Date: June 15, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
The ship came to a halt. The Captain ordered every crew member to report to their respective division heads. An hour later, the Captain announced that Command has canceled our five-year mission. The fleet finished building the new class of exploration ships, and they will reassign us to one of the new ships.
To return to Earth fast, we will use the Prometheus engines. These super engines will bring us back to Earth at extreme speeds while we slept in cryo pods. Engineering is installing the cryo pods in Cargo Bays 1 and 2.
Date: June 15, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
So they are decommissioning this old girl. I can’t say I blame them. This used to be a top-of-the-line Capital Warship back in her prime. But, the Union was hellbent on exploring space, so they resorted to retrofitting any ship they could.
It makes sense for a warship to be converted into an exploration vessel. Its thick hull can withstand a beating, and the size of the ship means it can hold plenty of science labs. But, again, I think it was a bad idea to strip the Arugula of most of its armaments.
I can’t say I’m looking forward to going back. I left my problems back on Earth. Although I’m unsure if I can see my daughter, I hope she can forgive me for leaving her with her dad. I went to the stars to find my purpose, and I’m still searching.
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Date: June 23, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
My assignment for today is to rewire Cargo Bays 1 and 2. My work was triple-checked. It was annoying having so many people looking over my shoulder. I understand they want everything to be perfect. People’s lives will depend on my work.
Isabella was working on preparing the cryo pods for stasis. She gets vitals and blood samples from the crew to make the pods more suitable for its occupant. I requested that we both get pods next to each other. However, I doubt it since they are grouping pods by divisions.
I’m disappointed we are heading to Earth before completing our five-year mission. I saw the mysteries and dangers of the universe. Meeting different species and trying other foods was fun. Well, anyway, back to work. I must concentrate on my work. Lives depend on what I do.
Date: June 23, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
My assignment is hooking up the backup power and emergency shutoff system. I’ve been working 12 hours a day. At least I get about three days to recover. After that, I turn off my comms and go far away from my quarters and cargo bay to decompress.
I can understand the severity of my work and the urgency needed to finish it. I saw the specs for the new science vessels. They are faster, smaller, and somehow more powerful. They can take a beating and dish out some damage, not as much as a warship.
Recently, I’ve realized I don’t need to correct Fred’s mistakes. It seems our thrilling adventures have impacted him. I’m proud of him and glad he’s pulling his weight here. I foresee a promising future for him and Isabella.
Initially, I wasn’t keen on heading back to Earth so soon. To be honest, I was expecting us to survive out here for less than two years. But Captain Santiago has been in the fleet for twenty years. His experience and resolve made us this far.
Now that we are heading back to Earth, I’m making a list of places to avoid in the Sol System. Oh, and I need to make sure my ex’s restraining order is still in effect.
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Date: June 30, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
The cryo pods are now set up. We received our assignments. A small skeleton crew will wake up, perform their duties for four hours, and then return to the cryo pod. Laura and I are part of Beta shift. We have forty-five minutes for showering, meals, and exercise before our shift.
But first, we have to perform some diagnostics and fix any problems that might show up. On a positive note, my pod is next to Isabella’s!
Today was when we brought the Prometheus engines online. The Prometheus engines are these humongous twin engines capable of getting us back to Earth at breakneck speeds. But the most impressive part is the engines can slow down and speed up on a whim. For example, say a ship or planet is in the way. The Prometheus engines can rapidly slow down, maneuver, and return on course within five seconds. Because the Prometheus Engines require a lot of power, we have to cut power to non-essential systems and multiple decks.
Date: June 30, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
We are nearing the completion of setting up the Prometheus drive. These twin monsters of engines will send us back to Earth in approximately six months. I’m more impressed with the Prometheus navigation package. I learned from the briefing that the software can make quick course corrections in nanoseconds. If an object is in the way, the engines can slow down, and the ship can make swift turns to avoid collisions.
However, the momentum would toss us around like a salad. But with Inertial Mitigators, we won’t splatter on the walls. But in the event of a course correction, the ship will divert some power from the Inertial Mitigators, so I’ll hold on to something.
I’m paired with Fred. He and I are part of Beta Shift. The Captain ordered the crew to the split into multiple teams, working four hours each. This is to save power and to ensure everyone on the ship was working. In summary, we are on a rotating skeleton crew.
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Date: July 5, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
I decided I am going to propose to Isabella when Earth is in view of the Arugula. It will be in observation lounge 5-F. I made reservations, so it will be the two of us. I told my parents I was coming home two years early. My parents collapsed on the floor and cried. They kept asked, “Why, why us?” repeatedly. I think they are excited to see me soon.
