Captain's log - stardate 74480.8

I thought I should post a general update on the voyage. As captain, I spend quite a bit of time writing reports for Starfleet, as well as finding sources of food and other necessities, and Commander Chris is away from the ship most days, carrying out various trading, exploratory and diplomatic missions, and finding power sources. We decided that we both need leisure activities for off-duty times, so acquired a selection of craft materials and board games, which are also enjoyed by Ensign Zeph. For a while we were near enough to settled planets for the ensign to attend school in person, but for the next while he will be studying virtually again. He misses spending time with other students, but stays in contact with his friends via the comms system. We are travelling with another small vessel, so spend some of our off-duty time with the captain and ensign from that ship.

The plague which has spread across the quadrant is still spreading, and new variants have developed. This means that we have to take even more stringent precautions to reduce the risk of either becoming infected ourselves or transmitting the disease to others.   

This voyage has been difficult for the whole crew, and the hardest part has been the distance from family and friends. Sometimes it feels like we'll never again be near enough, but virtual communication makes us feel better. None of us realised how much we rely on spending time with others, relaxing together and getting hugs until we couldn't do that any more. Now we have only each other to lean on, but as long as we remember that we are a team we'll get by.

Captain's log - stardate 74475.7

 Celebrating Earth festivals while on a long voyage far from home is very different from usual. For all the crew there have been traditions which we have had to miss this year, but we did our best to replicate as many of our favourites as possible. We changed things around in the common room/workroom/lab to make space for a Christmas tree and other decorations, and, fortunately, we have found plenty of trading posts (both in space and on-planet) so we all did some shopping for gifts, and managed to find ingredients that were similar enough to those we're used to, so we could make lots of our favourite treats. We even used the sprouts that we grew in the hydroponics bay for Christmas dinner! We also decided to trade for a communications booster system, because for all of us, one of the most important events were the virtual meetups with family - even though we're physically far away we could still be close. We hope that by next Christmas we may be near enough to Earth to visit in person, but I think we made the best of it.  

Captain’s log - stardate 73708.3

Our away mission was delayed due to adverse weather conditions on the planet we planned to survey (named Cruuba on local star charts) but today its skies cleared and we were able to complete our mission. Ensign Zeph has collected a variety of samples, and will be analysing them in the Phoenix’s science lab over the next few days in an attempt to find out what kind of life exists on this planet that seems to consist of rocks, sand and ocean. When his analysis is complete he will present his report, which will be added to this log.

Captain's log - stardate 73797.8

We set off on our voyage three days ago, and already the sense of distance from other humans is having an effect on crew morale. However, we have plenty to keep us busy. I have set up my ready room, and Ensign Zeph has found himself a workspace and begun work on his assignments. Commander Chris has taken on the responsibility of organising our supplies and equipment. 

I have created a duty schedule, which includes time for paperwork, research and starship maintenance as well as off-duty time and use of the holodeck. 

Tomorrow we plan to go on our first away mission to a planet spotted on the sensors. Its surface appears to be covered in large areas of ocean, so we will aim for the edge of an ocean to look for signs of life. Ensign Zeph will report on our findings. 

Captain's log - stardate 73697.8 These are the transmissions of the starship Phoenix, NCC 2715. We will report on the status of our mission and share the knowledge we gain from our encounters and research, as well as pictures of the wonders we encounter!

 A lengthy mission can be difficult for both the crew and the family still on Earth, but fortunately there have been many advances in communication technology which allows us to be in regular contact with our loved ones. Captain Rowenna will also be making regular reports to Starfleet Command. We have adequate supplies on board, but will also be able to trade for goods on various planets and space stations.

 Ensign Zeph is the youngest member of the crew, and has not yet completed his studies at Starfleet Academy. He will be receiving assignments to complete each day (another benefit of the new comms technology), and the ensign will also be studying various ships' systems and undertaking scientific research. He will produce reports and briefings on the planets and lifeforms we encounter