Personal log, Romel Vinaa

The personal log of Romel Vinaa, an exomale Rigelian-Jelna Starfleet security officer who served aboard the USS *Endeavour*, USS *Berlin*, and USS *Galar*.

## Entries

### 2363

#### The *Kobayashi Maru* test

Cadet Romel Vinaa's personal log, stardate 40109.45.
I wanted to gather my thoughts before I recorded this log. It has been two days since I took Officer Exam 4.4. I had heard this test described as both "brutal" and "a cause for self-reflection," but neither of my classmates would offer additional details. Now I know why.
Not only do cadets agree to keep the nature of the test confidential, but that the scenario one is forced into can truly only be experienced firsthand.
My scenario involved commanding a cruiser shadowing a Cardassian patrol. My ship picked up a distress call, but so did the patrol. I tried all that I could think of at the time to save the colonists on the transport. In the days since I have explored additional tactics. Unfortunately, the nature of the test appears to be hard decisions. It is a choice between the lives of those under your command and those of the transport. I chose to save my ship. Part of me feels selfish and ashamed for having made that choice. But part of me also knows that if my ship had been lost, then the transport would have followed soon after. At least I saved some lives, even if they were all only simulated.
I've heard tell of some taking the exam more than once. But now that I know it's nature I wonder why they would want to face such a decision repeatedly. I am not so confident in my skills to believe I could save both crews. At least not yet. Maybe others are more confident or proud than I. Perhaps some years of active service will better prepare me for such an event. Though I hope I never have to face such a reality.
For now, I will attempt to digest the experience and focus on my future studies. I still have a whole semester ahead of me.
End log.
### 2368

#### Arrival at the *Galar*

Lieutenant Vinaa’s personal log, stardate 45748.29.
During the shuttle ride from San Francisco to the USS *Galar*, I looked through the schematics of the new vessel once more. It was partly to pass the time and partly to alleviate some of my anxiety. While I have been serving as the chief of security aboard the *Berlin* for a year and a half, that old *Excelsior*-class pales in comparison to the size and capabilities of the new *Galaxy*-class starships. Being security chief aboard the *Galar* is going to be a challenging, stressful, growing, and excellent experience. I feel honored to have even been considered for the post, let alone to have received it.
I had seen the USS *Challenger* from a distance once, when both it and the *Berlin* were at Starbase 12. That brief view did not prepare me for our approach to the *Galar*. The shuttle pilot, Commander Hawkins, who is also the *Galar’s* new aerospace officer, nudged me when we got close. Somehow she knew that the view would impress me. Although maybe it impresses all. Either way, the *Galar* is a magnificent ship. The schematics I have been reviewing do not do it justice.
I now sit in my new office, recording this brief log before I head to the bridge and begin a review of all the ship’s tactical systems. I still feel the weight of the responsibility I have been given, but being aboard this vessel gives me new excitement. I am truly honored to be here and hope to serve the *Galar* well.
End log.
### 2371

#### Loss of the *Enterprise*

Lieutenant Vinaa's personal log, stardate 48667.62.
It has been difficult to gather my thoughts for this entry. A week ago, the USS *Enterprise* was destroyed over Veridian III. The *Galar* has been in orbit since then securing and salvaging what we can. It is rather surreal, but not only for the reason of the flagship's destruction.
I'm not that familiar with the *Enterprise* personally. I have of course read about the exploits of previous iterations and some mission reports from this last vessel, but I had not seen the *Enterprise* until today. I have not met its crew. But the legacy of that ship and its heritage runs deep within Starfleet. It is a loss for the service and the Federation.
However, the aspect that makes this the most surreal is that I feel as though I'm looking in a mirror when I see the wreckage on the planet's surface. That starship is not so different from the *Galar*. It could have been the *Galar* if our starship had been in the area and was given this mission. It has given me much to think about. And drives me to ensure that the *Galar* does not suffer a similar fate.
End log.
## Appendices

### Connections

**Departmental:** First officer's log • Second officer's log • Chief medical officer's log • Chief of security's log

**Personal:** Zanntos ch'Aroom • Jaro Eden • Nara • Shrive • Tharan • **Romel Vinaa**