So we did a test of the maneuverability of the Prometheus engines, and well, we almost hit a planet. We had to divert all available power to the inertial dampeners, but that wasn’t enough. We got rocked a bit when the ship came to a complete stop.
When the ship goes into hyperspeed, it knocks out the starboard sensors. The power regulators were faulty, and some capacitors blew. Not one’s fault, but someone didn’t double check the power regulators. I’m glad that wasn’t my area.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Date: July 5, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Someone forgot to maintain the Aft sensors; this time, it was not Fred’s fault. I’ll admit, my first instinct was to yell at him. But it was Amelia from the Alpha group. I am glad it wasn’t Fred getting chewed out this time. Luckily, we returned on track after she fixed her mistake and verified her work.
We did some tests on the Prometheus engines. To a surprise to no one, the engines malfunctioned, and the Arugula was about to slam into a planet. Once again, the emergency stop system saved us. So back to more testing and working on diagnostics. We were told it would only take a week. I say a month tops.
When we get to Earth, I might lie low. I’m not proud that I left without saying goodbye to anyone, but it was for the best. I burned so many bridges I’m unsure if anyone I knew would talk to me. After time and reflection in being out in space, I realize my addictions have hurt others and caused a rift in my family. I’ll be honest. The only reason I signed up was because I was not expecting to survive in deep space.
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Date: July 12, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Unfortunately, Isabella and I aren’t on the same shift. We begged, but the decisions were final. Isabella and I made out and spent the night before going into the pods together. During a meeting, Isabella and I found out we weren’t the only couple that were on separate shifts.
I am happy to report the Prometheus drive is now repaired, calibrated, and ready to go. After some final checks on the systems, we got the green light from the Chief Engineer. We had a party before going into the pods, and the Captain gave a beautiful speech. But, I must admit, even though exploring was eventful, I miss Earth.
In two days, we are going inside the pods. I’m nervous, and I know I’m not the only one. But it’s easy to get frozen. You get inside, fall asleep, and the pods do all the work.
It sucks, though. We had to drink some solution that would clear out our stomachs. Then we had to drink some vile liquid before entering the pod.
Date: July 12, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
The crew will enter cryosleep in two days. Can’t say I’m thrilled about it. At least I’ll be able to wake up every twelve hours, perform maintenance and then go back to sleep. In my opinion, this would not be good for the body. Yet, my research found cryopods promote REM sleep with minimal side effects.
We had a party before getting into the pods. Lucky for me, and to the chagrin of others, alcohol was not served. There were a lot of boos, but the Doctor said it’s terrible for cryostasis. But overall, spirits were high. I mingled with Fred and Isabella. We were all encouraged to talk to the other members of our group.
In two days, we are to be put into cryosleep. We have to drink this awful swill that will empty our stomach and drink some IV drink that I’m sure will taste lovely. Who am I kidding? I had worse.
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Date: July 19, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Today was the first day I woke up from cryo. I felt groggy and was told to take my time. The doc said the first two “mornings” would be rough. I stepped out of the pod and an attendant gave me a bottle that said electrolyte and was told to drink it along with a meal bar. Both perked me up. The nurse encouraged me to drink a lot of water. Cryosleep can dehydrate a person.
After my meal, if you could call it that, I took a warm shower, did my business, and started my shift. First, I touched Isabella’s pod and then went about my duty. It was all quiet, too quiet. Laura was busy focusing on her work. Every shift had to write notes, which are stored on a public server. I read over the notes from the previous shift. Nothing to report, just a burned-out fuse in one of the sensor relays. As for activity, well, there is nothing to report, everything is peaceful.
Date: July 19, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
When I woke up, I almost punched the nurse. I was never a morning person. But nothing prepared me for these horrible energy bars. These bars are so horrible, I’d rather eat sawdust oatmeal than. Well, as expected, today was quiet. I was not in the mood to talk. Just focused on my work, which was not much.
I went to the lounge and figured I would at least say hello. The other members were friendly. I know I’m not sociable, but if I must spend several months with these people, I should get on their good side.
The Arugula was originally a warship. But command wanted to go into deep space fast. Unfortunately, there were delays with the new deep space exploration vessels, so the higher-ups retrofitted aging warships as exploration ships. I always thought it was a waste of time and resources. But what do I know? Oh good, it’s my turn back into the pod.
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Date: August 4, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Today is the day that everything went to hell. When I woke, a member of the previous shift or a doctor did not greet me. The lights were dim, the glows from the cryo pods illuminating my way. I had to get my water and protein pack by myself. I told the computer to wake Laura up. She cursed like a sailor when she woke while getting out of her pod. I grabbed her some water and a protein bar. She tried to fight me until she came to her senses and apologized profusely.
