Captains Logs

[Captain Shran]

Shran sits at his desk looking out his viewport at Jupiter passing slowly below him.

"-Computer begin recording.

Captain's Log, Stardate: 65206.95

Though we have finally arrived at Jupiter Station it has not been without its share of problems. While in route we encountered a swarm of creatures in space. It appears as if they were constructed of Dark Matter, because our sensors initially didn't pick them up. The school, or flock or however one would describe them, intersected with our path and two of the creature impacted with the ship.

In their fear and confusion they managed to take control of the bodies of my crew. One crew member, Commander Frederich Madison, my chief engineer, died as a result of it, and the creature who inhabited him died as well. Through the autopsy and subsequent investigation the Doctor devised a way to monitor the crew and track the movement of the remaining creature.

In the mean time it was able to almost cause a warp overload, commandeer the ship, and lockout all the command and override codes, setting a course to catch up with it's swarm. When the remaining creature moved into Commander T'Lar with her heightened Vulcan mind, and with assistance of Lieutenant Wesylnes and his Betazoid telepathy, were able to communicate with it, after we detained her in a quarantined forcefield.

I am glad to say that a peaceful solution was reached the entity was able to return to it's family after giving back the command codes to Commander T'Lar. We arrived at Jupiter Station 32 hours late and with minimal damage which is being repaired thanks to the station's crew and supervised by our new chief engineer, Lieutenant JG Reid.

Our civilian passengers have come on board and are settling in. We are ready to get back underway, but I have only one more grim duty to perform before we can leave. It is not one I relish.

-Computer, end recording."

Shran turns around from the view and looks at the door as the chime sounds. "Enter," he says as a teary eyed woman walks into his officer. "Please sit, Ms. Madison..."

[Captain Shran]

Shran clicks off the viewscreen and the image of the Admiral the councilor disappear. He sits in his office, in quiet thought.

"-Computer begin recording.

Captain's Log, Stardate: 65250.86

Everyday this position presents me with new challenges, and this is perhaps the hardest of them all. We arrived on Rahl IV in hope of brokering a peaceful solution to a land dispute between the Dytallix Mining Company and their Director Mott Hart, and the colonists of the planet. Of course it turned out that the colonists are Andorian, which explains why one of the few Andorian captains in Starfleet was sent.

I have no doubt in my mind that the colonists are the descendants of the Lost Cult of the Rejoined. Their reaction to me made that obvious enough. Starfleet had no idea that sending me was perhaps the worst thing that they could have done. Not only am I an unbeliever but I am of the house of Shran, both are unforgivable.

My matters are further complicated by the actions of my Marines. Lieutenant Greathouse killed one of the miners in defense of a small Andorian child. Though I do feel he was justified in his defense of the girl I can only wonder why his phaser was not set on stun. At the very least he is guilty of excessive force, especially since they were not sent to the planet in a capacity of war.

Director Hart is certainly pushing the issue with the Federation Council. He is using it as leverage to get what he wants. I talked with Captain Brier of JAG and Council Liaison Savil they did not seem optimistic about the chances of what would happen if Greathouse was brought to trial before the Council's Judicial committee as Hart wants. They may even be able to make a case for murder. However hart will drop his petition if the council relents and orders Starfleet and us to forcefully remove the Andorians from Rahl IV. That option however would be most unpleasant. If they really are the Lost Cult of the Rejoined then they believe Rahl IV to be Uzaveh, the long lost homeworld of the Andorian people. They would not leave peacefully, if at all.

-Computer, end recording."

Shran brings up the files of his MCO and searches, not knowing what he is looking for.

[Captain Shran]

"-Computer begin recording.

Captain's Log, Stardate: 65380.39

It's been a long and complicated mission. I fear that my first true diplomatic mission was a failure. My people managed to rescue Director Hart, but only through the use of force. I have been told by Starfleet that the Director is still planning on pursuing his original course of action, and as such we are less than 20 hours from Earth. Once there Lieutenant Greathouse and myself have been ordered to Paris for the judicial hearing scheduled to take place in two days time.

The Andorians won't relinquish their claim over the planet, and the only thing which has put a temporary truce to the situation was the near fatal crippling of the miner's ship by my cadet tactical officer. That is another heavy-handed mistake made by my crew which I am sure I will have to answer for. We may have left the conflict behind, but ahead of us, I fear, is an even greater fight, and this one may end with more than the loss of my Marine CO.

