The Journal of Orzal Dax.

We've not got married yet, thats in two months time, but very were looking through the details of the honeymoon.  The cottage on the shores of Loch Ness looks absolutely fantastic. I can't wait to sit outside with a view like that.  The rooms look so cosy and inviting. I think this is going to be exactly what we need to relax and spend quality time together, just me and Ranih. I might have to practice my rowing technique on the holodeck before we go, I do fancy taking the boat out onto the Loch.  The planning for the wedding is pretty much completed and all is set. We decided on a small guest list, of 30 people, so it's not too overwhelming. Basically family and close friends. 

I've done my second blood donation today. It's a very simple and virtually painless process and takes, at most, an hour of your time. But the hour taken, helps save peoples lives. So please consider being a blood donor.  Thanks. https://www.redcrossblood.org/ https://www.blood.co.uk/

The weather today is miserable. It's been raining, pretty much, none stop all morning. However, I have still got out and got things done.  Can't let a bit of rain spoil my plans. Life will always throw a spanner in the works, put obstacles in your way, and try to trip you up when you think you are on a roll.  Our Colony Governor, Maura, got me a lovely plaque for my garden some months ago and it's message is one I try to keep at the forefront of my mind. "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain." 

Had a coffee with James today, whilst going over the next steps in the restoration of the Kestrel fighter.  There is plenty left to do but by the end of our next session, we should be able to power her up. Quite exciting.  James was admiring my socks today, knitted by Ranih. Socks are something she is both very good and somewhat prolific at knitting.  The latter, in itself, isn't a bad thing as I benefit from it, as I have eight amazing pairs of knitted socks.  There is definitely something nice about hand-knitted socks when compared to ones made from synthetic fibres which the replicators tend to default to.  I do a fair amount of walking both at work and in my free time so a good pair of comfortable socks are essential to wear with my boots.  Ranih is off-world next week but immediately after she returns, we are both off-world as we are visiting Grand Nagus Rom and Leeta on Ferenginar. Should be fun. 

Thankfully there were only six Cardassian Voles loose in the colony. However, further checks are being carried out to make absolutely sure.  On top of this, further checks are also being added to incoming frieghters, not just from Cardassia but from anywhere, to ensure nothing gets onto the colony but current and new residents with their belongings.  Me and James have started working on sorting out his garden and repairing the damage caused by the Voles and the battle to contain them that ensued.  James is interested in growing some vegetables in his garden and I think is a wonderful idea. His shed is full of equipment and you wouldn't think, looking inside it, you were on a colony, many light-years from Earth and Trill and in the 25th Century.  He decided to do things "old school style" as he put it. I'm looking forward to this. 

Ranih has told me that, next week, she's going on a trip with a group of friends to Bajor. This means that I will have our home to myself and Jodo.  She even suggested that I invite James over for drinks one evening. What a fantastic idea. I've already asked him and he's definitely up for that. He suggested he would bring a good bottle of Scottish whiskey with him.  In regards to the Cardassian Voles, the Colony Maintenance Team will be dealing with it tomorrow. We are hoping that there is only the six we could see and they haven't started breeding and exploring much further than the neighbouring homes around James's garden.  I've replicated some traps and put them in strategic places in our garden incase we get invaded by these critters. 

So I got a request from James to help with his garden but little did I know what I was taking on.  A few weeks ago we had some new residents join the colony, and two of the families were from Cardassia. The community thrives on its diversity after all.  It would appear that a third family was with the Cardassians on their frieghter. Specifically of the Cardassian Vole variety and they have decided to set up home in James's garden.  We have advised Colony Maintenance about the infestation. We believe there are around six of them at present but that's all we were able to see.  As for the garden itself, it's not as bad as James made out. Just needs a good trim here and there, a bit of weeding and some cleaning. Once we evict the Voles, we will make a start. The last time I had to deal with these little critters was when I was Jadzia on DS9. At least there, they were somewhat more contained. I do hope there are only six of them. 

I could easily have my hair cut at home. I have the necessary gadget but there is something about going to the barbers, sitting in a comfortable chair, and actually having a pleasant conversation with someone whilst they trim your hair.  You also get to hear interesting titbits of gossip about things going on around the colony that you don't necessarily hear on normal channels.  The barber I tend to go to, a jolly, and seemingly always cheerful, Bolian gentleman by the name of Odaf Broha, certainly seems to have his ears finely tuned into the gossip.  Amongst other things, apparently, James is having some trouble in his garden and despite knowing that I am rather good at gardening, hasn't asked for help.  He's helping me with the fighter, so I'd like help him with his garden. Hopefully he will ask eventually. 

Here are some music and songs featured in the Journal of Orzal Dax. This will be updated whenever a song or a piece of music is mentioned. It can be found in the left hand menu under Labels. Main theme. Olympic Spirit - John Williams. https://open.spotify.com/track/691isjSlqyxPfC2VPbhdrf?si=1f0b2976b97343e7 1812 Overture - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky https://open.spotify.com/track/6oWacAPUt8LMXqRkEk2MNg?si=nquB5PNJSBWUr0rZ5XJftA All I want is you. - Barry Louis Polisar https://open.spotify.com/track/5sIBOrRLBI6ypREdEPj2wQ?si=Y92P3aq0Sr6PoNulP0UImg Cacharpaya - Incantation  https://open.spotify.com/track/4YnVxDeyM5TqIdGXSbjQSC?si=2yZhfSA8R9GgsBtSA7qwcA Amores Hallaras - Incantation https://open.spotify.com/track/3axNqrkYU7rEZINMVgGVN2?si=wcQphbIdRO2qWSAaNLb9DA

I had breakfast with James this morning. He had his usual bacon, eggs, sausages, two slices of toast and baked beans.  I had a traditional Trill breakfast. The best way to describe it would be to say that it's similar to a granola bar/flapjack. It's made from Tuluyum, a grain grown on the Trill homeworld and honey, again made on Trill.  Ranih and I get a shipment of it every now and then. It's a very unusual honey, mainly because of its colour, purple.  It gets it colour from the shomnai flower which has the most magnificent purple colour you have ever seen. Not only that, it has a beautiful scent, which has been used in perfumes and other products for centuries. 

The school Ranih works at, as a teacher, is holding a sports day a few weeks time. It's going be, kind of, a mini Olympic games. There are competitions for the parents as well but me and Ranih can't yet take part, obviously. Maybe next year, lol.  Looking at the programme of activities, I does make me recall the memories of my third host, Emony, who was an Olympic Gymnast. In the 2240's, she judged a Gymnastics Competition at the University of Mississippi. Whilst there she met Leonard McCoy who is now widely regarded as being one of Starfleet's finest Chief Medical Officers. He passed away at the age of 164 in 2391.  Ranih will be helping with the event hours before it starts, during and after as well. I've volunteered to help where I can. 

StarFleet Security has updated Docosie III Security regarding the theft if various items from colony residents, that all were made of or contained significant quantities of the alloy Tuluriam.  The gang that was suspected to be involved was recently apprehended smuggling weapons. Amongst their ship's cargo was four 500kg blocks of Tuluriam.  That doesn't, by itself prove that this is the melted down items stolen from Docosie III. However their ship's logs clearly show they were in the Docosie system around the time of the thefts.  StarFleet Security advised that the gang will be dealt with and both the weapons and the Tuluriam has been confiscated.   I have reached out to StarFleet Security to see whether I can obtain some of the Tuluriam as I could then give it to Ludo Finster who, I'm sure, will make great use of it. 

Ranih, myself, James and his wife Jean decided to go to a Chinese restaurant in the central complex to see the festivities for Chinese New Year and of course to enjoy some good food.  The Chinese New Year for 2473 is the Rooster. From what I have read and understand, the Rooster is the 10th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, representing  punctuality ,  confidence ,  honesty , and  diligence . Associated with the dawn, Roosters symbolise the dispelling of evil spirits and new beginnings. People born in these years are often considered hardworking, observant, and stylish. Dax was born in 2018, the year of the dog and those born in this year are considered honest and cautious, often possessing a strong sense of duty. Looking back at my previous hosts, I can see where a lot of this is very true. Especially Jadzia who was passionate and dedicated to her duties as a StarFleet officer and Scientist. 

There are somethings that live for a good while, like Humans and Trill (150/200 years), those who live for a good while like Trill symbionts (500/600 years with one recorded of 800.) and there are those who live for almost an eternity (the Q) but I have, in my 9 life times, encountered something that is immortal...  Dad jokes. Lieutenant George Richards, oh dear, what can we do with you. Your jokes are just terrible and I, seemingly, can not escape them whether I'm on the orbital platform or on Docosie III.  By his own admission, they are Dad jokes. From what I understand, dad jokes are typically puns or simple jokes often told by fathers. I wonder how much his son, Daniel, let alone his wife Clara, suffers from them.  Here is one he told today. You will be glad to know it's the only dad joke to ever feature in my journal. "I was in the park yesterday and I wondered why the baseball was getting closer and closer. Then it hit me."  Oh dear ... 

