Captain’s Log, Stardate April 2, 2402

I, Captain Kirok Skyrunner, have officially taken command of the USS Carlsbad, a California-class starship assigned to running supply missions in the jurisdiction of Starbase 74 and Starbase Bravo.

As I begin my first mission, I am filled with a sense of excitement and responsibility. The USS Carlsbad is a state-of-the-art vessel, equipped with the latest technology and staffed by a talented and dedicated crew.

Over the past few days, I have been meeting with each crew member, getting to know them better and learning about their unique skills and experiences. From the engineers who keep our ship running smoothly to the scientists who are driving our mission forward, every single member of this crew is essential to our success.

I am impressed by the level of expertise and enthusiasm that exists among this crew. They are a talented and motivated group, and I am honored to be their captain.

As we embark on this mission, I am filled with a sense of anticipation and wonder. The galaxy is full of mysteries and surprises, and I have no doubt that we will encounter our fair share of challenges and opportunities.

I am confident in the abilities of this crew and in the capabilities of this ship. Together, we will pursue the uncharted, encounter the unexpected, and courageously venture forth into the unknown.

Captain Kirok Skyrunner, commanding the USS Carlsbad.

End of Log Entry

Captain Kirok Skyrunner immersed himself in his new role, dedicating every waking moment to getting to know his crew and familiarizing himself with the intricacies of the USS Carlsbad’s systems.

He would spend long hours on the bridge, surrounded by the soft hum of consoles and the gentle glow of the viewscreen. Kirok pored over reports from various departments, scrutinizing every detail, and consulting with his officers to gain a deeper understanding of the ship’s capabilities and limitations.

On the third day of his first mission, Captain Kirok Skyrunner sat on the bridge of the USS Carlsbad, gazing out at the stars streaming past the viewscreen. The ship had been traveling at warp speed for many hours, en route to drop supplies off at Starbase Bravo and pick up crew members.

Suddenly, Lieutenant Commander Amara, the ship’s chief science officer, spoke up from her station.

“Captain, I’m detecting an unusual comet ahead. Its composition and trajectory are unlike anything I’ve seen before.”

Kirok’s eyes narrowed, his interest piqued.

“Drop us out of warp, Helmsman. Let’s take a closer look.”

The Carlsbad shuddered slightly as it dropped out of warp speed, its engines humming as they adjusted to the new velocity. The viewscreen flickered, and the image of the comet sprang into sharp focus.

“Captain, I’m reading some unusual energy signatures emanating from the comet,” Lieutenant Winston, the ship’s chief operations officer, reported from his station.

Kirok’s eyes locked onto the viewscreen, his mind racing with possibilities.

“Raise our shields, just in case. Lieutenant Commander Amara, can you give me more information about this comet?”

Amara nodded, her eyes fixed on her console.

“Aye, Captain. The comet’s composition is primarily ice and rock, but I’m detecting some unusual isotopes. It’s possible that this comet may have originated from outside our galaxy.”

Kirok’s eyes widened, his interest piqued.

“Fascinating, Lieutenant Commander. Let’s gather more data and see what secrets this comet might hold. Program a class 2 probe to trail the comet and conduct scans. We need to proceed with our mission.”

“Aye sir.” The science officer tapped several keys for a few seconds. “Probe launched Captain.”

They were a low growl like sound as the probe was launched and it appeared on the viewscreen as it adjusted its course to trail the comet.

“Bring us back to our original heading Helm, resume warp 2.

The helmsman typed in commands into his console. The Carlsbad adjusted its course to align with their original heading and the warp engines engaged, propelling the ship to faster than light speeds.

Twelve hours later, the USS Carlsbad was approaching the traffic lanes of Starbase Bravo.

“Approaching Starbase Bravo outer markers sir. Orders?” The helmsman asked the Captain.

Captain Skyrunner sat up in his command chair, responding to the helmsman.

“Drop to impulse speed. Contact Starbase Bravo and inform them we are inbound.”

“Starbase Bravo has acknowledged our signal and cleared the way for us sir,” the communication officer said.

“Thank you Lieutenant. Helm, full ahead.”

Kirok issued orders to his bridge crew, then sat back and watched as Starbase Bravo grew in the viewscreen. An hour later, the USS Carlsbad was in orbit around Starbase Bravo, standing by for assigned crew members to beam over.

“Starbase Bravo is acknowledging that the assigned crew members are standing by to transport over sir,” Lieutenant Commander Locke reported.

“Start transporting supplies over,” Captain Skyrunner said out loud, then looked at Lieutenant Commander Stephanie Locke, “I’ll be in the transporter room. You have the bridge XO.”

Kirok stood from his command chair and headed to the turbolift.

“Aye, sir,” Locke replied.

