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Captain's Blog: Bard Date 3232020

I think I'm adjusting. Last night I remembered to bring my hair tie into the Captain's Quarters, and so it did not fall into the hands of Ensign Cow Bell. Today is an off shift for her, but she still found time to greet me with chirpy meows and leg rubs. I began the day running battle simulations with Lieutenant Juju. He takes his job as the Chief Security Officer of the Home Outpost very seriously. After being at Bard for so long, he wasn't convinced my skills were sharp enough anymore. I came out of his training with a minor scratch, but if his purring was anything to go by, the Lieutenant was pleased with my skills regardless.

Once the drills were done, I poured myself a cup of coffee (the strong stuff Admiral Dad makes; I'm not used to it anymore and still have the jitters a bit) and settled in to work on my Senior Project. It was hard at first. I understand intellectually that all my school-related things still matter, that I have to do them to finish my degree and finishing my degree matters regardless of how it happens, but it's hard to find the same sense of purpose knowing that I'm not going back to campus as a student. The first few sentences were a struggle to get out, but after that it was almost a relief from everything else that's been going on. My Senior Project has been a passion project from the beginning. That's really what I have to hold on to right now.

After that, I popped back into the Animal Crossing Holodeck simulation. My biggest focus has been the Science Outpost on the Pirate Isle Colony. This morning, construction on it was completed, and scientific pursuits can continue in earnest. I also finished gathering materials for the Merchant Outpost today, so that should be finished by tomorrow morning. My brother's simulation had progressed to the point where he could join the multiplayer. People often point out how different we are, but our similarities showed themselves the most today, and we compared thriving Science Outposts.

The Admirals are out getting provisions right now. I wish I could've gone with them, but that wasn't a possibility for obvious reasons. They should be returning soon enough, which is a relief. In addition to the pandemic, it's snowing on the homeworld today. I know the Admirals both have plenty of experience piloting in the snow, but I'll still feel better when they've returned to the Home Outpost.

I've been in some contact with the crew today as well. Everyone is doing as well as they can be, under the circumstances. Pilot requested addresses and recommended writing postcards and letters. I don't think I'll be putting anything in the mailbox until my quarantine period is up; I don't want to infect the postal workers any more than anyone else. Still, I think it's a wonderful idea and I can't wait to start writing to people at the end of my two weeks.

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