I've not heard anything from either Benjamin or Alora since our chance meeting two days ago. I might have initially thought that meeting me might have something to do with the silence but as Alora clearly stated they have a lot of unpacking and sorting to do this week, I feel that is a more likely explanation.  There was a hint of awkwardness after I introduced myself but things warmed up after that, to the point we chatted and chatted till we got politely kicked out of the coffee shop.  I remember how long it took Ranih and I to sort our home out when we moved to Docosie, nearly 3 days. Knowing Benjamin and Alora as I do, they might sort out their unpacking quicker than we did. I'm back in my office on our orbital platform today and tomorrow. We truly don't know what will happen in the future and can only hope for the best. There are infinite possibilities after all. 

Well.... That was unexpected. I visited the coffee shop this afternoon, just to get out of the house and stretch my legs.  When I got there, it was quite busy so as I was looking for a place to sit with my coffee, a voice spoke above the background noise say I could join them. I hadn't noticed who they were till I sat down.  That's when I looked at the couple sat across from me, Benjamin and Alora Bashir.  I tried to act normal but Alora picked up on it and asked if I was ok.  I thought about how to respond for what seemed like an eternity. Just as I was about reply, their coffees arrived. After a short pause, I introduced myself. Benjamin's eyes widened, similar to the infamous stare of Gowron. I then said that yes, I was Ezri but I'm Orzal now, and I live on Docosie as one of the administrators.  I told them about my life here, Ranih and our holographic cat, Jodo. I told them that I was aware they were moving here but didn't expect to possibly run into them un...

I will put a disclaimer out first. All the ingredients were replicated so when you see what I made, you might beg the question, why not just replicate the whole thing already made and ready to eat? A good and honest question.  The answer is simple. Where is the challenge and the fun in that?  I did have to use old style kitchen equipment so I could cook the filling and bake the pies but I still made the filling and the pastry from scratch.  A replicated pie would look exactly the same every time. Each one of these is unique as they don't all have exactly the same amount of filling or glazing on the top. Of course I tried to make them uniformed but they're not. Looking forward to trying one later. 

Normally, Ranih is the one devouring a large cream bun but this one, is mine. I decided I wanted a sweet treat with my coffee this morning and so, I ordered something from the replicator than Ranih always recommends.  It's been a very productive morning so far, as well. I tend not to write about what I do in too much detail as it could be boring for whomever might read this, long after I'm gone  Be thankful I'm sparing you. 

Definitely true words. Jodo is definitely a pampered cat, despite being a holographic program. You have to remind yourself of that on a regular basis as the program is so sophisticated and realistic.  Unlike a real cat, you can go into the program and change certain feline behaviours such as aggressive play, night time antics, demands for attention etc.  We haven't, as yet, changed any of the settings and are using the default settings. This does mean that Jodo does pester for attention, zooms around the house at random intervals, and interrupts live meetings if I'm working from my home office.  Currently the colony doesn't allow real pets due certain predatory wildlife that reside outside the perimeter, which real cats could easily get through and encounter at their peril.  There are holo emitters outside to allow for emergency medical assistance but these don't allow use by holographic pets. Our home does have its own emitters in our back garden which allows Jodo t...

James and myself are working on the Kestrel Fighter today. We have managed to install most of the new parts, some of which, due to them being a slightly different shape and/or size that their older counterparts,  had to have some minor tinkering done to get them to fit.  James tells me that these components often change shape and size when updated as at the time this is done, they are not meant for a craft that is older than five years from the current date and considering how old the Kestrel Fighter is, there is a 95% chance that those parts we had to tinker with, won't be the last.  I mean, one part we replaced was originally round in shape and fitted perfectly in a similarly shaped space, albeit slight bigger. But now the new component is,  not only taller but is now square shaped.  Getting that to fit was a real challenge.  There was some colorful language trying to sort that out. On the brightside,  James learnt a few Trill curse words. Mainly Vuc...

That was a long day but it went extremely well. The cadets are a really good group. Very enthusiastic.  My days at the academy as Jadzia and Ezri was somewhat different as it is today. But then that was over 100 years ago. Starfleet Academy, like any organisation should, has evolved and adapted over the years to changes all around us.  The buildings, uniforms etc may have changed but the core principles and drive to train the best and the brightest still endures. I did consider applying to Starfleet when I was younger and before I became an Initiate but I decided on a different path to my previous hosts. Besides, I might not of met the love of my life, Ranih, if I had signed up. 

