lower station. Fred could pinpoint the source of the siphon. Good on you, Fred, good on you.
Thankfully, Fred wrote about where he was going. So I just retraced his steps using his log. I came across a shaft that led to a junction.
I consulted the instructions, but the vent shaft I was in collapsed, and I fell into a cargo bay. As I got up, three tough-looking guys pointed their guns at me. They pulled me up and escorted me to their boss. I was told the boss would do horrible things to me. They escorted me to the back area and introduced me as an intruder. The boss turned and faced me. It was Fred!
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Date: April 16, 2108
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Ship: USS Arugula
So when I accidentally killed Mr. E, I became the new leader. Within an hour of being the leader, I had to issue orders and answer a lot of questions. Look, I’m way over my head. I had to make up a story about how I killed Mr. E. I think they bought it. Well, they don’t seem too bright, anyway.
I tried to contact the Arugula, but this area does not have a secure channel. If I could reach the Arugula, I can call for reinforcements. Today, I had to approve the execution of deserters. I pardoned them instead. Look, I’m not a killer, and I’m not a violent man, only if I’m threatened.
I decided we should scale back on expanding our territory. My advisors warned it would make us look weak. I didn’t care. I am going to stay for a couple of days and then leave.
Then Laura got captured. I had her placed in a cell. I’m going to visit her, and we will bust out of here. But first, I’m going to look at the Probability Computer. So when I walked into the server room, I was expecting some janky computer made of parts from various machines. Instead, it was a very expensive-looking, state-of-the-art machine. The pirates stole it from a high-end star cruiser. Now I’m not so impressed.
Date: April 16, 2108
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Ship: USS Arugula
Fred is way over his head. He was in charge of this gang because he killed the previous leader in cold blood. When Fred described the killing, I knew he was full of BS. He had me placed in a cell. No one came to interrogate me. When Fred walked into the room, he told the guard to leave. After the guard’s departure, he released a breath.
I practically died laughing at how the previous gang leader died. What an awful way to go. We hatched a plan. Our plan was to escape at midnight. Fred described the Probability Computer. He called it boring. I chided him and asked him to get the schematics. He agreed and said he’ll do his best to get them.
Fred arrived at midnight, and he got the schematics on a drive! While attempting to escape, we fell into an ambush. Apparently, there had been dissension in the ranks, and they felt Fred was too soft with making social reforms within the gang. Then some of Fred’s supporters showed up, and a skirmish started. We made our escape as the two sides fought.
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Date: April 26, 2108
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Ship: USS Arugula
Ok, I wanted to reform the gang and make us more charitable. My supporters grew tired of violence. They wanted to reform the gang into a more legitimate organization. Besides, I am not much of a fighter. Other gang members were angry about the changes I made. A fight broke out, but the rebels were blocking our exit. Laura and I had to find a different way.
Then things went south. Once my supporters found out I ditched them, they joined the other team and hunted for us. However, when the loyalists figured out I ditched them, Laura and I were long gone. So Laura and I sneaked out of the burrows and escaped into an affluent neighborhood. We ran into a shop, went downstairs, and stumbled onto an underground fighting ring.
After getting chased out of the basement, we headed toward an elevator to get to ops at the top of the station. But took a wrong turn and bumped into some… being with fancy clothes. Fancy Suit was angry and yelled at us, then his entourage/bodyguards beamed in, and we had to book it out of there.
Date: April 26, 2108
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Ship: USS Arugula
Fred had me thrown into a cell, and now I have to wait for him to rescue me. He ordered his jailer to give me a protein bar and some water, which is nice. I preferred to starve and go thirsty than eat an unknown bar and drink water that might give me the runs. The guards tried to taunt me, even made threats, but I stared back. Not my first time in a cell or brig.
Around midnight station time, Fred dismissed the guard and broke me out. We were almost scot-free until we ran into a group of detractors.
Then Fred’s supporters showed up, turning into an old-fashioned brouhaha. I may have thrown a punch or two. Fred and I ducked out. However, when Fred’s supporters felt Fred had betrayed them, they merged with the opposition and hunted for us.
On our way out, we passed into an affluent neighborhood. I felt out of place. I could feel those snobs staring at us. After being chased into a shop, we stumbled into an underground animal fighting ring. Then, after being chased, we bumped into some high-ranking officials.
I told Fred we needed to lie low. It seems we pissed off various factions, groups, ok, and many lifeforms. The plan is to hide and reach ops. We tried a directory, but any entry for a command center or operations gives back an error. Something feels off.
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Date: May 1, 2108
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Ship: USS Arugula
I thought we were going to be dead. Laura and I hid in the forest. You read that right. This station has a forest. Laura suggested we lie low here. We camped overnight. Laura showed me how to make a shelter and started a campfire. We talked around the campfire and just laughed. We needed it. I could never figure out camping much. I enjoy being inside, in the safety of a modern shelter.
Laura opened up more about her past, and so did I. Strange. After several adventures together, we opened up to each other. I didn’t realize she had a tough time on Earth, her addictions, and the baggage she left on Earth.
After hearing her story and seeing where she comes from, I apologized for being incompetent. She praised me for growing. I thanked her for her patience and mentioned that our time in the Carmack changed me.
We noticed the time. Just past 11, thanks to the clock in the sky. Laura took out a porta tent and threw it on the ground. Up popped a tent. She said she would take the first watch, as she’s a night owl. I agreed.
