The Tenth Voice -
The Journal of Orzal Dax.

The captain has just informed us that we’ve made better progress than expected. A few of our planned stops were cancelled at short notice, which let the Transport push ahead of schedule. Because of that, we may actually slip into orbit around Docosie III later this evening, just before 2300 Docosie time. If that holds, we’ll gain almost a full extra day at home compared to our original plan, we weren’t supposed to arrive until just after midday the following day. We do have a holodeck booking for this evening, but we’ll cancel it now and simply run the same program once we’re back on Docosie. No hardship there. I’ve already sent a message to James and Jean to let them know about our earlier arrival, and, exactly as we hoped, they’ve invited us over for a meal the day after we return.  It’ll be lovely to see them again.The journey back hasn’t been quite as glamorous as travelling aboard the USS Serendipity, but it’s been a very pleasant trip home all the same.

Revisiting our idea of travelling back to Earth in 2474 to explore places like Pompeii, we started wondering whether there might be a more interesting way to journey between destinations than simply hopping on a shuttle, or being truly lazy and just beaming everywhere. That’s when we remembered an organisation dedicated to recreating the experience of 21st‑century cruising. Between lunch and our holodeck visits, we dug into the history of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Founded in 1848, they’ve been offering cruising holidays for an astonishing 625 years.  And for the last two centuries, they’ve continued sailing with ships that echo the classic style of their early fleet, modern engines, of course, but still driving propellers and gliding along at a leisurely pace. It’s a far gentler way to travel across Earth's oceans than today’s standard transportation methods. Ranih and I love this idea.  It feels like a way to make the journey part of the adventure rather than just the means o...

Been another quiet day.  The transport only made two drop‑offs, cargo and passengers, but the highlight was definitely the two elderly Klingon ladies who stepped off looking scarily like Lursa and B’etor. We’ve also been going through all the photos from our Scottish honeymoon. What a trip. Every single person we met was kind, helpful, and genuinely delighted to have us there. It reminded us how good it feels to explore new places and meet new people. But as much as we love travelling, it’s always good to come home, and Docosie III really is home now. Even though he’s technically a holographic program, we’re both ridiculously excited for a cuddle and fuss with Jodo. Some bonds just transcend the whole “not actually physical” thing. Last night’s escape room was another brain‑twister, but we cracked it with four minutes to spare. At this point, we might have to admit we’re getting a little addicted to these escape rooms.Anyway, off to dinner, and then yes… another escape room. No reg...

Ranih has been reading up on interesting places to visit on Earth for our future travels and stumbled upon the fascinating history of Pompeii in Italy. Both of us have a deep love for ancient history,  whether it’s from our home world or anywhere else, so discovering that the holodeck includes a full Pompeii program was a pleasant surprise.  It even offers two versions: Pompeii as it stands today, and a reconstruction of what it may have looked like before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the city. After lunch, we spent an hour in the holodeck, dressed in proper Roman attire, exploring a simulation of a Pompeian home.  We didn’t dive too deeply into the experience, though, we want to save the full wonder for an actual visit to Pompeii, which Ranih hopes to make in 2474. Now it’s time for dinner, followed by another escape room to test our wits.

Our journey back on the transport isn’t quite as entertaining as our time aboard the USS Serendipity, but it’s still a perfectly pleasant way to travel. A little less sparkle, a little more hum‑along‑quietly, but it gets the job done. We’ve spent most of the day unwinding, punctuating our relaxation with repeated trips to the holodeck to tackle a series of Escape Rooms. Each one seemed determined to outsmart us more than the last. The final challenge before dinner was a real brain‑twister. You only get 60 minutes to solve it and make your escape, and we crossed the finish line with just 3 minutes and 40 seconds to spare, 56 minutes and 20 seconds of pure concentration, frantic puzzle‑solving, and the occasional “Wait, that can’t be right… can it?” Our heads were throbbing afterwards from all the logic, maths, and mental gymnastics, but honestly, we loved every second of it. Of course, I’ve been in far tougher situations than any holodeck Escape Room, and not just as Orzal. I still have...

