Ship's Log (a short story)

Automated extraction of audio transcript from Cargo ship Icarus501
Star Log 94374.23
Well, I guess I’d better put something down. This is Icarus and we are just leaving… hey I know, shut up Mike, ah go one make mine a strong one.
Where was I? Start again. This is Captain Amadeus Brown of the cargo transporter Icarus501. We have just left Moonbase AlphaSigma6 in the Shinzon quadrant and are now heading across to FactoryOutpost Micron20. Our estimated travel time is twenty six days if we follow the prescribed routes of the Federation. However, I have set coordinates to cut straight across and we can do it in six. I’m positive that the prescribed routes have been set to favour the official Federation transporters who always seem to deliver quicker and faster than us Indies. There’s talk on the wire about revolutions and stuff – I’m sure it’s just the Federation whipping up fear in us making norms think we’re being protected! Don’t bother me though – after all, how they gonna board my ship if I don’t stop for anyone? Haven’t picked up a hitchhiker in over 300 trips – and man, was she mad! Anyway, target to meet. Rant Over. Captain Out.
Star Log 94374.71
Well that was interesting. Yes, Mike, I’m doing it now! What? Ah, stuff protocol, no-one reads these anyway! Oh, Ok…
This is Captain Amadeus Brown of the cargo transporter Icarus501. Just crossed out from the Atlantic cover and heading towards the ghost zone. We’ve been buzzed by three Federation patrol ships and if it wasn’t for my First Mate Mike Blackstock knowing the captain of the second Federation vessel we would have been quarantined for sure. They offered us an escort for seventeen hundred gools, but as the total for this run is twenty one thousand gools that seems a mighty big cost for us so we passed. Federation – just out to crush the Indies as always.
Star Log 94384.62
This is Captain… look this is the situation. We are held in a holding light beam by an unknown vessel. We know from our computers that they are scanning the ship to see what we’re carrying. This doesn’t look good for us – if this a Federation trap, then this scan is unwarranted – I don’t want my cargo to be opened until I get to the destination.
Beams off. I guess we’re free to go.
Star Log 94386.23
This is Captain Amadeus Brown of the cargo transporter Icarus501. Since that Federation scan the ships computers have gone weird. Each has reported 404 errors on screens then reset to show everything’s normal. Virus and memory scans have revealed nothing. Dispatched First Mate Blackstock to check the servers.

Star Log 94387.33
Continuation of report. First Mate has now returned from the servers and reported everything’s normal. Something’s not right – he’s kept the server room suit on and won’t take it off. Have sent him to his quarters to rest.
Star Log 94388.01
My senses tell me something is now wrong. I’ve checked the Bio signs in his room – Mike’s not there. It’s unlike him to disobey orders. Oh wait, he’s in the room – still with that suit on. Oh now you’re taking the … what? What has happened to you…? Mike? Mike – what are you doing Mike… Mike…. [Transmission terminated]

Star Log 94463.13
CAPTAIN AMADEUS BROWN OF THE CARGO TRANSPORTER ICARUS501. ORDER RECEIVED FROM TELCON6 TO DIVERT COURSE AND HEAD TO MOONBASE ALPHASIGMA6. DOCKING NOT REQUIRED. DESTINATION NOT LOGGED. CARGO NOW PRIMED AND COUNTER IS ON. THERE WILL NOT BE ANOTHER RECORDED LOG.
VIVE THE REVOLUTION.

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