Captain’s Log: Maintaining Orbit in Sector 7 — On Honor, Resilience, and New Propulsion.

 

Captain’s Log: Stardate 2026.02.16 – 2026.03.05

Location: Sector 7 (Jeju Island), Deep Space GEC

Status: Mission Extended

The mission continues. After a standard orbital rotation around the sun, the local population celebrated the 3 days of Seollal (Lunar New Year). On the first day of the holiday (Seollal Eve), I engaged in the mandatory "Deep Clean" of my quarters—a necessary ritual to purge the old energy before the new year’s sensors take over.

The Shore Leave Report

On the 17th, I rendezvoused with the crew for lamb skewers and a local delicacy: Baskin-Robbins with flavors that surely aren't Federation-standard, including "cheese and sweet potato" ice cream.  

We ended the night at a Noraebang (노래방) (aka Korean karaoke). While my colleagues possess vocal cords tuned to professional frequencies, I chose to observe. I didn’t want to inflict my "sonic weaponry" on their unsuspecting ears.

The following days were dedicated to planetary exploration. We tackled the Jeju Olle Trail network—a massive undertaking spanning 27 trails and over 437 kilometers of rugged terrain.

• Olle Route 4: A 19km coastal and inland trek. We stopped for brunch at a lovely cafe right off the trail called Buen Camino. They served the best French toast I’ve had in years—highly recommended for any GEC/Jejuites in the vicinity.  

• Olle 7-1: A 15km route that was much more intense, involving a steep ascent up an Oreum (volcanic cone). While there were no cafes, the summit offered stunning views, waterfalls, glimpses of Jeju deer called Noru (노루), and a beautiful Buddhist temple. 
  
  

Noru 

 

Buddhist temple photos

very tall and long stairway to the top of the oreum

 Pear Blossom or Camomile- I get different answers from different sources

Waterfall bed

This trail also led us through the Lost Village of Mugeureung. It offered a vital opportunity to reflect on the ravages of war and to cherish the beauty of Jeju while not forgetting its history. It is a profound reminder It is a profound reminder that while it requires a distinct lack of honor to burn a world down, it takes immense resilience and character to rebuild a new life from the ashes.

• Mission Note: These "Lost Villages" are the haunting footprints of the 1948 Jeju 4.3 Incident, where scorched-earth policies during civil unrest left only stone foundations where thriving communities once stood. 

Tactical Updates: New Transport & Extended Orders

I am happy to announce that the Captain finally has her own shuttlecraft! I am now the proud commander of a late-model Hyundai Avante, which has been commissioned, The Calypso II, in honor of my hero, Captain Picard. No longer reliant on the "transporters" (friends’ cars), I can now explore the island at warp speed. I’ve noticed (and been warned) that local traffic laws seem to be more of a "suggestion" for some tourists, a lesson I first learned back on my home planet in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I’ll keep my shields up and my phasers set to stun.

Most importantly, I have officially signed a two-year contract extension. My initial assignment in this sector was only supposed to last one year, but I’ve decided to stay the course. I do miss my allies back at my old coordinates, long-range sensors indicate that the sector remains under a strict environmental quarantine. There are lingering temporal distortions in that area—echoes of old, heavy frequencies—that are still far too detrimental to my ship's structural integrity. Returning now would risk a total systems freeze, and my primary directive is to keep this vessel moving forward. For the safety of the mission and the well-being of the Captain, I’m maintaining a stable orbit here in Jeju where the atmosphere is clear. "Make it so."

Science & Culture

• Jeju United FC: On March 1st, we watched Jeju United take on the Pohang Steelers. It was a rough start; one of our "Red Shirts" actually got a Red Card five minutes in, leaving us down a man. We held them to a tie, but retreated to the mess hall early to escape the sub-zero temperatures.

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• The Blood Moon: On March 3rd, the cloud cover dissipated, revealing the final stages of a stunning lunar eclipse. Seeing that crimson sphere hanging over the East China Sea was a reminder of how small our personal dramas are in the face of the cosmos.
  
  

  
  
  

• The Mess Hall: Last week, an amazing aroma permeated the halls of the middle school. Our Specialist of Planetary Linguistics (the Year 8 Korean Teacher) and her class were preparing Tteokguk (떡국).
  
  
  

  
  
  

  Tteokguk is a traditional soup of sliced rice cakes in a clear broth. Eating a bowl signifies gaining a year of age and a fresh start for the soul.

She was kind enough to share, and it was absolutely delicious. If I ever learn to cook, Tteokguk is at the top of my list of recipes to learn.

Current Outlook: Steady. Staying the course.

End Log.