Date: August 25, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Fred Williams
We still had to work while intruders were on board. The chief of security ordered every technician to be paired up with an armed guard. He was quiet and said nothing. But he moved his head around and kept on checking his communicator. So I just kept on working.
As I was working, some security guards rushed past me toward the end of the corridor. I tried to ask what they were doing, but they didn’t answer. Then, a few minutes later, we heard some fighting. My guard told me to run, which I did.
I ran for the nearest shaft. Unfortunately, I had to dodge an enemy patrol and fight a lone pirate. I heard fighting on several decks while climbing toward the Cargo Bay level. Will pirates take over the ship? Not on my watch!
I got out at the level the Cargo Bays were located. It was quiet. One of the security patrols stopped me as I approached the cargo bay. They dropped their guns when they saw me. Apparently, my guard told them I was coming. They escorted me to the Cargo Bays. When I approached the Cargo Bays, I saw they were putting up barriers and checkpoints.
As soon as I reached the cargo bay, I was to hold the line. I heard from an officer that reinforcements were being sent to the bridge. The Security Chief told me he looked up my record and saw my proficiency with rifles. I received a standard issue rifle and light armor. I’m no longer a technician but a soldier.
Date: August 25, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Laura Styles
Pirates, of all things pirates! How bold of them to attack the Arugula. They must have seen it as a rich target. We were told to patch up our work site swiftly and leave. Luckily, I had already finished my work and was ready to go.
A pirate blindsided me; I tried to shoot, but he grabbed my rifle and chucked it. So I had to use my tools. Luckily, I had a screwdriver and stabbed him repeatedly. Then, as he was bleeding out, I grabbed my rifle, shot him, and ran off. Oh, and I grabbed his rifle. It looked cool.
Someone from security briefed me on the situation once I got to the cargo bay. Then the Commanding Officer asked why I had a pirate gun. After explaining what happened, he told me to give it to one of the armory technicians. They would like to look at it. So when Fred came in, I told him to ditch his standard-issue firearm and gave him a rifle. Hey, it’s the least I could do. The CO sighed, muttered “never mind,” and left.
We are to hold the line and help defend the cargo bays. This ship has slowed but is still going at breakneck speeds. As soon as everyone regrouped, we will advance and retake the ship. The pirates might have the element of surprise, but we have a terrain advantage.
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Date: September 1, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
It’s been a week, and we are still hunting pirates. We secured the bridge and reinforce it. Engineering is tricky. The pirates have been using hit-and-run tactics on us, and we are using guerilla warfare. We can seal off sections of the ship and box the pirates in. I made some traps near the cargo bay.
However, now the pirates are getting desperate. They have been ripping out wires and breaking access ports. They are trying to disable the Arugula from within. Luckily for us, this old ship has a lot of redundant systems. So there are backup systems to the backup systems!
There have been multiple attempted break-ins, but we warded them off. We captured a couple, but they refused to talk. I could tell Isabella was a little frightened. However, I can comfort her and hold her. I promise I’ll fight hard for her.
Date: September 1, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
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The XO looked at my service record and found I served as a grunt in the space force. Getting grilled on why I didn’t reveal that earlier wasn’t fun. So, guess who has to hunt down these pirates? Oh, lucky me. After telling Fred to hold down the fort, I went with my team out. We retrieved the tactical gear from the armory to have full-on suits with night vision. Some of this stuff is way above my pay grade.
My squad left the cargo bay. We took down three pirates, and after that, we heard no activity. We were in constant contact with the other teams. Each team checked in and reported no sight of the pirates. It seemed they had just disappeared.
After an eternity, we were called back to the cargo bay. The lack of activity and silence spooked the XO. His instincts were right. Once we were close to the base, the pirates ambushed us. A couple of squad members went down.
A pirate shot my gun right out of my hand and charged at me. I took my knife out, and well, my training kicked in. The pirate and I fought. I brought him down fast, and I made quick work of his buddy who charged at me. I turned on my suit’s exoskeleton and carried two squamates to safety.
These exoskeletons are top-notch. One button and I can perform feats of strength that would make Hercules blush.
