In fact, that communications array is the reason for our Public Affairs silence during the past few weeks. We didn’t have much of a choice. Our ship communications array wasn’t capable of maintaining contact with the Facebook network over the vast distance of space. Our current trans-spatial antenna is woefully inadequate for the task, and has been ordered for an upgrade and realignment before we head back out into deep space.
That said, my apologies for the silence. We’re a new ship, and we’re still testing new technologies. Our Facebook communications platform failed, and that shut down our office’s capabilities during the recent mission. We’ll get things squared away ASAP.
In other news, our commanding officer, Captain Halloway, is stepping down, and a new captain will be assigned to the Enterprise. Halloway’s departure was announced, and negotiated via commship during our recent mission.
Two months ago, Captain Halloway’s wife, Marla, was diagnosed with Liddleton’s Disease, a debilitating illness that slowly weakens the body until it can no longer function. It is terminal, and there is no cure. Over the past month, Marla’s condition has deteriorated rapidly, and Captain Halloway has chosen to retire from active duty, so that he can be with her, on Earth, during the last few months of life she has remaining.
Our hearts and prayers are with the Captain, and his wife, as they go through this trial together. It won’t be easy for either of them, but I don’t think any of us would begrudge him this decision. Family is important – even when you’re the captain of Starfleet’s beautiful new flagship.
The name of our new captain has not yet been announced, although, I have heard that he/she has been chosen, and is leaving command of one of the Starfleet vessels currently orbiting Earth. I will share his/her identity as soon as it becomes known to the public.
-Lieutenant Sam Archer
-------------------------------------------------------------
April 29, 2363 – (Devron Prime Timeline)