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Captain’s log, stardate 16.12/13

This is the log of Captain James Harrison of the USS Autumn of Hope. A state of the art vessel, the Autumn is the first of a new line of ships, designed to push back the Rebellion, and take back the worlds that rightfully belong to the Federation.

Her maiden voyage was to be today – a quick jaunt around the nearby systems, to get the bugs worked out of her software, then a chance to really open her up around the Scythian Maw, see what she can do.

Alas, it was not to be. We had just left spacedock when a battered engi teleported aboard the bridge. As this was supposed to be a top-secret project running from one of the most highly-classified stations the Federation possessed, you can imagine my surprise.

J. K. Johnson, the mantis Security Officer reacted with commendable speed, and secured the engi for questioning. When asked how it had appeared on my ship, it merely gestured out of the window. To my shock and horror, the spacedock we had just left, barely visible in the distance, suddenly exploded in a flash of light.

Enraged, I turned on the engi, demanding an explanation. It slumped, somehow giving an impression of sadness, despite the expressionless head. “Rebels discovered station. Attacked in force. Determined to capture ship for experimentation. This unit only survivor.”

I was shocked. “How did this happen? We had an entire fleet defending the station!” “New Rebel ship. Technology exceeds current Federation standard. We were defenceless.”

The engi hesitated, then spoke again. “This unit assigned to station scanners. Complete technical readout of Rebel ship obtained. Must deliver to Federation High Command. Caution. Rebel fleet tracking this ship. Speed essential.”
I sigh. “It will take several weeks to reach High Command. This ship is only fitted with a jumpdrive, not any real FTL capability. Surely the Rebels would reach base before us?”

“Negative. Rebellion unaware of High Command location. Tracking this ship. Speed essential.”
“Right. This was to be the maiden voyage, a test run. I only have a skeleton crew, and minimal weaponry. I will need your help. Will you join us?”
“Affirmative.”

With that decided, I turned and headed to the bridge. I had a course to plot.

End Captain’s log.

Captain’s log, stardate 16.12/13b

With the ship en route to the first nav buoy, I am taking a moment to record the current crew roster.

Captain:
James Harrison, human. Age: 56.
I am a veteran of many battles with the Rebellion, but I am getting old. As a ‘reward’ for my service, they shipped me off to the ass end of nowhere, to oversee the new ship designs. This voyage was to be my last run before being honourably discharged, and forced into retirement.

First Officer:
John Spartan, rockman. Age: 273
Commander Spartan has been my first officer for over 20 years. A more loyal, hardworking and effective crewmember cannot be found anywhere. He has been, and always shall be, my friend.

Security Officer:
J. K. Johnson, mantis. Age: 17
A mantis raised by humans, hence the name, he aced the officer exams with flying colours, and I am proud to have him serve on my ship.

Engineering Officer:
JK47, engi. Age: unknown
The individual who warned me of the impending threat to the remains of the Federation. I do not know it well as of yet. I am hoping it will perform well.

And the ship:
USS Autumn of Hope, Osprey-class
The first prototype of a new ship design, one intended to send the Rebellion running. This was to be her maiden voyage. I hope she can handle it.

End Captain’s Log

Captain’s log, stardate 17.12/13

The Autumn’s first combat encounter. A small supply cache was discovered, and as we left dock under the impression we would be returning in under a week, we did not take many supplies. We investigated the cache, and were ambushed by an automated Rebel scout. We destroyed the ship quickly enough, but not before sustaining a hull breach in the sensor room.

The new engi crewmember reacted fearlessly, securing itself to the ship via a safety line, and entering the room. It repaired the breach quickly, and is currently recovering from vacuum damage in Medbay. It performed admirably, and many of my fears of having an untested crewmember on my ship were put to rest.
The cache contained a small amount of fuel and supplies, and a new ion weapon.

End Captain's log.

Captain’s log, stardate 21.12/13

Disaster! Inaccurate nav charts led to us becoming stranded in the middle of space. Forced to retrace our jumps, we ran right into the oncoming Rebel fleet.

A single vessel spotted us as we tried desperately to avoid detection. It was heavily armed, and caused a large amount of damage to the Autumn before it could be destroyed. We are currently at 33% hull integrity, most of the subsystems are currently under repair, and I am writing this from Medbay where I am undergoing treatment for burns sustained when my control panel exploded.

On the plus side, the experimental Artillery Beam performed admirably, only needing to fire twice to destroy the Rebel ship.

End Captain’s Log