It’s been a quiet day aboard the transport back to Docosie III. The route is a meandering one, a chain of minor stops, cargo transfers, and brief layovers that stretch the journey into something slow and contemplative. If all goes well, I should be home by early next week. For now, the hum of the engines and the soft shuffle of passengers are the only markers of time passing. Somewhere between stops, as I sat down to write, I noticed the counter at the top of the page: Entry 200. Two hundred reflections since I first began this journal after moving, with my then‑fiancé and now wife, Ranih, to Docosie III. Two hundred small windows into a life that has been equal parts familiar and entirely new. A lot has happened since that first entry. More than I realised until I started scrolling back through the archive. The early days of settling in. The unexpected reunions. The council debates. The quiet evenings that meant more than the loud ones. The moments that reminded me who I’ve been, and ...

We haven’t got the excitement of journeying home on a Starfleet vessel, unfortunately. We have to make do with a transport ship, just as we originally planned. This morning, we watched through the windows of the aft lounge as Earth grew smaller and smaller. We left the Sol sector at full impulse before jumping to warp once we were clear of the system. After lunch, we returned to our cabin and looked through all the pictures from our honeymoon. We’ve had such a wonderful time, and we will definitely be going back. I’ve brought a few gifts for certain people,  namely James, Jean, and our esteemed Governor, Maura, who, incidentally, was the hardest person to find a suitable gift for. Thankfully, Ranih reminded me of Maura’s love of wildlife, and we managed to find a handmade quilt with hand‑sewn images of Scottish animals. It’s really quite beautiful. James and Jean both love their whisky, regardless of where it’s made, with the possible exception of Aldebaran whisky, which tends to g...

This is, sadly, our last full day in Scotland before we begin the long journey back to Docosie III tomorrow. It is remarkable how a place can feel both newly discovered and quietly familiar, as if some part of you had been waiting for it without realising. Scotland has offered us more than we expected. Not only its landscapes but its silences, its shifting moods, and its gentle way of slowing the world around you. A week is nowhere near enough. Ranih and I already know we will return for a longer stay as soon as we can, one where the days are allowed to unfold instead of being counted. Between bouts of packing, we spent most of today near the cottage and the shores of Loch Ness. The light had a softness to it, the kind that makes everything feel suspended for a moment. The hills, the water, even our thoughts seemed to settle into a quiet stillness. It felt as though the land was offering us one last moment of calm before we leave. The peace was broken only by birdsong drifting through ...

Ranih has thankfully recovered after today’s adventure. We took a trip to Aberdeen, where we enjoyed a tour of the city before bravely venturing out on a fishing boat. Before coming to Scotland for our honeymoon, I had done a little reading about the country, its traditions and its history. That led me down a path of old Scottish songs, including The Skye Boat Song. Another one I discovered was Silver Darlings, named after the historic nickname for herring. After listening to it, I thought it might be fun to try catching a few ourselves for a barbecue. Ranih was enthusiastic at first, right up until the moment we left the harbour and met the choppy water. That was when she turned a rather impressive shade of green. Fortunately, we had already caught a few fish by then, so we headed back to shore. The barbecue went well and the fish was delicious. I do not think Ranih has ever been on a boat at sea before, and I feel a little guilty for encouraging her to come with me, but she insists s...

We’ve just returned to the cottage for the second time today. Our first return was after a delightful boat trip along the full length of Loch Ness. We didn’t spot any great beasties in the water, though we certainly heard all the stories of the Loch Ness Monster, told with such enthusiasm that every ripple suddenly seemed suspicious. Our second return was only an hour ago, after a fabulous dinner with the McKinnons, the owners of the cottage, where we enjoyed haggis for the second time on our honeymoon. The first time was on the day we arrived, but in the excitement of everything happening around us, I completely forgot to write about our first encounter with this rather unusual Scottish tradition. We were a little wary once we learned what goes into it, but to our surprise, we really enjoyed it. We even asked the replicator for the traditional accompaniments, which made the whole experience feel wonderfully authentic. As for tonight’s meal, our hosts’ hospitality was exceptional. Once...

