Captain’s Log, Stardate 2348.6.2. A lot has happened since my last check-in. The Federation continues to expand, our relationship with the Iyaaran continues to improve, more colonies are coming on-line, and we’re starting to see the result of all of this exploration and research.

Aside from mapping the galaxy, exploration provides many exciting — and dangerous — opportunities. Truth be told, I firmly believe that in order to enlist in Starfleet one has to be a bit adventurous, a bit curious, and even a little bit nihilistic; we never know whether contact with a phenomenon, a new species, or a new technology will be beneficial or deadly, and I guess that’s part of the allure.

Of course, sometimes things just…happen, and we learn a little bit more about our universe than we had known before. What we do with that information is a test of character, will, and the underlying philosophy of what it means to be a part of Starfleet and the Federation.

Speaking of which, I received a calendar reminder that Elections are underway.

President T’Pragh is up for re-election, but the other candidates seem strong in their own rights. I don’t think there’s really a bad choice in the bunch, so it’s really just a matter of deciding who will lead the Federation in the most desirable direction in its next phase.

Unfortunately, whomever wins the election is going to have a lot to deal with. I am happy to be out here where actions have more immediate results. I’m certainly not one for pulling levers or skulking behind the scenes.

I am pleased that the Federation has chosen to throw in with the odd coupling of both the Klingons and the Romulans in supporting independence for Bajor. In some ways, the Cardassian Union is more frightening than the Romulans; at least the Romulans eventually play their cards, often in bombastic ways. The Cardassians haven’t been heard from outside of their borders in I don’t remember how long.

As always, here’s some good news to close out the log. A Federation-wide announcement was made that we have a new star ship class on the way! Dubbed the Intrepid, this sleek design carries heavy armaments designed to support planetary incursions. I don’t want to think about why Starfleet chose this design over improving the Miranda class, but then again, I don’t have all the information.