Stardate: 203278

Still no response from GE0. Navigation now informs me that there is an ‘anomaly’ detected in our path. That means they don’t know what it is. We’re going to see if these two things are connected.

Stardate: 203277

It will take us at least two weeks at full power to reach Earth, and we’re broadcasting almost constantly. In the meantime, I’m continuing my crew meet and greet. It seems to have taken a long time this time, but we have been pretty busy. At the Ms now.

Stardate: 203276

Well we don’t have much choice now – we have to leave the Meegans to find out why none of our communications are reaching GE0. DuMond assures me the comms system is fine, so we’ve set course for home.

Stardate: 203275

We really should leave Meegan dock, although they have given us an open invitation to stay. Five crew members from the Freedom are staying with us and the rest are to receive their new assignments forthwith.

Stardate: 203274

Yesterday seemed to go well. Everyone looked very smart, and my speech was, well, over quickly, thank goodness. All seem happy with their new assignments. I just hope they realise all the extra work it will entail.

Stardate: 203273

Can’t talk, I’m just heading out to the ceremony. I wonder who’s more nervous, the graduates or me.

Stardate: 203272

The ship is fully repaired and restocked, so we just have tomorrow to look forward to. If only I didn’t have to give these grad speeches. I need a speech writer.

Stardate: 203271

The Meegans have, of course, insisted that we stay on and have the graduation ceremony here. That seems like a fine idea, so everyone is pressing their dress uniforms ready for the day after tomorrow.

Stardate: 203270

retinal scan initialising
scanning
ident-systems engineer Garroud, Gwen
retinal scan complete
Power-down cycle...complete

**system initialising**
>dbase online<
level 1 diagnostics...running...complete
Updating firmware…complete
level 2 diagnostics...running...complete
System Errors Listed Below :-
no errors

retinal scan initialising
scanning
ident-systems engineer Garroud, Gwen
retinal scan complete - no errors
Accessing Personal Logs
System Ready - Clearing Screen. . .

Please Use Retinal Scan to Log In
waiting…

retinal scan initialising
scanning
ident-captain Cartier, Edward
User locked
User log opened
Voice notation system started

An engineer has just updated my log, so apparently the audio is clearer and less prone to errors. I need all the help I can get after last night.

Stardate: 203269

The Meegans, in their typical fashion, have been in contact with GE0 and got numerous software updates prepared for us, along with a celebratory meal for the entire crew. There is an outside chance I may enjoy myself tonight.

Stardate: 203268

We're just pulling into Meegan dock now. Accepted personnel should have their promotions on their personal logs this morning. We'll stay here for a few days, stock up and repair where necessary. There may even be a few parties. I can't say I'm really in the mood though. My thoughts are light years away.

Stardate: 203267

I'm just updating staff records with recommendations for promotions. Some names have really stood out from both our crew and the Freedom's, so we should have many smiling faces tomorrow. It's almost like Siobhan's parting gift.

Stardate: 203266

We've been directed to make our way to a space port run by the Meegans. We have a good relationship with them and we can safely leave the Freedom's personnel there while they get reassigned to other ships. We may even keep a few on ourselves, but only those particularly well integrated into our crew.

Stardate: 203265

Siobhan's report included commendations and it's about time I reviewed the personnel files and see if some promotions are in order. In the meantime, we're in contact with GE0 to work out what we are going to do with the Freedom's crew. We certainly can't keep them with us for long – I swear we're having to use extra thrusters just to keep on course.

Stardate: 203264

We're through and were slightly more prepared this time, so damage has been kept to a minimum. Captain Ryan sent through her report from the crew exchange just before we left. I guess I was hoping for something else, but she kept it business to the end.

Stardate: 203263

DuMond reckons we’re as fit as we’re going to get, so we’re going back in to the wormhole. I just hope…

>incoming message – Captain Ryan, Siobhan – Authenticated
>accept?

Stardate: 203262

The Freedom left for the long journey home this morning. It breaks my heart to see Siobhan go, but it’s the nature of a captain’s job. I’ve tried a dozen times to send a final message across, but what do I say? ‘Hey babe, see you around’?

Stardate: 203261

A small percentage of the Freedom’s personnel have requested a transfer. Still, a ‘small percentage’ is nearly double our crew manifest! Nearly everyone is having to share their quarters. We’re shoring everything up for the return journey and saying our goodbyes.

Stardate: 203260

Siobhan announced she was taking the long way home. It will take years, but she cannot be swayed and, in fairness, I would probably do the same thing. An offer has been made that any crew who want to leave the Freedom can come back through the wormhole with us.

Stardate: 203259

I cannot see a viable way of getting the Freedom back through the wormhole in one piece, and Captain Ryan certainly won’t abandon her ship. She isn’t really talking to me at the moment because of ‘endangering my ship and crew’ apparently. It’s out of genuine concern rather than an interest in protocol. I hope.

Stardate: 203258

The crew of the Freedom are all alive and no one is suffering from anything life-threatening, although some had passed out after the life-support stretched the air a little too thin. Captain Ryan is siding with Commander Stratton in feeling that I shouldn’t have taken the risk but the argument is pointless, as I did. The question now is how we get both ships and crews back to our space.

Stardate: 203257

Well that was certainly a rough ride but we’re basically intact. Our smaller size has probably worked to our advantage. The Freedom is floating right outside the exit point and scans show absolute minimal life support. That poor craft has taken an absolute beating. We’re teleporting Yung and her medical team over now.

Stardate: 203256

We’re going in.