Today felt like stepping through a doorway in time. I’d booked this museum visit weeks ago, drawn in by curiosity, but nothing quite prepared me for how vivid the experience would be. The museum itself is a treasure trove of Scotland’s steam‑powered past,  original artefacts, preserved locomotives, and the quiet dignity of an era long gone. But it’s the immersive sections that truly bring history breathing back to life. The first is a sprawling reconstruction of a rural station from half a millennium ago. A stationary locomotive rests at the platform, filling the air with the warm scent of steam and coal, the soft hiss and clank echoing through the hall like a memory. Then came the highlight: a ride on a replica steam train. Modern technology may heat the water, but the illusion is perfect. The carriages, the movement, the sound, the scenery rolling past. Crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct felt almost cinematic, the Highlands unfolding beneath us in sweeping greens and greys. Now we’r...

Currently I’m sat with Ranih, sharing another glass of the whisky we brought back from our tasting at the Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow. The bottle has that lovely, honey‑warm aroma that somehow makes the whole cottage feel even cosier. After a hearty breakfast this morning, more of the incredible local produce from the villages scattered around majestic Loch Ness, we took a shuttle up to Glasgow for our tour. Neither of us would claim to know much about whisky, certainly not Scottish whisky, so the chance to learn properly felt too good to pass up. Our group was made up of twelve people, all in good spirits. Early on, our guide asked who had travelled the furthest to be there. Someone asked whether he meant where we were staying or where we were from. He clarified it was the latter… which is how Ranih and I ended up winning by several million miles. Hard to compete with “light years”. We sampled at least a dozen whiskies throughout the tour. I’m grateful for my high tolerance. Ranih...

After our trip to Skye yesterday, and after seeing so many men proudly wearing traditional dress, Ranih announced that I should have a kilt of my own for our honeymoon. So today we travelled to the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, not only to explore the sights and sounds of the city but because Ranih was determined to transform me into her very own Highlander. After a long walk along the Royal Mile, she discovered an old establishment that specialised in traditional Scottish outfits. As I am not a native of Scotland, or even Earth for that matter, I do not have a family tartan. Fortunately, the shop had a universal pattern for visitors in my situation. Once I was fully dressed in the complete outfit, including the sporran, the kilt, the shirt, the kilt hose and the Sgian dubh, which is a small single edged knife worn as part of Highland dress, I stepped out of the changing room. Ranih was practically swooning, visibly weak at the knees. She immediately purchased the entire outfit and i...

We were up a little earlier today so we could enjoy breakfast before heading out on our main trip. The cottage owners had left us some local produce, fresh eggs and milk,  which made for a simple but lovely start to the morning. After eating, we caught a small shuttle to Kyle of Lochalsh on Scotland’s west coast. From there, as the old song goes, we went “over the sea to Skye.”   “Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing…” it felt fitting to hear those words in my head as we crossed the water. Rather than take the bridge or another shuttle, we chose a traditional boat for the crossing to the Isle of Skye. It was absolutely breathtaking,  rugged, ancient, and quietly majestic. In some ways, it reminded me of Bak’quell in the Sea of Arlibath on Trill: that same blend of wild beauty and timeless calm. What struck me most about Skye is how little it seems to have changed despite the centuries and the pull of modern life. Island life remains simple, steady, and deeply ...

