‘Captain’s log, day 748:

“06:00h: We have reached the target system. Investigations will begin shortly. all systems functioning correctly, crew in high spirits. Note: the spice in this system is valuable, and we’d do well to collect some.”

“08:00h: Exploration going well. Visited three out of five planets in the system already, making good time. Spice collected, colonies started; highly lucrative expedition so far. Note: we may be able to stop for lunch at 12:00h if we go fast enough.”

“09:00h: Crew in disarray. Planetary survey of fourth planet indicates prior civilised activity. Planet name: “Sus.” Shortly after this startling discovery, Engineer ZuzzyBh’Aka was sent into the probe bay to ensure all systems’ functionality before detailed investigations commence. Contact with Enginner Bh’Aka lost at 09:45h after checks revealed all systems nominal. Body was found with a stab wound in the small of the back. Note: This is a serious matter. We have an imposter among us.”

“11:00h: Crewmates A. Moguss and Vennt missing, bodies unaccounted for. Only I, First Mate Stap Pōstng, Ensign Baut Mongas, Engineer Trashkann and Comms Officer Tyrduv Ceeingit remain. Received orders from the fleet to abandon the mission. Note: if I don’t identify the imposter before their next attack, we may have no mission left to abort.”

“12:00h: The imposter struck again at 11:54h. It was Comms Officer Ceeingit this time. Comms where cut off shortly before their body was reported found in the engine room, charred. We can’t radio for help unless Engineer Trashkann can fix it, provided he isn’t next to go. Note: I’m attempting to stay away from everyone as much as I can. I can’t be sure that the imposter won’t make a bold move and try to take us all on at once.”

“13:00h: I found Stap’s body in the mess hall. It was mangled almost beyond recognition. That just leaves me and Baut Mongas. I’ve taken a stun rifle from the armoury, and am doing my best to navigate the ship back to the fleet solo. Note: I’ve made it out of a lot of scrapes before, but I think this may be it for me. I have a bad feeling about this.”

“15:00h: Still no sign of Ensign Mongas. He’s hidden himself well. With hindsight, I can see that he was acting sus since the day we left the fleet! I should’ve known he was the imposter… I’m making good time in returning to the fleet, though. With any luck, he’ll leave me alone long enough to get within short-distance comms range with Command, and then I’ll be home free. Note: I’m holding out hope, though I truly doubt I’ll make it…”

“17:00: *’Ensign Mongas! I didn’t expect to see you here.’*

**’You and I have some business to attend to, Captain.’**

*’W-what do you mean?’*

**’You and I know both *exactly* what I mean. I never leave a job unfinished, Captain, and you’re the last one I need to deal with.’**

*’Don’t take another step, Ensign! That’s an orde-* **AAAAARRRRRGGGHHHHHHH!!! MY L I V E R!!!!!! AAAAARRRRRRrrrRGGgggggghhhhhhh**^hhhhhh^^hhhh!

#-log end//recording incomplete.