Stardate: 203385

Under very close supervision, we are reviewing the Delta’s logs looking for clues to their duplication. The logs have been duplicated back to day one. This technology is frightening.

Stardate: 203384

The fake Delta is willing to cooperate with us, up to a point. As far as they’re concerned, we randomly started shooting at them. This is all very bizarre.

Stardate: 203383

It’s early days, but even the crew seem to have been duplicated, with complete memories and knowledge. So what made the Storm attack us way back when?

Stardate: 203382

Yes! Boswell was right. The fake ship had been copied in such detail that we knew their frequencies and algorithms, lowered their shields and shot their engines out. A security crew are preparing to board.

Stardate: 203381

The ‘Delta’ is very well matched to us and we’re presently just outside each others weapons’ range, probably recharging shields if they’re anything like us. But Boswell has come up with a brilliant idea.

Stardate: 203380

It’s confirmed, the ship is a duplicate. We’re going to simultaneously raise shields and open fire. Boswell checked that I was going by protocol and aiming to disable not destroy. I’d be lying if I said it hadn’t crossed my mind.

Stardate: 203379

Engineering are double checking the scanning algorithms. I don’t want to open fire on one of our own. We have the slight advantage but must get this right.

Stardate: 203378

We have met with the Delta. I spoke to Captain Smith via the main screen. My main concern is that the entire ship and its crew are reading as duplicates.

Stardate: 203377

We’ve made audio contact with the Delta and Captain Smith says all has been quiet since we left. No sign of the duplicate Storm. We’re going to physically meet tomorrow when we can receive search patterns and scan results.

Stardate: 203376

I’ve checked and the scanning algorithms for picking out duplicates are fully operational. I just need to settle on an attack plan, if it proves necessary.

Stardate: 203375

We’re making excellent speed and should be with the Delta in a couple of days. Commander Boswell did a sterling job yesterday, although I must admit seeing the male members of the crew fawning over her really is quite amusing.

Stardate: 203374

We’re heading out of the solar system and heading towards the GE-Delta’s coordinates. I’ve given the Bridge to our new First Officer, Commander Boswell. Let’s see how she does.

Stardate: 203373

Everyone’s done an outstanding job and we are ready to launch. GE Command asked if I needed a mission, but they know as well as anyone, I have some outstanding business to attend to.

Stardate: 203372

Stratton has just informed me that he has been offered his own command and will probably take it. I have no doubt in his ability. I just hope the crew under him know what they are letting themselves in for. I wait to hear who our new First Officer will be.

Stardate: 203371

Spent today with the ship. Some areas show very little change while others have been almost completely revamped. New chair. Not sure I like it.

Stardate: 203370

It may be because The Gates of the Galaxy is one of the most beautiful operas I’ve ever heard, or it may be because I’m getting older, but I confess to wiping a little tear from my eye last night. I should check in on progress.

Stardate: 203369

The GE engineers are wasting no time in repairing and upgrading the Forge. I’ve been given a time scale of four days, which I feel is a little optimistic but all credit to them for trying. Meanwhile, I have an opera to attend.

Stardate: 203368

Home. We’re home.

Stardate: 203367

Catching up with necessary work before we dock. And by ‘necessary work’ I mean booking tickets for the opera the day after tomorrow.

Stardate: 203366

Worrying moment when the engines nearly cut out, but we’re back on track and should limp our way into SP0 on schedule.

Stardate: 203365

GE0 have offered to send out a maintenance vessel to escort us the rest of the way. I have gracefully declined and just hope it was the right decision.

Stardate: 203364

The ship is rumbling and groaning and I’m a bit worried that we’re going to end up being towed into Space Port #0. That would just be embarrassing, but I have every confidence in Hanson and his team.