We slipped into Earth orbit early this morning, and before long we were making our way north to our cottage by the majestic Loch Ness. The journey was easy, and stepping out into the Highland air felt like crossing into another world entirely. The rain from last night had already given way to brilliant blue skies, scattered white clouds, and a soft, refreshing breeze drifting across the loch. It’s the kind of weather that makes everything feel newly washed and quietly alive. After unpacking and settling our things, we stopped for lunch. The cottage may look beautifully traditional, all warm wood, stone, and history, but it hides its modern comforts well. The replicator is tucked behind an old wooden door, blending perfectly into the rustic aesthetic when not in use. Once fed and organised, we laced up our walking boots and set out to explore the local area. The landscape is breathtaking: rolling green hills, ancient trees, and that timeless Highland stillness that feels unchanged for c...

The final day aboard the Serendipity is drawing to a close. By tomorrow morning, we’ll be in orbit around Earth, ready to begin our honeymoon in the Highlands of Scotland. It has been a wonderfully pleasant journey from Docosie III, and we’ve met some truly interesting people along the way. We won’t be returning on the Serendipity in two weeks’ time, for the trip back, we’ll be taking the transport as originally planned. Today was spent making sure all our planned excursions are in order. One of the highlights will be a ride on a steam train. It isn’t an original engine, but a replica built using traditional methods, and we’re both really looking forward to it. Image from Unsplash by Javier Miranda. 

It’s been an interesting day. We’ve spent most of it in orbit around Vulcan, our final stop before reaching Earth. We managed to get a proper leg stretch, some fresh air, and a cup of Plomeek tea. I had forgotten just how much warmer Vulcan’s climate is compared to both Trill and Docosie III. After lunch, we enjoyed a few more entertaining sessions in the holodeck, and later, after dinner, we attended a classical music recital performed by several members of the ship’s crew. They were clearly very talented musicians. We were treated to works by Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, and Handel. It was a thoroughly enjoyable concert, followed by a few drinks with the captain and his senior officers. We are now en route to Earth and should arrive in just over two days. Image from Unsplash by Marius Masalar.

We’ve just retired back to our quarters after another enjoyable dinner, the kind that leaves you comfortably full and pleasantly tired. But the real highlight of the day wasn’t the meal, it was the three hours we spent on the holodeck, wrapped up in a murder mystery straight out of Victorian London. The program cast Ranih and me as the joint proprietors of a grand hotel in the West End, the very scene of the crime. From the moment the simulation began, we were surrounded by fog‑softened gas lamps, the distant clatter of horse‑drawn carriages, and that unmistakable Holmesian atmosphere of intrigue. We weren’t alone in our sleuthing. Four others joined us. Three members of the Serendipity’s crew and one fellow passenger who turned out to be surprisingly sharp‑eyed. Together we formed an unlikely investigative team, each of us picking up different threads of the mystery. One person interrogated suspects with theatrical flair, another examined clues with near‑scientific precision, and some...

We spent most of the day once again in the holodecks, taking part in a mix of adventure and relaxation programmes. It was a pleasant way to pass the time, even if it has become something of a routine. In the afternoon we met another Federation ship for a crew transfer. I had been hoping to see a different class of vessel, since that is something I always enjoy, but the ship that arrived, the USS Shanghai, turned out to be another Inquiry class. It is not much of a surprise when you consider that Starfleet has built far more of this class than any other in recent years, and they now make up a very large portion of the fleet. We heard a little gossip about the transfer as well. One of the crewmen moving to the Shanghai has apparently been difficult to manage, and Captain Woffinden of the Shanghai assured Captain Ives that he would deal with the situation. It is said that Captain Ives is grateful for the assistance and has made it clear that he does not want the crewman returned. Last nig...

