Commodore's Personal Log

Posted on Sun Mar 16th, 2025 @ 3:21pm by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson

Mission: Season 6 - 5.5 - Day to Day
Location: Commodore's Ready Room, Deck 1, USS Elysium
Timeline: MD2, mid morning - 28/03/2398
780 words - 1.6 OF Standard Post Measure

In the dim glow of her ready room, Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson sat in quiet contemplation, her raven hair cascading over her shoulders as her silvery-blue eyes scanned the personal log she was recording. The USS Elysium, a vessel known for its resilience and dedication, was facing yet another series of unexplained anomalies, ones that demanded her full attention.

"Personal Log, Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson, recording.

We have a troubling amount of missing data in our computer systems, specifically concerning our previous Chief of Flight Control. There are gaps—critical pieces of information that should be readily accessible but have seemingly vanished. The logs are incomplete, and even the backups contain irregularities. Who or what is responsible remains uncertain, but the implications are disturbing. It is not merely an error; it feels deliberate. Investigations are underway, but I fear what we may—or may not—find. The thought that someone or something might have erased these records intentionally is an unsettling one, especially considering the potential security risks it poses.

Another mystery presents itself in our shuttle bay. An unknown craft, designated Queen Anne’s Revenge, has appeared with no record of its arrival, no registered owner, and no explanation as to how it came to be there. My crew, diligent as they are, have exhausted every available database to trace its origins, but all efforts have yielded nothing. Until further notice, I am ordering it to be moved to deep storage. Perhaps, in time, we will unravel the secrets it holds. The very existence of an unaccounted vessel aboard our ship is concerning; unauthorized access to our shuttle bay could indicate a larger security breach. I have instructed security to conduct a thorough review of all bay entry logs to determine if any unknown individuals were aboard when the shuttle arrived.

The humanitarian aspect of our mission weighs heavily on my mind. The survivors of the destroyed world ship, whom we rescued, have now been safely relocated to a friendly planet. The Elysium simply does not possess the resources to support them long-term. I take solace in knowing they are now in a place where they can rebuild, but the shadows of what they endured still linger among the crew. These are the burdens we bear as officers of Starfleet, and we must carry them with honor. Many of my officers have formed bonds with the refugees over the past weeks, and I know parting ways was difficult for them. While our duty is clear, it does not make the emotional toll any lighter.

The journey home is not without its perils. We remain far from Federation space, deep in the Circinus Galaxy, where supplies and sanctuary are scarce. Every step forward demands careful navigation—politically and logistically. We seek allies where we can, conserve what we must, and remain ever vigilant. The road ahead is uncertain, but we press on, as we always do. The Federation is our home, and no matter the obstacles, we will return. Our supply levels remain manageable for now, but with each passing day, our reserves deplete. We have been forced to ration some of our more limited resources, and my crew has adapted admirably. We are negotiating trade agreements with small outposts whenever possible, but there is no guarantee that our next port of call will have what we need.

I worry for morale. A prolonged mission of this nature is taxing, and though my officers are some of the finest in Starfleet, even they have their limits. Small comforts, moments of normalcy—these are things I must encourage where possible to keep spirits high. Leadership is not just about strategy and command; it is about understanding those who follow you, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued. I will be meeting with the senior staff later today to discuss additional measures we can take to ease tensions and boost morale.

For now, we push forward. The mysteries surrounding our lost records and the unknown shuttle remain unresolved, but we will find answers. The road home is long, but we are not lost. The USS Elysium is strong. We are strong. And we will find our way back."

As Phoenix finished her log, she leaned back against the couch, exhaling slowly. The weight of command was a familiar burden, one she carried with unwavering resolve. Yet, beneath the steel of her composure, the mysteries surrounding her ship, her crew, and their journey gnawed at the edges of her thoughts. There were too many unanswered questions, and too many uncertainties left to face.

For now, though, she would continue as she always had—one step at a time, leading her people forward through the unknown.