-Computer, end recording."

Shran stands from his desk and walks out of his office onto the bridge.

[Captain Shran]

Shran sits at his terminal in his room. Briefly he looks around at his quarters, the captain's quarters. His antennae can't help but twitch as he takes them in, and wonders if he deserves them.

"-Computer begin recording.

Captain's Log, Stardate: Supplemental

Court is in recess, but this is the longest 24 hours I can remember. Of all the threats we have faced in my short tenure as captain, this is the most perilous, and the most personal. My Marine Commander sits in a cell on Earth as we orbit the planet that sits at the heart of this glorious Federation, I can't help but wonder over what it takes to really be an officer, let alone a captain in Starfleet. What it means to expand the boundaries of knowledge and the safety of that Federation from the command chair of a starship.

Councilor Hex was right. I am one of the youngest Starfleet Captains currently in service, and I am in charge of one of the most impressive ships in the fleet. I must admit to myself that my promotion was based on a sort of on-board nepotism. I was raised even above T'Lar who herself declined the promotion, perhaps I should have as well. Maybe I wasn't ready. If that is true than Cylde is paying for my mistakes...

This court won't be settled until their has been a payment of blood. It was made clear to me in the previous session whose blood they would more readily prefer. Is it a far far better thing I do... What would my fathers say.

-Computer, end recording."

Shran stands from his seat and exits out of his quarters.

[Captain Shran]

Shran sits at the familiar desk. It took him nearly an hour to return his former and one again office back to the way it should be, with one exception, the plaque left by the Commodore.

"-Computer begin recording.

Captain's Log, Stardate: 65782.18

It has been a try few months. In that time I was forced to resign my commission, had an attempt made against my life, was kidnapped, and finally was reinstated and returned to my beloved ship. After everything which I have gone through i now sit on the other side of that long dark tunnel with a new appreciation for myself and my crew.

I have read Commodore William's missions statements and reports. Though i found several areas of friction I can see that my crew performed admirably under their previous commanding officer. I do hope that neither I nor my crew will ever remember the sacrifice made for all of us.

Commodore Trent Williams gave his life on stardate 65763 for ship and crew. To save the ship from a sophisticated explosive device he singlehandedly decompressed the section of engineering which the bomb was located and jettisoned it into space, along with himself. Let us never forget his heroism or his bravery. he made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live and continue on our mission.

Lastly upon my return I was able to promote Cadet McKenzie to the rank of Ensign. There were several objecting instructors at Starfleet Academy, but I am well within my right to do so. i believe our newest ensign has proven his worth. I do sincerely hope though that in my time away from the ship his inexperience has been tempered and his confidence raised.

Everyone on my crew, including myself, has been cleared of any wrong doing after I presented the recorded confession of the late Director Hart. the Dytallix Mining Company has been temporarily had their mining permits revoked and are now under investigation by both Starfleet Intelligence and the Federation Judicial Committee. Their Tholian accomplices have once again vanished from the lime light, and I doubt if they will ever be brought to justice for their actions.

On a more personal note I will admit that it was nice to be home for a while, though my parents found yet another reason for disappointment, but still the cool winds of Andoria were refreshing for a time. I feel once again ready to bear my responsibilities to ship and crew. We are currently docked at Starbase 10 taking on new crew and being refitted after our long months traveling through that dark tunnel.

i can sense that same refreshing wind running through the Aryes. I know that my crew is ready to continue our mission. I look forward to our coming days.

-Computer, end recording."

Shran's antennae raise in a satisfied movement as he looks over his desk, and polishes a dark sot with the sleeve of his uniform.

[Captain Shran]

"-Computer begin recording.

Captain's Log, Stardate: 66008.15

Upon our arrival at Delta III my crew was met with several surprises. Chief among them was the presence of a crashed Borg Sphere on the surface of the planet. The second being the arrival of the Romulan ship Dhivael. In the name of peace I was reluctantly forced to work with the Romulan Commander, though I still have heavy suspicions of her motives in this matter.

