Captain's Log, Stardate 61035.7. We have launched from drydock and are on course as ordered.
First Officer's Log: Stardate 61035.7. We have achieved launch from drydock with a minimum of difficulty, and are proceeding to Sector 332-J at warp six. I noticed in the captain's public log that he didn't, as per Fleet custom, enter the text of his launch speech. The launch speech is a long-standard Fleet tradition. Some ship commanders read a prepared text, and some even read the same text on whatever ship they helm. Captain Rush chose to speak extemporaneously. In the interest of historical completeness, I'm hereby entering it into the officer's log of the Universe via this entry. The speech was delivered via address intercraft audio at precisely 2231 hours on Stardate 61035.7:
"Gentlemen....ladies....this is Captain Rush. I welcome you all aboard the Universe, and look forward to the adventure in which we have been---thrown together, for lack of a better word.
"For many of you, this is your first time aboard a starship. It may seem vast, even intimidating to you at first. It's not. I'd wager that our little populace of six hundred and three, in comparison to the cities in which you likely grew up, is rather small. Furthermore, when we're measured against the vastness of the void we're about to hurl ourselves into---we're barely more than a speck.
"I've followed a rather---roundabout path to becoming your captain. I'm sure you all have your own stories, your own histories, your own reasons for joining Fleet. I'm telling you now: They're all irrelevant to the job at hand. In the days of old Earth, I'm told, there was an organization called the Foreign Legion, which men of questionable backgrounds could join in hopes of starting new lives for themselves. In a way---you're starting new lives here. Who you are, what you may have accomplished before----these are the elements that led you here. But from now on, anything you do will be, first and foremost, as crewmen of the Universe. It is to that ship, to that name, and to your fellow crewbeings, that I expect you to give your first allegiance.
"We are all we have. There are no families, no 'civilians' aboard the Universe. That's a luxury that I'm afraid is left to larger vessels. Those of you who don't have families back home---and even those of you who do----look around you. The people to your left and right, behind you and in front of you---they are your family now. You will confide in them, depend on them, laugh with them, love them, hate them, and be willing to put your lives on the line for them. Nothing less than that level of dedication will do, because only under those circumstances will we be able to survive----and more----to triumph.
"All right. What are you all doing standing around listening to your captain chatter on as if he's saying something you don't already know. Back to work!"549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIuNd8DvOO
Captain's Personal Log: Stardate 61035.8. Our launch was proceeding perfectly well until my first officer insisted I get on address intercraft and make a fool of myself to the crew. I don't even remember what I said: some kind of over-the-top, cloying, "Go get 'em, boys and girls" oration. Damnation, is this what modern-day Fleet members need to bring them together? It was much easier on Rizajor. All I needed to do was raise my sword over my head, shout "Death to the Senderians!" and the huzzahs would roll. Had I been wise, I would've informed Jonny that if she wanted a speech, she could damn well make one. But everyone looked to me as she stood on the bridge and suggested it; I didn't wish to seem a coward. It's been many years since I cared overmuch how I seemed in the eyes of others, and it's a disconcerting feeling. At the very least, I must take care to make sure that Jonny not put me in that kind of position again.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQRREzjOI8
First Officer's Personal Log, Stardate 61035.8. The captain made a stirring and moving speech upon launch, which he wouldn't have done had I not talked him into it. Although Rush's strategic skills and starship knowledge are indisputable, his people skills are in need of honing. It's my belief that, although Captain Rush has some rough spots to him, with my guidance he'll develop into a thoroughly adequate leader. However, I do feel I need to discuss the contents of his off-the-cuff remarks, for the purpose of making sure that mixed messages are not sent to the crew.549Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiAuMNRVHE
