Captain's Log
Stardate 2262.2.13

The Saratoga has completed its time on Starbase 11. A lot was topics were discussed during
the meetings, one of which was the current state of the Fleet. Since Nero's rampage Starfleet
has made it a goal to complete at least four new ships every year. A goal that has been maintained
and exceeded. Ten new ships have been completed so far and five more are scheduled to be
done before this year is out.

On a purely personal note I'm glad to say that new Delphis class ships have been built as well.
When I first took command of the Saratoga there were only four Delphis class ships in the Fleet:
The Saratoga, Andaman, Actium and Adriatic. Since then several others have been built.
The Salamis and Baltic in 59'. The Delta, Argo and Samoa in 60' and the Kumari, Okhotsk
and the Vaska last year.

Starfleet is determined to expand their knowledge as much as possible. As soon as new ships
are off the docks they're sent into deep space and our old ships are being sent ever further too.
Someone needs to study all the things they find and that's what Delphis class ships do best.
They've always performed this task admirably, but ever since Nero there is an added…intensity
for want of a better world. There's an ancient Nlian saying, "The best way to face something
is from a position of knowledge." and that's definitely true. The more we know about something
the better prepared we are for it.

It seems that Starfleet is also getting over some of its fixation on the idea that bigger means better
and seeing the use of small ships. For one thing they take less time to build and don't require large crews.
And in fringe areas, they're less likely to alarm an alien race. A small unknown ship may raise concerns
but would be seen as less of a threat, than a big ship such as the Enterprise, the Triumph or Excalibur.

I recall one of my first missions with the Saratoga; being allowed to enter Atellan space to study
the famous Quia Gas Giants. The Atellans are very wary of outsiders and while they never would
have allowed a large ship to enter their space, they were willing to permit a small science vessel.

Another case in point is when we made First Contact with the Tooela last year. They protect
their planet with a highly dense polaron grid that no Federation ship has been able to get through.
Over the years when other Federation passed nearby hails were met with silence. We were nearby
conducting studies when a Tooelan ship de-cloaked and contacted us. They explained that they
hadn't allowed any other ships to their world because of their size and weapons. We were smaller
and from their observations of us we appeared peaceful and interested only in scientific endeavor,
so they made contactt.

Of course there are a lot in Starfleet who still think that the best way to be prepared is to become
more militarized. Who would say that small ships may not seem threatening, but are not as good
at fighting if the need arises. Admiral Jones is definitely one of them and he and Pike's have had
quite a few 'discussions'.

As little as I may care for Admiral Jones personally I know that he has Starfleet's best interests at heart.
And he does make several valid points: Starfleet's purpose is to explore, form diplomatic ties and
to keep the peace, but we are also the Federation's military, even if we don't use the word.
The Federation has enemies and we need to be vigilant in protecting it. The problem is there is a thin
line between maintaining security and building a climate of fear. Large well armed ships are good at
protecting but at the same time they make others less likely to trust us. There really is no clear cut answer.

Jones is still convinced that my talents are wasted on the Saratoga. He feels that a Captain with my
tactical skills would serve the Federation far better on a larger ship. Well, he can think what he wants.
The Saratoga is my baby, my home and I have no intention of leaving her after everything she's done
for me. I can serve the Federation just as well on a small ship. A fact which I have been proving from
the day I took command and which I intend to keep on proving.

Maybe the rest of my class can too. There are twelve of us now. Twelve Delphis class ships. Twelve
dolphin ships. Dolphins travel in pods and I would say that twelve makes a pod. The Delphis Pod.
Maybe one reason we never attracted much attention before was simply because there weren't a lot
of us. Now that our numbers have increased that may change. Maybe the entire Pod can go on
missions together. Wouldn't that be a sight?

Well, I'm done, for the time being, with meetings, discussions and political agendas. The Saratoga is
once again underway and will be spending the next several weeks star-charting. We're heading toward
an area of space that has several large stellar clouds and someone needs to chart them. Guess what
kind of ship is best for the task? You got it, a Delphis class ship!

James T. Kirk.

Captain's Mess
6:00 PM/I

Kirk could count on his fingers the number of times he had used the Captain's Mess. He preferred
to eat with the rest of his crew and the only times he had used his private dining room was when
he was hosting guests. Times such as now. He looked fondly at his Soul Siblings as they chattered
with D'Ray.

During the Saratoga's stay at Starbase 11, they, like most of the crew, had spent the three days
on the surface. There was a lot to see after all- Starbase 11 was one of the major administrative facilities
of the Alpha Quadrant and in the event that Earth was ever conquered or destroyed it would become
the new seat of Starfleet Headquarters. The lifemates had gotten a room in the same hotel that D'Ray
was staying at and had spent their leave resting and touring. Kirk, busy with his meetings with Starfleet
brass, hadn't seen them since the ship had finally re-launched earlier today.

When his shift ended he had insisted on D'Ray being given a tour of the Saratoga and she had quickly
made a positive impression on those who met her. He had also invited the Nlians to have dinner with him
in the Captain's Mess.

"I'll accept on one condition Captain," D'Ray had said. "That you let me help out in the Mess while I'm here.
I intend to earn my keep and make myself useful!"

"I have no doubt you will. And I'm sure Gavor will love the extra help." Kirk chuckled as he thought
of the upcoming fireworks between D'Ray and the Tellerite.

He smiled again as he enjoyed the company of his guests and his smile broadened as he looked at L'Naym.
She had been overjoyed to see her Soul Sister and was still glowing with happiness.

Friends and family. Its moments like these that make being out here worthwhile.