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Date: September 8, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
We thought we were winning, but the resurgence caught us off guard. The pirates regrouped and assaulted our position and the bridge. They dared not touch the main engineering because of the automated turrets. We activated them the moment the pirates boarded the Arugula.
However, the bridge’s defensive systems were uninstalled during the Arugula’s refit. Command somehow thought the bridge shouldn’t have auto turrets. Word has it, the Captain will give command an earful when we return to earth.
The pirates were zeroing in, pushing us back. Even though we had an advantage, they had skill and experience. They knew what they were doing, hit and run. All I could think of was my sweet Isabella. If only to see her smile again, that would make me happy.
After hours of siege, we had to retreat and barricade ourselves at the cargo bays. The security chief dispatched a dozen crewmembers to reinforce the other cargo bay. Laura was part of the other team. We fought for hours; the enemy picked off some defenders. Then, when it was down to four of us, we heard fire from the enemy’s position, and they dropped. Around our corner came our saviors, more of our crew!
The Captain ordered the rest of the crew to be woken up, caffeinated, and armed. With our new might, we could take back the ship. I wonder how Laura did.
Date: September 8, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
Well, this might be it, our last stand. The pirate’s forces were more significant than we thought. We could turn on internal sensors briefly. We could detect sixty-four pirates on board. Only sixty-four pirates caused this much damage.
I was assigned to defend the cargo bay. Rumor has it they were going to wake more crewmembers up.
We held our ground. The pirates struck us hard and fast. With the barricade and the LMG, they still attack. We surmised the pirates split up their remaining forces and were attacking us in shifts, smart.
It’s been, what, hours, days? I lost track. I’m behind a barricade we set up. It’s only down to a handful of us. I hear the other group is not doing well too. For a moment, I hoped Fred was ok. I’m sure he’s fighting like hell. He’s got his girl to protect. I got no one but this crew. First, they threw in a flashbang and then threw in three grenades immediately after.
After recovering from the flashbang, the pirates were already attacking. They were striking in all directions. Sanchez is down. We hold the line. It seems they are going to blitz us. Smith was clumsy and got shot. Then they came after us, wearing makeshift body armor. A bomb blew up, taking Patel and Winston.
We were told to stay at our position, and more crew members were being taken out of cryofreeze. So, we had to hold on.
The pirates came pouring in. I pick up one of the heavier guns, an LMG. I walked outside the barrier and mowed them down. The recoil dampeners on the LMG are preventing me from swaying. Also, I have my left leg in back and my right leg in front of me to provide some support. They shot me in the chest, and I went down. The last thing I saw were dozens of security officers pouring out of the cargo bay.
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Date: September 15, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Junior Technician Fred Williams
Despite being badly hurt, Laura’s armor saved her life. She killed all but a handful of pirates. The rest surrendered. But they admitted during interrogation that they booby-trapped several parts of the ship. So I had to help clear the traps. The most experienced engineers and technicians ensured the engines wouldn’t blow up the Arugula.
I found about a dozen traps on three decks. A lot of them were makeshift proximity bombs and IEDs attached to doors. It took several days, but we could sweep the ship and deactivate the traps.
Everyone will report to their pods in a few days, and the cycle will continue. I admit it’s nice seeing all these faces, but we must reach Earth. Hopefully, this will be the last of our delays.
Isabella and I could visit Laura. She seemed to be in high spirits. The captain will recommend Laura receive the Fleet Valor award. She earned it.
Date: September 15, 2108
Ship: USS Arugula
Contributor(s) to log: Senior Technician Laura Styles
My chest feels like it’s burning., but I’m lucky to be alive. The armor I was wearing saved my life. However, it didn’t mitigate all the damage caused by the high-caliber anti-armor weapon.
Despite my objections, I had to rest for a couple of days. Isabella and Fred visited, which was nice. I was called a hero, and the Captain recommended a medal and commendation for what I did. Honestly, though, I felt I was doing my duty. Oh well, I’ll take it.
I don’t feel like a hero. But I felt it was my duty. I saw what needed to be done, even though my method was… unconventional. But the crew is alive. It’s worth the attention. Seeing their looks of gratitude, I realized that I had helped give them a chance to see their loved ones again. And to survive another day.