"Computer, begin recording." Once the chime signaled it's readiness, he began speaking.

"Captain's log, Stardate...Oh hell, I don't even know what day it is. Lately, they've been blurring together. One combat situation after another; damage to the crew and the ship is piling up beyond what anyone could have ever feared. I've already lost three member of my senior staff, and have yet to promote someone into the now vacant positions."

An audible sigh would be heard on the recording. "It should be noted that Lieutenant Commander Nichols perished in the process of saving several of the engineering staff; Lieutenants Pierson and Collette lost their lives during an away mission, assisting the crew of the USS Acera, while evacuating Starfleet personnel on Ronel IV. All three should be issued medals of commendation, if not the medal of honor, post-humously." He paused, gathering his wits, "At the moment, we're limping towards Outpost 134 for repairs and recrewing. Maybe someone there can tell me this has been a hellish nightmare? Maybe they'll say we'll all wake up tomorrow and be all right."

Another sigh, this one more exaggerated than the last. "Computer, save log and update the message bouy. End log."