0700 - Breakfast at the messhall on the orbital platform. Discussion with James and other colleagues regarding the Cadet tour.  0800 - Complete set-up for the opening discussion forum for the cadets in the station's main auditorium.  0900 - Welcome the cadets from Starfleet Academy (6 visiting in this group.)  0930 - Begin the tour of the station.  Ops. 0945 - Central Office Complex. 1000 - StarFleet Communications Centre and Long Range Sensor Platform.  1030 - Main Replicator Fabrication area. 1045 - Transport Docking Ports. 1100 - Main Shuttlebay and Cargo Bays. 1130 - Main Engineering.  1300 - Lunch. 1400 - Discussion Groups on Station and Colony Operations. 1600 - Q&A sessions.  1630 - Handover to StarFleet based on the station who will take over training exercises at the StarFleet Communications Centre for the next three days.  Busy day ahead for me. Should be fun. 

Ranih has once again devoured an excessively cream covered dessert. I, personally, don't have a sweet tooth although I do like the odd dessert, mostly cheesecake.  But this dessert Ranih had was amazing. I will share a photo of it and you can decide for yourself who decadent it was.

I've received a message from the renowned artist, Ludo Finster regarding the loss of the sculpture. He's as saddened by it as I am. He sent me and image of a piece he did of the ancient stone circle in Salisbury in England called Stonehenge and asks if I would like it for my home.  I couldn't say no, as it's really quite different and elegant. So he will send it on the next transport which might take a few weeks to arrive.  He also said that as me and Ranih are coming to Earth for our honeymoon, he would come and see us. Fantastic. 

A colleague of mine has just given me a picture they made of our holographic cat, Jodo, but they have been painted to resemble at Scottish Laird.  Clearly they know that mine and Ranih's honeymoon is to Scotland so that's why they did this. They paint all sorts of things.  It's absolutely fantastic but so funny. I had to share this.

I helped Ranih sort out her jewellery collection this morning. It's amazing how many different pieces she has. Necklaces, earrings, rings and pendants.  My favourite piece of hers is a pendant with a deep blue gemstone. It's just stunningly beautiful. She got it as a present from her father on her 21st birthday.  She loves the ring I got her for our engagement. Deezell Vox helped me with this as their previous host, Raekwon was an antique dealer with a plethora of contacts and so Deezell used that knowledge to find me a beautiful antique ring.  I will put pictures of both the ring and the pendant in this entry.  Best get back to business.

I have a privilege today. I am taking a group of Starfleet Academy cadets on a tour of our Orbital Station. Well, not just me, I have help from the station's commanding officer, Commander Jamie Ives and our Chief Engineer, James Scott.  This should be fun. They are first year cadets, a group of 8. They are spending a week with us so we have accommodation for them on the station itself.  I'm told that this group is particularly good in engineering principles. I think James will be interested to hear their thoughts. He must be tolerant of young minds and fresh ideas.

“Make time save time while time lasts. All time is no time when time is past” A proverb emphasizing that time is a non-renewable, precious resource that cannot be regained once gone. It urges proactive management of the present moment, suggesting that one must intentionally create, utilize, and cherish time before it becomes a memory.  Over the weekend I have been thinking about my time with Jake Sisko and possibly meeting Julian and Ezri's son next month. Many different species live long lifespans but I'm not aware of any other species quite like the Trill, specifically joined Trill.  We live life with the knowledge, experiences and memories of previous hosts and the personality of the Symbiont, which ultimately influences our life.  Regardless of your species or lifespan, life is for living, making a difference, doing something that will leave a lasting impact. 

Star Trek and all related marks, logos and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios Inc. No copyright infringement is intended with this site. The Journal of Orzal Dax is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other Star Trek franchise, and is a non-commercial free blog written in the style of a diary. 

Well, as James would say, I'm well and truly cream-crackered, which I believe is rhyming slang for knackered. Ive been tidying up around our home today since 0800. Me and Ranih are not the best at keeping tidy. I mean, we're not bad but not great either. Just had lunch and now I'm relaxing with a coffee before meeting with James to look at the Kestrel fighter. We have a fair number of new parts already replicated so we should be able to start work next week.  I am quite looking forward to getting her restored and getting her out amongst the stars again. The plan for her first flight, once restored, is to take a spin around the block, so basically around the tertiary system that is Docosie.  Should be fun. 