It was, however, little wonder that our crashed ship drew the attention of the Romulans. The away team described in their debriefings a level of technology previous unseen. This ship was obviously a test ship of some sort. The Borg were experimenting with an instantaneous drive which would allow their ship to travel almost at the speed of thought. Something must have gone wrong though for according to the findings of my science officer, Mr. Collins, the ship has been jumping endlessly across space and time without purpose or direction. The crew was literally turned into ghosts of their former self. Evidently biological matter could not make the same trip which the ship itself was taking, and remain in tact.

That was why we fought do desperately to finally extract the away teams before the ship itself finished its auto-countdown to engine engagement. Thank fully before it once again disappeared into the endless void of space we were able to retrieve not only our away teams but the Romulan team as well. Things were complicated by the arrival of a Borg Cube, but it seemed more interested in the sphere than our ships. Once the Sphere itself disappeared back into the nether of nothingness the Cube itself departed, not caring much for the small morsels of technology which the Aryes and Dhivael presented..

We have bid the Romulan Commander and her crew a farewell as we return to the nearest starbase for badly needed repairs to the damage we suffered after our encounter with the cube. I find myself thankful that neither the Romulans nor my team found any real data of intrinsic value. Perhaps the only thought scarier than the Borg having this technology is the thought of what Romulan deviousness would do with such an advantage.

-Computer, end recording."

[Captain Shran]

Shran sit back down at his chair as the door of his office shuts behind the Denobulian and U'tani ambassadors.

"-Computer begin recording.

Captain's Log, Stardate: 66251.64

I am glad to report that after several days of preliminary talks both the U'tani Emirate and the Verillian Consortium are agreeing to return to a table of peace. A cease fire has been declared and all Verillian troops have left the planet of U'tan. I am also glad to report that Federation Ambassador Grila has arrived to take over the Federation's role in these talks, but he has assured me that my people have done an excellent job in his place.

Personally, I am very proud of me crew, especially the away team who held their fear in check in a tense situation. Mr. McKenzie was wounded in the ensuing battle but thankfully we have no other casualties to report, at least Starfleet ones. Over 45 lives were lost in the caves, both Verillian and U'tani. The only fortunate circumstance to come from all of this is that the actions of both sides taken in the U'tani's abduction and the Verillian forces following massacre has shamed and disgraced both governments into opening negotiations again.

It is sadly ironic that we were able to accomplish our objectives in this unexpected way. This was certainly not how I had hoped to bring both parties back to a stance of peace, and I feel personally responsible for all the lives lost in that cavern. I can only hope that whatever higher power is among the stars may forgive me for the errors I have made.

-Computer, end recording."

Shran turns around from his desk and looks out the viewing port in his office at the planet below. A Nebula-class ship and a Verillian warship slowly eclipse U'tan as they continue on their orbit around the war-torn orb.

[Captain Shran]

Shran comes into his quarters and unbuttons his uniform before finding a nearest the view outside. The captain’s quarters were expansive and their view of space was impressive. All the Andorian captain can see is the exterior of the Alpha Centuri research station that the ship was docked at.

"-Computer begin recording.

Captain's Log, Stardate: 66497.22

I suppose the issue that has troubled me most in the aftermath of this event is the nature of the soul. I have read several books on the subject, but writers all over the quadrant have been debating the question for countless centuries. Starfleet gave us the Ship Wide Administrative Hologram system as a prototype so that we may test its effectiveness in real world conditions. Part of me would declare that test a resounding failure. Our SWAH, Ary, lost control of her emotions. As a result, she trapped my crew and me on the ship as the environmental systems slowly were drained of power, and one crewman was killed.

Starfleet concurs with this opinion. They have suspended the SWAH program until it can be conclusively determined what went wrong with Ary’s programming. Though, I have doubts whether the program will ever be integrated into starships. A ship driven by computer, even one that emulates human decisions making and behavior, will never replace a flesh and blood crew. I had always assumed that it was easier to send out robots and probes into space to do the dangerous and sometimes boring work that starships do, but I don’t believe that was ever the point to space exploration. There will never be another Ary.

Still… after reading Dr. Hannover-McKenzie’s report on what took place in her office, I must admit that I was given pause. Maybe Ary was more than just a compilation of lights and programming. I would certainly hesitate to call Ensign Ironmind a mere machine, and I now find myself thinking of Ary in the same way. She was a life form who was not prepared for what she began to experience, and perhaps it’s only natural that she was scared. She made mistakes. If there is one thing we should all be able to relate to it is making of mistakes. Everyone on my crew, including myself, have all made errors in judgment… even fatal ones. We all were met with understanding and given a second chance. Ary was never given that chance. Instead she sacrificed herself to save us and correct the mistakes she had made. In my opinion if there was ever an argument for the effectiveness of the SWAH system, than it is that sacrifice which Ary undertook. I can’t help but wonder if maybe the SWAH project had succeeded more than anyone really realizes.

