Personal Log

Lieutenant Jen Lee

Stardate 9902.25

Sitting in the window of her quarters, looking out at the partially completed space station they were docked at, Jen held her cat on her lap, stroking her and talking to her. "Ophelia ... I am constantly amazed by this universe we live in, you know that? If you really think about it, what we are doing right here, right now is absolutely amazing. Not only are people in space, where nothing should live, but cats too ... and perfectly livable habitats, complete with fresh air and water. Amazing."

Jen gazed out at the stars, still pondering the bigger philosophical picture that most people in the universe tended to forget. Unless, of course, they happened upon a pre-warp civilization. Then, it became very clear how different their lives were. To be able to fly in space ... interact with different species ... some much like they were ... others, so different as to be incomprehensible. Yet, communication always seemed to occur.

Shifting slightly in the window, Jen turned to focus her eyes on the cat, though her mind was still traveling on its own course. Even with all the differences in the species they had encountered, they all had DNA as the building block of their genetic material. Four little nitrogenous bases ... controlling so much of the universe. And the only difference between humanoid species was maybe 10% of their genetic makeup. Amazing.

Jen got up, and decided her brain had had enough for one night. She looked down at the sleeping cat in her arms, and said, "I'm going to join you in a minute, cat. Don't get up on my account." She gently placed the cat on the bed, and went into the bathroom to begin getting ready for sleep.