Stardate: 203398

I have sent text only messages to the Captain of our copy. Apparently their Boswell came up with exactly the same theory yesterday. I’m very uncomfortable with the whole thing. Still, we now know we are looking for the duplicate Armour coming to claim the Delta. Let’s hope forewarned is forearmed.

Stardate: 203397

I would say Boswell has a pretty solid case. An alien race without a home world. They scan and duplicate a ship including crew. A deliberate flaw in the DNA means the crew die a few days later. The duplicators inhabit that ship, approach a very confused original ship and, using inside knowledge, destroy it. They then move on to find another ship to scan, copy and destroy. That being the case we need to talk to the Forge. The other Forge.

Stardate: 203396

Tragically, we were correct. The entire crew of the Delta had expired. We have to keep reminding ourselves that they were duplicates and the original crew are out there somewhere. Boswell wants to see me with a proposed theory of what has been happening. I can’t wait.

Stardate: 203395

We hailed the Delta this morning but got no response. I’m sending an out-team across to investigate, but I fear the duplicates reached their limit.

Stardate: 203394

The other Forge is hailing us. I refuse to take it though as I am seriously concerned about our psychological welfare in seeing ourselves, especially knowing a duplicate’s lifespan. Our copies should know roughly what’s going on, they are us after all.

Stardate: 203393

With impeccable timing, Captain Smith has informed us that his crew do not wish to sit around, waiting to die. They would rather do something constructive with their last moments. I say, ‘with impeccable timing,’ as a ship with the exact same signature as the Forge has just appeared on our scanners. Here we go.

Stardate: 203392

A senior staff meeting has thrown up some ideas about what is happening here. A lot of good theories, but nothing we can prove. Captain Smith has asked for a private conference that I’m just about to leave for.