Marine Captain's Personal Log - Stardate 74717.9

Posted on Mon Apr 24th, 2023 @ 3:51pm by Captain Samuel Woolheater

Mission: Season 6: Episode 2: Survival
Location: SENTRY DUTY - ON THE FRONT
Timeline: MD3 - 0800
594 words - 1.2 OF Standard Post Measure

[ON:]

Captain Woolheater was dressed in his combat armor as he walked the perimeter on guard duty. Had he known that the only clothes he had were the ones he was wearing the day of the disaster, he would have at least brought fresh underwear. As he stood at the duty post and kept scanning the perimeter as far as the rangefinders would reach, he recorded this personal log.

“Captain’s log, Stardate 74717.9. The wind is howling outside, blowing the snow against the walls of my post. Sometimes, it doesn’t snow for days here. We call those the good days. It's day…whatever….I’ve lost count… on this frozen planet, and I'm starting to lose track of time. Every day is the same, a never-ending battle against the elements and everyone’s nerves are getting frayed. Little hot water, constant cold and I’m always hungry. I try to not eat my full ration. But, we need to get the replicators back online. Or find out how to make something other than rations.

I'm a Starfleet marine sniper, trained to endure the harshest conditions and remain alert for hours on end. But this place tests even the strongest among us. The cold seeps into your bones, and the constant blizzards make visibility almost nonexistent. I never want to be this fuckin’ cold ever again.

Today has been particularly challenging. I've been on guard duty for twelve hours straight, my eyes scanning the white expanse for any sign of movement. My finger is resting lightly on the trigger of my TR-116 rifle, ready to defend my post at a moment's notice.

As the hours tick by, my mind starts to wander. I think of my family back on Pacifica, of the warm sun and soft sand of my beach. I wonder if they think I’m dead? I wonder if they are looking for us? I wonder if they had my funeral? But I push these thoughts aside, focusing instead on my duty. I know that any lapse in attention could mean the difference between life and death.

Finally, it’s time for a shift change. I can’t feel my face. My hands are so cold I don’t know if I can move them. I want to not just stand next o the fire; I want to get in the fire and roast. As I'm relieved of my duty and return to base, I can't help but feel grateful. Grateful for the training that prepared me for this mission, grateful for the support of my fellow marines, and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Federation on a starship like the Elysium.

Life on this frozen planet is tough, but it's also a reminder of why I joined SFMC in the first place. I want to make a difference, to protect those who can't protect themselves, and to defend the values that I hold dear.

I don't know how many more days we have left on this damn ice planet, but I do know one thing. I can’t wait to see Andrinn again. I just like being near him. Andrinn is so hot; he could melt a cheese sandwich from across the tent. I'll continue to do my duty, no matter the cost. Because that's what it means to be a marine sniper.

Computer?” he said into his combat suit armor “End and save log.”

[OFF:]

Captain Samuel Woolheater
“Saepius Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas”
Division VI, MARDET 62nd Company "Spartans", 1st Platoon CO
=/\= USS ELYSIUM - NCC-89000 =/\=