Commander Locke’s eyes locked onto the Captain’s chair, its sleek design and worn leather a testament to the countless hours Captain Kirok Skyrunner had spent commanding the USS Carlsbad. She rose from her First Officer’s seat, walked over to the Captain’s chair, and gently lowered herself into it. For a fleeting moment, she imagined herself as Captain, feeling the weight of command and the power that came with it. Locke’s mind wandered to the decisions she would have to make, the lives she would have to protect, and the missions she would have to undertake, before returning to her duties, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

“Someday,” she whispered to herself, glancing around the bridge to see if anyone heard her.

Meanwhile, Captain Skyrunner exited the turbolift on deck 3 and walked to the transporter room. A group of new crew members just walked out of the transporter room, passing him. He nodded to each crewman and officer, then walked inside, standing next to the transporter chief.

“Last officer is ready to beam over Captain,” the transporter operator said to Kirok.

“Energize Ensign.”

Captain Kirok Skyrunner stood tall in front of the control panel, expecting the new officer for his ship.

“Energizing now sir,” the transporter operator reported.

A shimmering light coalesced into a solid form on the transporter pad. Commander Aramis Lionel, a tall, imposing figure with a strong jawline and piercing dark brown eyes, materialized with a slight smile.

“Welcome aboard, Commander,” the transporter chief stated.

Aramis returned the salute, his eyes scanning the transporter room before locking onto a familiar face, Captain Kirok Skyrunner, standing in the doorway with a warm smile.

“Kirok!”

Aramis boomed, striding off the transporter pad to envelop his friend in a hearty handshake.

“Commander Lionel, it’s great to have you on board,” Kirok replied, his eyes sparkling with warmth. “I see you’re still as loud as ever.”

Aramis chuckled, his deep voice filling the transporter room.

“Someone has to keep you on your toes, Kirok.”

The two friends shared a laugh, their camaraderie evident. It was clear that Aramis and Kirok had a long history, one that went beyond mere shipmates.

“I’m glad you’re here, Aramis,” Kirok said, his expression turning serious. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, and I know I can count on you.”

Aramis nodded, his eyes locked onto Kirok’s. “You know I’ve got your back, Kirok. Always have, always will.”

“Ensign, get a crewman to see to his bags please. I’m gonna show the Commander his quarters,” Kirok said, leading Aramis out of the transporter room.

Kirok and Aramis walked out of the transporter room and Kirok gave him a quick tour, ending with the Commander’s quarters. They both walked inside for a friendly, yet serious conversation.

“Aramis, I got some bad news you should hear, though it is worse for me.”

Kirok looked his friend in the eyes, then exhaled slowly.

Aramis saw the pain in his friend’s eyes, stepped up to him and gently grabbed Kirok’s shoulders.

“What is it, Kirok?”

Kirok forced himself to make eye contact with Aramis.

“She is missing Aramis,” Kirok said quietly, his eyes starting to water.

Confused, Aramis asked, “who is missing?”

“Sophia. Command officially listed the Thunderdragon as ‘Missing in Action’. They lost contact with her for about a month now. With this subspace problem galaxy wide, Command was not able to notice sooner.”

Kirok looked away from his long time friend, fighting the urge to cry. Kirok turned away and sat down in a chair.

“Oh damn!” Aramis looked like he was physically gut punched. “I’m so sorry Kirok. Maybe she is just out of contact. You can’t give up hope. I know how important she is to you. I’m here for you my friend.”

Kirok looked up, red eyes and tears rolling down his cheeks.

“Thanks Aramis, that means a lot to me. I wanted to tell you because you were a close friend to her too, when she mentored you on the Thunderdragon. I can only hope and pray she is ok. I would gladly break every regulation to save her, but she would be pissed at me. She wants me to do my duties.”

Aramis looked at Kirok thoughtfully, then replied, “I have to agree with you Kirok. You worked hard to get your career where it is today. So, what is our first mission, Captain Skyrunner?”

Kirok gave his friend a small smile. “Our first mission is simply running supplies. We did encounter a strange comet coming here and we will pass by it very close on our way to Joint Base Dathon. Who knows what the universe holds for us.” Kirok shrugged at the last part of his comment. “Regardless, I’m moving forward with my head up, eyes forward and with courage and determination.

Aramis smiled at seeing his best friend smile.

“That’s the spirit, Kirok. So, my orders from Command were vague and garbled. What is my assignment here for you?”

“Aramis, I need you as my First Officer. I need people I can trust at my side, especially now with Sophia missing.”

“Sounds good to me, Captain.”

“Good. Let’s finish giving you a more fuller tour now. I think I have a surprise for you.” Kirok gave his friend a mischievous smile. “Come with me.”

Kirok led Aramis out of his quarters, just as a crewman exited a turbolift with Aramis’s bags. The crewman acknowledged both the Captain and the Commander. Kirok started the full tour in the crew quarters.