We found out that there was a malfunction in one of the ship’s power generators. The computer shut down life support in the ship except the cargo bays, main engineering, and the bridge. We have to perform our tasks with environmental suits on. Luckily, the computer woke up the chief engineer so he could help repair the reactor. We are in for one hell of a ride.
The Chief activated another pair of technicians. Fixing the reactor while keeping the ship on course will be challenging, but I trust my team. Before I entered my cryo pod, I talked to Isabella. Afterward, I blew a kiss at my pod and headed into mine.
Date: August 4, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Well, there goes the idea of a smooth ride home. Reactor 4 has malfunctioned. The ship’s life support systems are off except for the Cargo Bays, Main Engineering, and the Bridge. So we have to wear environmental suits to walk around the Arugula.
Fred was next to my bed when I woke up. I was swearing and ready to punch someone. I apologized and told him I thought he was the Cryo Attendant (nurse). Asking the same questions by the cryo attendant was getting old. I ate a bar and drank water, then I went to the shower to wake up.
When I got dressed, the Chief assigned me to assist him. The other technician pair had to monitor the ship’s systems. Silly me for getting my hopes up. This is what a pessimist gets when she lets her guard down. But hey, at least this trip won’t be boring.
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Date: August 11, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Fred Williams
Well, not to panic, but we might run out of power. With reactor 4 out, reactors 1-3 are pulling extra to keep up. Now, reactor 2 is failing. We had to turn off more systems, and I swear they dimmed the lights even more.
On top of that, we had to make at least four-course corrections in half an hour. The last one jerked us a bit, like an earthquake. We tried to contact the bridge, but they said to hail later.
Today, I purged power buffers on a few decks. I’m telling you, working in low light and an environmental suit gets to you. However, we get check-ins every half hour, so that’s nice.
I used to have claustrophobia, and I got over it through therapy. So that and now I’m thinking about when I was on the Carmack. I’m checking my corners. I keep telling myself I’m safe. But I always felt somehow, those monsters are chasing me.
Date: August 11, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
I swear it feels like we have to make another course correction every five minutes. It’s as if something is testing out the ship. Well, we are having progress on Reactor 4. It seems the power cutbacks helped ease the drain on the other reactors. But the repairs took longer because the course corrections took a lot of power.
The sooner we regain power, the faster I can be out of these suits. I feel like a robot wearing these. I can’t move much, and I can’t react quickly. It feels like I’m in a horror movie. Low light can’t move as much. At least these half-hour sanity checks are helping.
I had to spend four hours assisting the chief engineer in working on the power grid. That man is boring. He’ll only talk about fishing and sports. But I had to smile and nod. Sigh, all part of the job.
I talked to Fred, who told me this situation reminds him of when we were stuck in the Carmack. He mentioned to me he felt the monsters were still following him. I told him it’s his sub-conscience, but have we truly left that ship? I could tell he was never the same, and neither was I. We were both in denial, I guess. But he said he felt better after talking about it with me.
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Date: August 18, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
After talking things over with Laura, I feel better. So, we got reactor 4 stable, which stabilized the other reactors. But now we have a fresh problem, pirates!
It turns out the pirates were testing out the Arugula. They slowed down the ship, allowing them to board the Arugula. So, there is a glitch in the Prometheus program. If the Arugula decelerates, Bay Door 4 slightly opens. The more the Arugula decelerates, the more the bay door opens. It seems the pirates figured out the glitch.
The pirates flew their ships in front of the Arugula, causing the vessel to readjust its course. Once the ship slowed down, the pirates could fly one ship in. One of the brave technicians closed the doors after the ship flew in. Afterwards, he engaged the emergency locks on the doors and cut power to the door.
Date: August 18, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
So it was pirates all along that were causing the Arugula to make course corrections. But on the plus side, we could get Reactor 4 online and could lose them. We tried contacting Earth, but communications are slow because of super-light speed.
When I checked in at the cargo bay, the Captain announced we were being boarded. After the announcement, several cryo pods opened. The Captain has activated the security team. All crewmembers received a pulse rifle, and the Chief of Security assigned a guard to every technician.
I offered to fight, but they turned me down. A shame. I wanted to blast some pirates and help defend the Arugula. But my technician skills are more valuable.Through the security feeds, I saw that at least fifty pirates had come out of their ship. Ensign Martinez shut the bay doors, activated the emergency seals, and sabotaged the control room, preventing anyone from opening the bay doors. He was killed while escaping the cargo bay.