StarFleet Academy sends cadets out to our orbital station for training purposes. I think it's down to our remote location along with the the station being one of the newest constructed in recent times so it's very up-to-date.  I may have the opportunity to visit the Academy a few months after Ranih and I return from our honeymoon, making it only the second time I have been to Earth.  Obviously I have both Jadzia and Ezri's memories of Starfleet Academy but it's been a while since they were there. I've seen recent pictures and it looks very stylish.  Priority for us,  right now though, is planning our wedding. 

At work earlier today, James suggest that we should play a few card games sometime whilst discussing the restoration work on the Kestrel fighter. He described himself as a bit of a card shark.  I feel I will have play this carefully so as not to appear too good and thus spoil things for James.  Normally, if the aim was win for a significant prize, I wouldn't hesitate to call on the experience and knowledge of Jadzia but in this case, I wouldn't want to take all the fun out the game. 

I was sorting out my home office, just putting things away and giving things a tidy and, as I put my copy of Anslem back on the shelf, my thoughts focused briefly on my recent meeting with Jake but then shifted to memories of Benjamin.  Things were a little challenging after he left us to be with the Bajoran Prophets (Wormhole Aliens). As far as I know, no one has heard from him since in 2375 which will be 100 years in 2475.  I wonder if he is still alive, maybe now as a non-corporeal being.  Trill symbionts can live 500 to 600 years,  and hosts 150 to 200 but for non-corporeal beings, like the Wormhole Aliens, time must be an entirely different concept all together.  The oldest known Trill Symbiont on record was 800, but that it's extremely rare.  I might not see him again Orzal's lifetime but Dax might. Who knows. Benjamin was a great friend to Curzon, Jadzia and Ezri and we benefited from his friendship and wisdom.   I wasn't sure if I'd e...

This blog is dedicated to the memory of a dear friend and Star Trek fan, Maura Waddick. Thank you, Maura, for your kindness. I have been and always shall be your friend to the Final Frontier and beyond. 

I did a bit of research recently after a very soothing session with Jodo our holographic cat.  Sitting there in a comfortable chair with him on my lap and hearing and feeling him purring was extremely soothing and relaxing. From what I have read, purring, which often occurs at a frequency of 25–150 Hz, is believed to help with pain relief, healing bones, and repairing tendons.  I am not sure if this was ever proven or not but I know I've thing for sure, Jodo definitely helps me unwind after a long day. 

I am working on our orbital platform today. Sadly I am in an office which doesn't have a view of Docosie III and instead, open space. Still a relaxing view.  Starfleet use part of our orbital station as a communication relay station for their deep space exploration in the region and beyond the known space. They also send cadets for training here as well.  I will be helping with the training of a few cadets this week on our communication systems and long range sensors.  

I'm glad we didn't have seats right at the front for tonight's concert. Don't get me wrong here, it was superb with a wide and varied selection of music from multiple worlds over a vast stretch of time, but I was correct when I said the cannons, as part of the 1812 Overture, would be loud.  To add to the piece, they had the canon operators dressed in authentic Napoleonic uniforms.  It was good to see James and his delightful wife, Jean. Before the concert began and pretty much through the interval, all me and James talked about was the Kestrel fighter.  Ranih didn't seem to mind as she was getting to know Jean, who incidentally, also attends the same craft group.  A very enjoyable evening. 

Nearly forgot we had tickets for this. Tonight myself, Ranih and James Scott and wife are going to a Classical Music Concert in the Toromeya Park. The event will showcase classical music from both across the Alpha Quadrant and covering over 1000 years. One of the pieces is called the 1812 Overture. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky wrote the 1812 Overture in 1880, commissioned to commemorate Russia's defense against Napoleon's invasion in 1812, with its first public performance in Moscow in 1882, featuring real cannons for dramatic effect. The piece is 593 years old.  Tonight they will be using cannons that have been made specially for the performance. I hear it's going to be loud. 

Three homes down from where we live, is the home of the Colony's Chief Engineer, James Scott.  If you need anything remotely technical doing or sorting out, then this is the guy to talk to. His team are absolutely superb.  I will be working with him and some of his team on the Kestrel fighter project as he's taken a keen interest in it.  With his help and expertise, she will be flying again very soon. She is a two seater so of course he's going on her inaugural flight. 

The temptation to go after my sculpture was fairly strong but I couldn't ignore the advice I was given about how dangerous this group is. So, I have resigned to letting it go and reaching out to Ludo Finster to see what he has made recently.  In the meantime, I am sat with our holographic furry companion on our couch, which is comforting. Ranih isn't happy at the loss of the sculpture either.  Colony security has assured me they will let me know if they hear anything from Starfleet Intelligence.