The Narrative Archives

Mission Log Author: Captain Nathan C. Jackson Mission 5, Entry 3: Well, it seems my little stunt has gained me some infamy. To be fair, half of me knew it was a reckless, stupid thing to do. Also, thanks to that, we still cannot launch as we did not complete the job we came here to do- test the Sentinels. I received a nice little reprimand from Asteri for that, so that was cool too. I'm no longer going to be using the Hornet offensively on this mission. For starters, for all the credit I gave it for being a strike craft, it still is just an armed surveillance vehicle- not meant for combat or even a combat environment. So my little manoeuvres strained some of the fine control instruments, which on the whole defeats the purpose of using it as a strike craft. Second, the damage I took may be considered light, but for a hull that's mostly there to keep the engine and the cockpit together, explosive flak is not exactly something it should be flying through. Third, and most important...

The men aboard the vessel all froze stiff, only the Captain dared to breathe as he peeked through the periscope sticking out of the water above. Their attack had commenced just a few seconds prior, now all they could do hope was that it was successful. If not, they would be in serious trouble; their target was a destroyer covering the advance into the straits. Command felt that spending an attack squadron on a single destroyer was unnecessary. Naturally, it fell upon the submariners to take up the task instead. The only advantage they had was that they had not been discovered yet, having managed to skirt around behind the destroyer, an advantage they will lose if the destroyer survives. The fish continued on to their mark. Unfortunately, it was not to be; the destroyer piled on steam to dodge the torpedoes and then began to turn in towards the submarine. The Captain called for the submarine to crash dive. Promptly, the submarine’s nose dove. Several sailors grabbed on to pipes and ha...

Milady, do not cry, Do not lose your heart. Do not shed those tears, Even though we are apart. You scream, bawl And make sounds strident. And they are unbefitting Even if you are despondent. I am too far to feel your suffering, Your pain and anguish. Your voice is too far away Even for me to languish. But your caring, your love, Those I can still receive. Those I long for, Even if it sounds naïve. Compose yourself, hold your head high, Let yourself be calm. Let your spirits rise, Even your voice is in qualm. Have faith, have courage, Please do not be grim. Please sing a song, Even in sleep, I can hear your hymn.

The nice musty smell of books, always so soothing. If only the library was as quiet as it's supposed to be. Thankfully, it isn't unbearably loud. Although, I'm not sure it was the best of ideas to keep the library so close to the field, where everyone is always shouting their lungs out. Lunch will be ending soon, I had better get back to class. I got up, went to keep my book back on the shelf, and stepped out of the room. "Melinda?" somebody behind me called out. I turned around to see our class teacher. "Yes ma'am?" "I have been meaning to ask you, you were part of the editorial committee, right?" she asked. I said yes, "... I left last year when I became the class representative." "Ah, yes I remember, which was what I wanted to talk to you about..." I chuckled and politely went on, "No, I have no intention of joining again." "May I ask why?" "I have enough responsibilities as the class represen...

I enjoy my repose, Quill in hand, Scribbling away About an unknown land. My past was lively, A wonderful treat, Now I rejoice In having the world at your feet. Anyone like me, will have a tale or two. If you will listen, I can tell you some too. I have been on top of the world and below the seas, I have explored Mountains and valleys, Deserts and forests, Islands and oceans, Jungles and steppes, Villages and megapolises… I have witnessed Nature’s wonder and dread, Wilderness and civilization, Monuments and ruins, Humble abodes and megastructures, Natural beauty and human ingenuity… Our home, small we may make it, Is a wonderfully big place And it’s secrets We are learning to embrace. One day our world will be mapped completely, And only one place will be left, really. We will grow overly fond Of the worlds above and beyond As for the cartographer, The hunger for knowledge is insatiable And the thirst for adventure, unquenchable.