Getting used to life on the ship...

[Dustin_Marks 0]

"Challenger Personal Letter Log"

 

TO: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Marks

 

FROM: Ensign Jonathan Marks

 

Dear Mom and Dad,

 

Sorry I haven't had a chance to drop you a line earlier, but I am afraid that things were a bit hectic here on the Challenger. As I am sure you must of heard by the Earth News Network, we were the victims of foul play aboard the Challenger. Although I cannot reveal who or what had happened, let me just tell you that I am fine save for a cheap shot I recieved during the incident. Oh, and don't worry Mom, Dr. McDaniel did an excellent job in patching me up.

 

Anyhow, things has definitely seemed to have calmed down a bit here on the Challenger over the last few days. Alhough, by calming down, I mean checking the ship for any more signs of foul play. Don't get me wrong though, I would definitly perfer doing routine work to fighting hoards of alien beings... Heh... I know Dad, I am a worse liar then you.

 

Besides the early fireworks, the ship is very similar to being in your own moving city. Believe it or not, I have already run into some old friends and am quickly making new ones. My friend Aaron Westler was assigned as an Engineer and we spend a lot of our off hours together. I also spend time with my roommate Daryus who, coincidently, is also an Engineer. And no Dad, not all engineers are pencil pushers...

 

Surprisingly, there is quite a bit to do on our off time. There is a wonderful gym installed here on the Challenger as well as a movie screening area in the mess. There is also a state-of-the-art target range set aside for the Security Squad which makes Interpol's look outdated. There is also an Arboretum which I haven't had a chance to visit yet, but when we are able to recieve a transmission of the latest novels from home, I may spend some time reading there.

 

On a quick change of pace, let me reassure Mom that yes, their is more then what she described as quote/unquote "resequenced slop" here on the ship. In fact the food is quite excellent. Although Chef hasn't had a whole lot to work with, he made a delicious grilled chicken over a bed of Fettachini Alfredo right before I wrote this letter. With a glass of Iced Tea and some thick crusted sourdough bread, I am quite happy.

 

Well, thats about it for this letter. I just want to say I miss and love you both dearly and that everything is going to be great.

 

Your Son,

 

Jon