It shouldn’t be too cold for her. According to the brochure I picked up from the ground, the forest is temperature-controlled, and the sunrise is slow and steady.
Date: May 1, 2108
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Ship: USS Arugula
We pissed off a bunch of people without even trying. First, the gang, then some business people. The monks, the academics, and the paramilitary youth.
We stumbled into a forest. There were no signs or doors. It was there, at the back of the station. Whatever the backside is, because TS5 rotates. Anyway, this smells like a forest. The ground feels real. I almost pretended we were on Earth until I saw the Bluewood Trees and the three-eyed doe. So yeah, I’m staying away from the animals.
I had to show Fred how to start a fire. Afterward, I searched for food and stumbled upon a snack shack. I’m not kidding. So, I bought some food and charged it to the Arugula.
After we finished our meal, I followed the picture instructions on disposing of the wrappers. The wrappers appear to be bio-degradable and made of dirt! We placed them on the ground and poured water on them. Within seconds, they became dirt again.
We spent several hours talking. I was ready to open up, but hearing Fred’s story was fascinating. He was a misunderstood guy who needed someone to listen. During our conversation, I realized Fred isn’t dumb; he has a hard time expressing himself. He told me what happened to him on Earth and how he got on the Arugula. After. hearing Fred’s story; I respect him more.
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Date: May 2, 2108
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Ship: USS Arugula
I woke up at the crack of dawn. Well, more like Laura and the binary sunrise woke me up. After breaking camp, we started our walk through the forest. Before that, however, we got something to eat at a snack shack. What was funny was the employees were excited to see us and just handed us our food.
During my watch, I saw the strangest thing. A bear-like creature would walk close to camp, then wave and walk away. Then I would hear singing. This happened at least a dozen times. When I asked Laura about it, she said she didn’t see a bear.
After an hour, we reached a small building on stilts overlooking the forest. It had the logo for the station. We walked toward the building and up the stairs. Before we could knock, the doors opened, and a couple of people dragged Laura and me inside.
Everyone cheered and shook hands. The staff gave Laura and me flowers and ribbons. Then we saw ourselves on the monitors. I saw myself getting captured. I saw our talk in the woods. Then it cuts to some interviews with the Arugula crew. Then it dawned on me that we were part of a reality program.
Date: May 2, 2108
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Ship: USS Arugula
When the binary suns rose, I swore I heard a choir. Nothing out of the ordinary happened during the night. But Fred told me about his watch and the bear. It may seem strange, but it could be normal in this part of space. After getting breakfast, we made our walk through the forest.
Speaking of breakfast. When we arrived at the snack shack, there was a small line. I could tell people were glancing at us and making comments. The cashiers appeared excited to see us. So I told Fred we would grab their version of a breakfast burrito and get out of dodge.
Anyway, after hours of walking through the forest, it was 2, but it felt like hours. We came across a one-story, round house on stilts. As we walked up, I could hear talking, then silence. We got to the front. I was ready to turn back until the doors swung open. To make a long story short, we found ops, and discovered this station is one big reality show, and Fred and I became stars overnight.
So back to the reality show. We are on a live 24-hour streaming program called Station Life. When the Arugula arrived, their ratings shot through the roof. But attention shifted to Fred and me, and we became celebrities. We weren’t told we were on a reality program. The director wanted us, and I quote, “experience to be raw and genuine” I rolled my eyes and walked away.
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Personal Log
Fred Williams
Well, I haven’t written one of these in a while. After the celebration in ops, we had an enormous feast. We ate and gave interviews and did some product endorsements. The station’s commander, Commander Xylix asked Laura and I to join the station. I didn’t want to leave Isabella; I didn’t think I could handle that much excitement.
The gang was real, and not part of the reality show, luckily the station’s security team raided the burrows and arrested the gang members and their leaders. But the whole running through the crowd and pissing them off, and the waving bear was part of the show.
The producers gave Laura and me a copy of the season. I don’t think I’ll watch it. We stayed a few extra days, and I asked for a luxury suite for Isabella and me, which was granted.
One week later, the Arugula was ready and restocked with supplies. Apparently, we made quite the impression. Honestly, even though it was difficult, I still had fun. During the televised interview, I let out my doubts, worries, and thoughts during the ordeal. But I didn’t like that billions were watching me.
Personal Log
Laura Styles
You know, I should have seen the signs, and after learning that this station is one big reality show, well, you know what, given what Fred and I have been through, I’m not even mad. This was like a vacation to me. Everything made sense. The bear Fred saw was a hologram, the weird glitches our technicians were running into.
Station management offered Fred and me a place at the station, and, if I’m being candid, I almost took their offer. Look, I enjoyed the Arugula, but I feel out of place. I confided in Captain Santiago my feelings. He told me to wait a couple of days. I did, and I chose the Arugula. After the euphoria of the station wore off, I choose to stay on the Arugula. I feel I am needed. That I truly make a difference. Besides, what will Fred do without me?
Because of our celebrity status, the Arugula received more supplies than we needed. In addition, the Arugula received upgraded shields and star charts. Oh, and Fred and I got the various marriage proposals. Which we declined over and over.
This was a much-needed break for everyone on board the ship. I’ll have to admit, but the whole skirmish with the Bacterians was a blessing in the disguise. Everyone on board needed some R&R. But the stars are calling for us onward to the next adventure!