-Computer, end recording."

With a sigh Shran sank further into his chair. He could almost hear the engineers uninstalling the SWAH system and yet he just sat there and enjoyed the view.

[Captain Shran]

"-Computer begin recording.

Captain's Log, Stardate: 66974.47

I again face the end of another year with my crew. In my own culture, anniversaries are often received with what best I can describe as stubborn pride. It is a time that marks the missed chances and promised possibilities of an old year and balances them cautiously with the unspoken potential and choices that will be presented in the new. It is a mixed way to receive what many other races often mark as happy occasions or times of reflection. It is like drinking tea that is both sweet and bitter.

However, as the member races of the Federation –especially the founding races– grow more and more alike the somberness in Andorian culture that so often was intermingled with the hope of a coming year has slowly faded. Often times my people have begun to take on the more optimistic human perspective of an ending year. As much as I have come to admire humanity and its culture, this is one thing from my own planet, which I do not wish to lose.

Over the past year, my crew and I have been subjected to many tests of both character and morality. We have not passed them all. We are not perfect, and those mistakes, regardless of who and when they were made, are reflections of the Aryes’ captain. They are my mistakes, and I wish not to forget them.

We have lost personnel this year, as is often expected in Starfleet. Space –regardless of how we homogenize and colonize it– is a dangerous place. Ironically, however, I have found that the most dangerous anomalies out here amongst the void are not black holes or solar flares, but ourselves and those like us. Comets and type-5 nebulae do not start wars. Most recently, I lost two crewmembers to the genetic virus released on my ship by Dr. Car Almass, Ensign Leonard Lucash and Petty Officer Sharon Coyle. These deaths have already been added to the list of considerable crimes he has been convicted of. We returned him to Federation Penal Colony 057, and have been assured that he will not be allowed to escape again as he was being transferred to their maximum security section.

Ironically, I observed an odd kinship between himself and Dr. Devoroh. I suppose it was not to be unexpected. Both are very brilliant men, and Almass’ record clearly states that the man truly believes his crimes have been for altruistic reasons. Dr. Devoroh’s own report of the incident seems to indicate that Almass was of tremendous help developing a cure for his own virus that saved the life of the majority of people on this ship, myself included. I suppose that when two men work together with similar goals and intellectual interests a bond, no matter how small, is bound to form. However, even though his help was crucial to our survival, we cannot overlook that it was he who engineered and released this virus in the first place. All resulting deaths are still on his hands.

There was nothing Dr. Devoroh could have done to help our lost crewmembers, and we all mourn their loss. Ensign Lucash was son of Captain Lucash, whom I had never met before. He took the news well and thanked me for all I had done. I was undeserving of such kind words from a grieving father, but as a fellow Starfleet captain, I suppose he empathized with my role.

Petty Officer Coyle’s only living relative was her grandmother. Her file indicated that her parents were lost to the Borg during a raid on one of the outlying Federation colony worlds. The woman I talked to seemed strong and vibrant despite her advanced years –a trait I have not found unusual in colonists and farmers– but her tears told me that she was not as hard as she probably made people believe. It was nearly two whole minutes before she spoke. Before she was composed, enough to even address me. She was a woman who had not only had to endure the loss of a child but now a grandchild. Her only response to my well-planned words of condolence was a simple nod before she ended the transmission.

The woman was all alone, and I wondered briefly if I was looking at my own future. I take my position on the Aryes very seriously and I know how much I have changed over the years of achieving the rank of captain. It seems not so long ago when I was merely the operations’ officer aboard. In a way, I very much miss those days. My crew, though serious when they need to be, has a playful side to them that stands apart from their usual duties. If I ever had such a side, it has been long buried by the chair I now occupy.

