Most existing cases consist of persistent headaches, uncharacteristic migraines, unexpected arthritis symptoms, and short-term memory loss. Others have noted a slight (most likely temporary) change in the pigmentation of their hair or skin. In addition, a small percentage of those affected, have also reported the unexpected acquisition of a new ability (i.e., a new passion or skill for music, or the sudden ability to speak another related language), a new accent, or the disturbing (and persistent) belief that their friends and family have been replaced by impostors. These final conditions are of a neural nature, and may take longer to control or overcome.
Our hospital deck has also reported patients struggling with increased agitation, random nausea, uncontrollable emotional mood swings, and symptoms that mimic decompression sickness. These are easily treatable, and already starting to subside.
Beyond the medical issues plaguing the Enterprise, our scientific studies of the “Black Nebula” are coming to a close. This mission is ending, and at 2300 hours this evening, we will be moving on to our next scheduled assignment. After two days at warp, we will arrive in a region of space (just over ten light years from here) that contains three unexplored star systems. Our orders are to chart those star systems, collect data on the planets, and assess their habitability. Once that task is finished, we will return to Alamo Station.
As we prepare to leave the “Black Nebula” behind, we have dropped a warning bouy, cautioning Federation ships to stay away from the nebula. We also leave the empty Kraxxos ship behind to – hopefully – be recovered by another one of their vessels in the near future. Someday, we may meet up with the Kraxxos again, and open diplomatic relations, but for now, I think it’s safe to assume that many among the crew would rather leave this area, and find safer space to explore.
-Lieutenant Sam Archer
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December 21, 2364 -- (Original Devron Timeline)