An attempted entry

[Guest Mary Major]

An aged reflection appeared on a computer screen in Junior Lieutenant Mary Major's quarters. The features deepened as she leaned into the darkness.

 

"Are you operational, dear?"

 

The computer remained dark. However, it spoke:

 

"Please specify reference?"

 

The reflection in the screen lightened as its features changed.

 

"Oh good. Uhm computer, please set yourself up to record an entry for me."

 

And the technology responded:

 

"Set up complete. You may record when ready."

 

Mary sat back in her chair. Content in her small accomplishment, she thought carefully of the next words she was to utter. This was the first time she had decided to create an official medical officers log entry. Previously, her log entries were only practice in a Starfleet Medical Training classroom. But this was different. It was going to be official and permanent in ships records. To say it was particularly intimidating was to understate its importance. Regardless, Mrs. Major found the words and began:

 

"Assistant Medical Officer Major's Log Stardate 10506.13. I hope that stardate was correct, computer. Stardating was never my strong point. Please correct it if its not.

 

"Oh, listen to me ramble. All right, down to business. This station is becoming less and less confusing to the mind of a 63-year-old as each day passes. I keep getting lost in these hallways, but I am getting better. A security officer was kind enough to introduce me to the assistance program. Mostly, I find myself in sickbay, tending to the various infirmed. Most notably, Commander Garnoopy, Chief Engineer.

 

"I really have no idea why I have such a liking to him. Our conversations are one-sided, due to his incapacity. I believe its the likeness to my son, Gary. What a rambunctious child he was. Always finding trouble where I would least expect it and running head-long into it. My, my how he has grown. I miss him terribly and my rememberance of his tom-foolery was lived on through Mr. Garnoopy.

 

"Poor lad. Thank goodness he is now up and about, taking fluids and resting comfortably. My reports on his condition have been short. It is refreshing to have something to write about for a change. Speaking of which, I have to write home."

 

Mary's train of thought became blocked and the skin over eyes creased together in confusion. She looked about the room with her hand over her chin, hoping an object would trigger the thought she had just lost. Then, it occured to her that this entry was more personal than professional.

 

"Oh dear. Computer, erase all that. Start over at the correct stardate."

 

But, the words were still not formed.

 

"Oh, never mind. I'll do it later."

 

 

-Junior Lieutenant Mary Major

Assistant medical officer on some starbase