Still, I wonder if I should not at least to try to reconcile with my parents. By all rights, they should be more proud of me now then they had ever been, though with the four of them it is often difficult to distinguish such emotions. We have not spoken since last year when I lost command of the Aryes in my attempt to appease Starfleet Command and the Federation Council for the mistakes I had made. However, I have since regained it, yet neither they nor I have made the gesture to reach out and make the effort of reconciliation. Even my beloved sisters I have not spoken with in what seems to be many several months. I suppose they must be busy with their families and careers as I am occupied with mine.

My crew has expressed concern over the isolation I currently endure; especially vocal is Commander McKenzie. What they never seem to realize is that they are my family. I care deeply for them not only as a commanding officer, but as a friend, though I cannot allow the latter side to always show. I have watched them grow and change as I have changed.

Ensign Franklin Mank, is our most junior officer. His role as versatile specialist may seem rather unfocused but for a fresh graduate of the academy it is perhaps the best place to learn and grow. Of course, I speak biased of the position as it was my first position, fresh from the academy, aboard the USS London. His duties often keep him busy and separated from the crew though I know he tries his hardest and being the youngest, I believe we all feel a bit protective of him.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Marshal Collins though not my newest officer is certainly among my most unique. His brilliance has saved us from disaster more than once, yet like a bored schoolchild, it has often led him into trouble as well. I have watched him grow more mature during his time on the Aryes, if only slightly. Nevertheless, he is always an officer I can count on when the time for games is ended.

Ensign Aidan McKenzie is perhaps the officer which I have seen make the greatest strides over the past two years of his tenure under my command. Originally a cadet aboard the Aryes he has made plenty of mistakes and had many obstacles to overcome, not the least of which was his temporal displacement from the early 21st century to our own time. Yet, he has truly become solid, reliable, and even a voice of unique insight at times. I have watched him grow as a Starfleet officer and as a person. He has even found love in the form of the ship’s counselor. Soon he will even be a father, a responsibility I know he is prepared for.

Lieutenant Commander Cindy Lee McKenzie, Ensign McKenzie’s wife, is my voice of conscience. As ship’s counselor, she has helped me work through several problems, and her words have kept myself and the Aryes on the correct course more than once. She has become a crucial component in my negotiations with other species, such as the Romulans. I have watched her get married and soon she will be a mother, and I have no doubt her child will grow happy and strong.

Marine Captain Clyde Greathouse has always been one of my more interesting officers. His morality and strength of character are unparalleled yet he has also been known to allow his emotions to get the better of him, especially in the heat of battle. He has worked very hard to control the anger and aggression which seems so innately ingrained in him, and I know it is at least partly because he still carries the burden of the life he took over a year ago, and that action’s resulting consequences. I suspect this new temperance also has surfaced in no small part due to his marriage and the coming birth of his twin children. I know it is a great sorrow for him that he cannot be there to be with his spouse. Though sometimes his actions have been overzealous, I have never lost respect or faith in his ability. He has proven himself repeatedly.

Major Inid Kiara is perhaps my greatest source of joy and concern at times. Her piloting abilities, combat skills, and loyalty are beyond question. Yet, she seems to go to great lengths to keep the rest of the crew at arm’s distance. I have often been told this is a result of the time she spent in the Cardassian camps as a child. However, she has shown glimmers of that which exists deeper below the surface as I experienced first-hand when we found ourselves trapped at the edge of a micro-black hole’s event horizon in a shuttlecraft. She formed a bond with the Bajoran refugees we discovered on the lost planet of Amoran. She even helped get them settled and re-acclimated upon our return to Bajor. She has a warrior’s heart and a vedict’s patience.

Lieutenant Robert Devoroh is perhaps the person I feel most at ease with. Perhaps it has something do with the doctor/patient relationship or perhaps it is because I see in him a fellow traveler with a spirit I very much admire. Like myself, he is a man of two worlds, but unlike me, he has very small memory of his planet of origin. Nonetheless, he has led the life of a confident, friendly, and brilliant doctor. His independent strength, physical courage, and thoughtful mind do nothing to take away from him fierce loyalty to those who depend on him. The ease at which he handles himself in any situation is almost enviable. He spent the better part of this past year in an induced comatose state before a cure for a Tholian neuro-toxin could be found and adapted to his unique physiology. However, even that lost time and the process of rehabilitation did not damper our doctor’s mood. I continue to admire his spirit and find myself personally glad to have him aboard.

