Report: J M Hamley
Landed successfully, and moved expedition to community hall while station was inspected. Most buildings complete as required.
However some buildings not airtight and so unihabitable.
Captain Landgrabb instructed self and Lieutenant Kotov to complete an assessment of all buildings to establish which are safe to use and which require more work. Found a total of 17 residental homes complete: at least 4 unrelated pairs must share a home. The house intended for Captain Landgrabb in ruins, as is house intended for self beside radio tower.
Returned to meeting to discover Oswald Alto had violated instructions forbidding weapons.
As was not present for start of argument, am unsure precisely how it began. Believe Alto objected to idea that Capt. Landgrabb would have own house when others would have to share.
Alto shot Dr Kingsford first, then Capt Landgrabb when he tried to intervene. Alto declared himself in charge of entire station, and demands rent from all inhabitants. He then left rest of party to claim Dr Kingsford’s house as the most comfortable. Both Yuan siblings, Franz Schmidt and Katalin Abel left with him.
Dr Kingsford died immediately; Captain Landgrabb soon after as had no medical assistance.
Have buried both in graveyard we had hoped would not be needed for many years. Remaining citizens agreed Lieutenant Kotov and self would take over command jointly and attempt to re-introduce security.
*****
Have build a home next to radio tower, as cannot allow Alto’s gang to gain control of communications, although power available is less than expected and can only run tower and phone system two days per week. The house must be underground, as this is the easiest way of keeping airtight.
The upper floor so far contains the living area. Water is scarce, so a bath or shower is not possible.
The lower floor contains the bedroom, with space for another bedroom in future.
Have agreed with Boris Kotov that he will remain in command of satellites and attempting to rebuild rocket sufficiently should satellites require reconstructing. I will recruit others to maintain military presence across the station to prevent Alto from using his gun again, at least in daylight hours – at present, everyone is very reluctant to leave the safety of their homes.
*****
Lower gravity requires us all to work harder to maintain and improve our fitness, so much time is spent exercising with the single music player.
Food is not plentiful, so we must be sparing with what there is. Am rapidly becoming proficient at making these sausages edible…
… however sometimes not proficient enough. No-one has been hurt in fires, which we are thankful for.
Have been developing relationships with Akio Gorou, Rahul Yash, Birgit Folke and Eithne Moore, the new recruits to the military, as well as with Remy Dutiel.
Remy and I are getting on particularly well, which helps me deal with the conditions here.
I am also developing a relationship with Boris Kotov, whose work maintaining the satellites is invaluable.
*****
The recruits are improving in their training, and patrols around the town are beginning. I am very impressed with their work, and all looking forward to freedom from Alto’s threats.
Food is still short, and lack of power means food is often rotting. Have had several cases of food poisoning, but no serious consequences so far.
Basic sinks are only source of clean water, so often difficult to remain clean. Have spent many hours repairing broken sink, and am sure others in same position. Growing used to lack of water, and not noticing the smell so much.
Am not the only one to take up dancing, as it is an enjoyable change from usual life.
*****
Increased ability from rest of military has led to more patrols, and hope of free movement at least during day.
Would like to announce my engagement to Remy Dutiel. Will wait to marry until military in control of settlement, as have no remaining birth control and cannot possibly have children until this is complete.
Have reached top of achievement athletically, and sure this will not be long delayed.
*****
Went to work this morning with high hopes. Have created an assessment together with Boris Kotov: if recruits pass, will join Boris in original duty of satellites leaving others in charge on ground. Feel Akio Gorou is very unlikely to pass, but believe Rahul, Brigit and Eithne all capable.
Hopes were fulfilled: have now joined Boris Kotov in space section. Feel have made a contribution to development of Camp Alpha, and can now leave the next task to others.
I now have a new duty as Mrs Dutiel, and so expect will not be able to continue my military duties for much longer.
Astronaut Hamley-Dutiel, signing off.
*****
Jasmine lifted Military and Hopelessness restrictions on Wednesday of week 4, after 24 days. I broke one rule by accident – Boris was only friends when he first visited but Jasmine did not have a car.
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