Starr had just returned to his quarters after being told that his time on the challenger was coming to an end. He was now an officer in Starfleet, he had graduated. The day had finally arrived that he would be leaving. His PaDD beeped with the details of his new placement on the USS Ark Angel as he was packing up his uniforms, looking around one last time and getting used to not calling these quarters home before. He had one more thing to do before he left though.

He sat over at his personal console and looked at it for a moment. His notes up as usual. “Computer, begin recording,” and with a beep, he knew that everything was ready.

“Personal Log, Simon Starr, Stardate 21903.17,

Today I’ve packed my bags and will be heading over to my first new assignment as a full Starfleet officer. I must say it would be impossible not to be excited at such a time. Well, unless you happened to be a Vulcan. But even Vulcans would be able to appreciate the accomplishments they had made to get to where I am now - ready to join as an Ensign. And to think that Max also graduated at the same time. I remember when I first arrived and speaking to him, the first cadet I spoke to when I arrived on board the challenger in a social setting. That feels like only yesterday we were talking about his artwork as he was making that picture.

Anyway, during my time here I’ve served under two chief of securities, both of which I have learned something from - and both of which I will not forget. Casen introduced me to the fleet, and Tavim, who took over during my time here. Both of them excellent chiefs, and both of them know the story about Tom. Who knows, now I’ll be exploring the unknown, the galaxy may see to it that our paths will cross. Of course, I can only hope for such an outcome, and that I don’t regret what I find out in the future.

I’ve met some potentially good officers in my time aboard here. Max will definitely make an excellent doctor, Catt will probably discover something in her scientific work that will be a big thing for everybody, she just needs to stop underestimating herself and she will also make a great officer. Rhese also looks like he has a bright future ahead of him. That meal we all shared in the Mess Hall allowed me to get to know all of my fellow cadets of the time - a great idea from the XO and counsellor to arrange. I intend to keep tabs on Catt’s project and see where it goes, I am definitely interested in learning what she finds out - something that I can tell mum and dad back home about.

But for now, I’m ready to leave - my time here has come to an end, but the real work awaits. This is the end of the chapter, but only the start of the book.

End Log.”

Simon sighed as there’s a chime at the door of the quarters. “Come in,” he said, allowing NC Smith to enter. “The shuttle is ready, sir,” the NC said as Starr just finished his log. He grabbed his bag, looked out over the quarters one more time. On his way to the shuttle bay, he saw another cadet with bags going in the opposite direction. Nodding to him briefly and wishing him success, Starr went to the turbolift and looked out over the security deck one more time before entering. “Shuttle Bay,” Starr said, as the doors to the turbolift closed to that view for the final time.

Ensign Simon Starr, Security