Commander T’Lar is a consummate Vulcan. Her logic and experience are two things, which have done nothing but helped this ship and her crew in times of need. Slow to show any emotion I have often observed her to merely sit on the bridge observing all that takes place around her, offering suggestions and commands only as she knows they are warranted. Yet she is more than a command officer. She has several times jumped to the aide of the ship by adeptly taking command of unoccupied bridge stations or even leading away teams into dangerous territory, such as she did when we discovered the Borg Sphere. I would question if my crewmembers would have made it out of the ship before it disappeared into another dimensional jump if not for the calculated command abilities of my first officer. I am fortunate to have her as a member of my crew.

As the Federation Standard Year ends and as my own tenure now moves into my third year of command, I certainly have much to reflect upon and many mistakes to learn from, but I am thankful for the crew that surrounds me. They are my family, even if they do not always know it. For the rest of the year my crew is on leave, as I have allowed them two weeks to visit families and loved ones. The Aryes herself is in for much needed repairs after a year of narrow escapes, battle damage, and strains that I could only begin to imagine.

As for myself, I have my own mission to complete and will be out of communication for the next two weeks. When Colonel Hall relayed this mission, I will admit I was rather hesitant, but I do recognize its necessity. I am anticipating a smooth operation, but I am prepared for the worst, as is my usual experience whenever it comes to dealing with Romulans.

-Computer, end recording."

[Captain Shran]

Shran sits in his captain's chair, gazing out at the stars. It has been nearly two days since he and his crew have returned to the Aryes from their temporal excursion. Shran is sipping tea, an unusual drink for the almost chronic raktajino drinker, but right now, the Aryes Captain is not feeling up to the caffeine.

"-Computer begin recording.

Captain's Log, Stardate: 67011.42

I filed my report to Starfleet almost upon our return from out temporal excursion. It is unusual for a report confirmation to take so long, and I must admit I am on edge. Every incoming message I see visions of temporal agents converging on the Aryes and interrogating my crew, or worse.

After all, this incident was not some isolated time travel jaunt or problem of a distant time spilled over into ours. This incident began... or will begin on this very ship. Is it possible I will order, Commander McKenzie to her death and set in motion this terrible chain? Lieutenant McKenzie I believe has more faith in me, I wish I had that faith. Yet, I cannot let it influence my decisions. That is the first thing they teach you in Temporal Paradox Theory at the Academy. By second guessing your decisions you may inadvertently cause the very thing you are trying to avoid.

Still it does not make this any easier... At least the Aryes has left the Romulan Neutral Zone. Thank the stars for small favors...

-Computer, end recording."

[Captain Shran]

Shran stands before his window gazing out at the passing stars as the Aryes streaks through the abyss of space at low warp. Almost without thinking, he touches his chest where the Ushaan’tor pierced him.

"-Computer begin recording.

Captain's Log, Stardate: 67023.12

Several days have passed since our departure from Andoria. Admiral Ta'nek was not too happy that I resorted to a duel to the death to try and solve the conflict of my people, but I suppose his judgment was tempered by the effectiveness of the plan. General Shard survived his injuries and is currently sitting in an Andorian Guard cellblock for the bombing of the capital square. He will also face further charges from the Federation for the abduction of two Starfleet officers and a senior member of the Andorian Council. The True Heirs of Andoria without a leader have scattered like flakes in an ice storm. Shard’s actions still cut a deep wound in Andoria, and the Federation is dispatching an ambassadorial team to assess how relations can be healed, but Chancellor Valar has told me that in the week’s time of the demise of the THA anti-Federation sentiment has seen to already subsided.

On a more personal note, my father’s wounds have also healed. However, he has expressed his extreme disapproval of my handling of the situation with Shard. His belief is that my actions were rash and foolish and that I could have been killed. Of course, I must acknowledge that he is right, but I had to take some action to help my home. However, this situation has made me realize one thing about my first-father, he cares about me, through I have my doubts as to whether he will ever speak that caring aloud. He has always been a man of pride and steeped in the tradition of our family. For years I disliked him for those things, and though he has never spoken to me a word of encouragement or congratulations, I have found a new respect for him. Like Andoria itself, he is more than just the icy surface he chooses to portray. Perhaps, I am more like him than I would care to admit, but I know now that I will never be him.

Humans have a saying, Home is where the heart is. If this is true than I am at home, onboard the Aryes. For this is where my heart lies, and even for that I must thank my father. For I wonder if without his constant pushing if I would have chosen this life. I am thankful that I have, and I am thankful for the people who I have encountered over my tenure in Starfleet. Andoria will always be in my heart, but much like my relationship with my father, it does not have to define me. I am Andorian, but I am also a Starfleet Captain.

-Computer, end recording."

Shran continues to stare out into passing space.

[Captain Shran]

Shran sit alone in silence at his desk. He picks up the PADD full of information which just recently arrived on a very secure and very private channel. He hesitates before examining it.

"-Computer begin recording.

Captain's Log, Stardate: 66300.1

My crew has returned from station C45 with an unexpected report. As the majority of my crew and myself sat aboard the Aryes in close orbit to the communications station receiving what I assumed was routine -if not somewhat garbled reports- from the station and my first officer, I find now that all of that was part of an elaborate deception. The away team lead by Major Christienne was unwittingly subjected to an elaborate deception centered in the station’s holosuite, by a man referred to in the reports only as Cole. In actuality, the crew of station C45 was unaware of this or even of the presence of the Aryes, thanks in no small part to the ion disruption from the storm.

This Cole claimed to be a member of a secret black-operations branch of Starfleet, a Section 31. The purpose of their mission seemed to be to recruit Major Christienne to their ranks, as they felt she would be the more sympathetic to their mission directive than myself or other members of my crew. I am totally unaware of what this organization is or of what its purpose might be. If this incident was not reported by the entirety of the away team I would almost be tempted to dismiss it as a practical joke or some type of hallucination.

Perhaps the oddest happening of this situation came when I filed my own report with Starfleet. I received no indication that the report was received and when I followed up with a personal inquiry a few days later, I found myself completely blocked from any answers. I was finally able to get in touch with an old acquaintance from the Academy who is currently with Starfleet Intelligence. He -in no subtle terms- told me to drop my inquiry, and cut the transmission.

I find myself at a loss. The absence of evidence seems to suggest that such a group as this Section 31 may in fact exist in Starfleet or the Federation. I am aware that lack of evidence in not necessarily evidence, but someone is going to a lot of trouble to make sure that no one can find for certain one way or another. Regardless, Cole left Major Christienne with the indication that she would be contacted again. For now we can only wait.

-Computer, end recording."

Finally after another moment of silence, the Andorian captain takes up the PADD and begins to read.

[Captain Shran]

The screen on the console in his office winks to blackness replacing the face of Admiral De Gaul.

"-Computer begin recording.

Captain's Log, Stardate: 66323.9

I have just finished answering to Starfleet Command about our actions in the Zereitron Asteroid Field, home of one of the largest free colony of Alpha Jem'Hadar, or I should say former home. Admiral De Gaul has informed me that as of a few hours ago, the Jem'Hadar Colony has just signed a mutual arms agreement pact with the Cardassian Union.

The Admiral kept his admonishment of our actions light, as it is not our fault we were tricked by the Cardassians, but we both left unspoken what each of us were thinking. My Because of my complacency, we just handed the Cardassian Union legions of Jem'Hadar shock troops. Troops which are bred and trained to be professional soldiers, and with the new benefit of the Ketracel-white, soldiers that will be able to cloak themselves once again.

According to Starfleet Intelligence reports Ketracel-white production facilities have been put into full swing in Cardassian space. They are able to get around the law by claiming it is for humanitarian purposes. There is also reports of breeding facilities being constructed on Cardassian soil. The Federation and her allies can do nothing to stop this as we Gul Yatel was very careful not give us any legal proof of her actions.

The whole time I thought it was about the right to mine Decalithium, but it was really about the colonists themselves. The reason the Union was able to meet such success is because of my own failings. There is a saying on my homeworld, The face of your enemy is only so dangerous as long as it reflects your own failings.

Well, I have seen the face of my enemy and my failings. This will not happen again.

-Computer, end recording."

Shran turns to watch the stretched starfield outside the window of his office.

[Captain Shran]

"-Computer begin recording.

Captain's Log, Stardate: 67888.8

I find myself struggling between what humans would call melancholy and relief. On one side of the issue Major Christienne and Doctor Devoroh have been recovered from their ordeal. There journey on the planet which they were marooned, though harrowing is now over. Any debris or trace of the adventure has been removed from the planet's surface so as not to further disrupt the populace.

I know I am not the only one relieved to have the Major and the Doctor back safe aboard the Aryes, but I can only continue to wonder how safe the Aryes truly is. During the course of our search for out missing shuttle we stumbled upon a shuttle nearly identical to the remaining shuttle in our shuttle bay. The only difference was that quantum dating placed the shuttle from being 2 months in the future. For a crew as experienced with time travel as mine, 2 months is hardly a stone's skip across the icy surface of the lake of time, but it is still worrying. The El-Aurian woman, Terradell Monstall who found the shuttle and brought it to us had some troubling news of her own.

Ms. Monstall before her death told me that I would make a decision and that loss was on the horizon for my crew. Only I could decide how that loss would occur. I do not like people telling me my future and I have never believed that future was preordained, but this has me worried. I, of course, cannot show this worry to my crew. It would do nothing for the brave men and women of the USS Aryes to worry about a decision that is not theres and is not upon us yet.

I must thank Ms. Monstall, though. Without her we may not have found our lost crewmembers, Whatever power of prophecy she possesses she was able to turn it successfully, to the task of locating the Major and the Doctor. Her success, however, is troublesome in it's own right. Especially with her next prediction looming upon our horizon. I cannot dwell on it, but at the same time I cannot ignore it. I do know that I will not let it affect my decisions. I must continue to consider facts that are presented to me, not speculation of an old mystic. I owe it to my crew and I owe it to myself.

-Computer, end recording."

[Captain Shran]

Shran double checks all the systems on the shuttle craft. Having rigged a temporary power source from the Dutchman's auxiliary power systems he puts on his uniform-top. The distinct command-red of the blouse is now covered in the dust and grime of the past three weeks. He brushes it off as best he can before zipping it up to his neck. His antennae sway as he makes himself presentable. It may just be vanity, but the Andorian wants to appear to his crew as the commanding officer they remembered him as. When Shran is done he positions himself in front of the visual recorder and activates the device.

"Captain's Log

Stardate: Supplemental

Computer Begin Recording

To my crew. Though time is hard to count, I believe it has been no more than three weeks since I last left you, and the Aryes. I know that at a future time this shuttle will return to you. I can only hope that I have buried this message deep enough in the shuttle's subsystems that it will survive the journey. I am well, and the ship's replicator is functioning, though I must admit I am getting tired of Romulan food.

Unfortunately, I do not know where I am. I have renamed this ship the "Flying Dutchman," because like the mythic ghost ship of Earth's seas, she appears and disappears at unpredictable intervals. Over the past three weeks the drive has activated and "jumped" five times by my estimate. Sometimes I have no more than a few hours in a location and at others it is much longer. I have reason to believe that I spent three days in the dimension known as Fluidic Space. Thankfully the ship's cloaking device is also functioning. I also believe that I spent the better part of four days in the far end of the Gamma Quadrant, though I could not determine where or when exactly. I may even have met a member of the ancestor species of the Founders. Sufficed to say I have no control over the movement or function of the ship. When I am in normal space I can pilot it as any would a normal craft, but I have yet to figure out how to stop, let alone control the dimensional jumps which are journeying me through time and space.

However, I am enduring, and I still have hope. I am sending this message because I want to share that hope. I do not want you to despair for me. I am alive, and I will do whatever it takes to return to my ship and my crew. However, before that day comes I have one final standing order. Look to each other in times of need and in times of happiness. You are explorers, and scientists, and engineers, and warriors, but you are also family. I have always known that when the crew of the USS Aryes, my crew, works together there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome. Remember that your true strength comes from one another. The bond I have watched you all share is deeper than friendship, do not let it weaken. This is the last order of your captain. With it, I will at least be able to feel reassured knowing that the Aryes and her crew will continue on, even in my absence. I will miss you and I look forward to the day we are together again. Farewell.

Computer: End Log"

The Andorian Starfleet officer reaches over and deactivates the recorder. He detaches the make-shift power cable and hardwires the message into the shuttle craft's internal subsystems, coding it to Lieutenant Colonel Christienne's clearance code.

Suddenly the warning klaxon sounds from the small bridge. Shran looks up knowing almost instinctively by now what the siren is indicating. He braces himself for the usual queasy feeling that comes with dimensional travel. He does not wait long for the in the next moment the shuttle disappears back into the quantum tempest that is the multiverse.