The Captain was, I think, a little disappointed that the gate‑crashing Grand Nagus, his wife, and their entire entourage failed to produce the level of chaos he had both anticipated and, if he’s honest, secretly hoped for.   Once I explained how I actually know the Grand Nagus and Leeta, everything suddenly made a great deal more sense to him. It also turns out the Captain had met me once before, though not in any meaningful way. He remembered being resh‑faced young Ensign sitting quietly at the back of a briefing room, attending a talk given by Captain Ezri Dax, who at the time was still relatively new to the centre seat. I remember that day as well, though from a rather different angle. We’ve spent most of today aboard the Serendipity, drifting between holodecks as we plan our trip to Scotland and a few other… “activities.” Serendipity herself is the second vessel to bear the name, NCC‑78550‑A, an Inquiry‑class beauty. Her predecessor met an untimely end during a daring resc...

My wife and I are now settled comfortably into our plush suite aboard the Federation starship Serendipity. She happened to be passing through the sector on her way to Earth, and thanks to the gracious generosity of Captain Ives, we’ve managed to arrange passage. It still feels slightly surreal to have gone from the whirlwind of the wedding to suddenly being guests on a starship, but the quiet hum of the engines is proving to be a welcome transition. Because the Serendipity isn’t taking a direct route, the journey will take just over a week. We’ve already contacted the family who own the cottage in Scotland, the McKinnons of Skye, and they couldn’t have been more accommodating. They assured us that no one else is booked in until later in the year, so we’re free to arrive early. Apparently they’ve already aired the place out, stocked the essentials, and even left a note saying they hope we enjoy “the peace before the midges wake up properly.” A very Scottish blessing, that. The wedding i...

Hello, this is just a quick note from the author.  I did originally use the odd bit of AI in the images for this blog but I soon realised that doing so is greatly detrimental to our environment and to actual people who create artworks for such works like "The Tenth Voice"  So, I switched to using art work found on Unsplash.com and crediting the artists whenever I used something they created. Unsplash I've also teamed up with a very talented artist, called Albert, who has created some really great pieces.  Here is a message from him. I’m a freelance digital artist and character designer who mainly focuses on cinematic illustrations, sci fi/fantasy worlds, creatures, and character driven artwork. I love creating pieces that feel atmospheric and tell a story rather than just being a simple image. A lot of my work is inspired by games, films, and detailed worldbuilding, so I always try to make every commission feel personal and immersive for the client. Portfolio: https://www...

What a breathtaking, heart‑full day.   Everything unfolded like it had been waiting for us, even the surprises that slipped in quietly,  catching not only our guests off guard,  but even Ranih and me. The weather felt like a blessing whispered from above,  warm light draped over every smile,  every embrace,  every moment that shimmered with joy and celebration. I’ll write more when my feet return to the ground and my heart stops spinning in circles.   But for now, I want only to dance with Ranih until the sun climbs over the horizon,   and our first dawn as husband and wife   finds us still holding each other. image from Unsplash. Photos by Lanty

No longer are we counting down the days, now it’s only the hours. This time tomorrow, Ranih and I will be husband and wife. The full setup for the big day is ready in the central park. The colony feels eerily quiet. I have to admit I’m a little nervous, which is completely normal, even with the memories and experiences of being married nine times, both as bride and groom. Ranih and I are currently with both sets of parents, her brother, my sister, and James and Jean in our back garden. Despite the chatter, there’s a definite sense of trepidation in the air. The men are enjoying a glass of old whiskey while the ladies sample an aged vintage of Trill wine. We’re seated around the firepit, watching the flames dance and crackle. James seems at ease with his speech which, by his own confession, he has practised more times than was truly necessary. So this is my last entry as a single man. My next entry will mark the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Image from Unsplash by N...

Most of today has been building toward the traditional opening of a Trill wedding, the Gathering. Two days before the ceremony, the bride, groom, and their guests come together for a shared meal that marks the formal beginning of the celebrations. Traditionally, the Gathering is meant to bestow good fortune and set the tone for a harmonious start to married life. Our festivities began at 13:00 with traditional songs, music, and dance, the kind that fills a room with warmth even before the first course is served. After the performances, everyone settled in for a four‑course meal of classic Trill cuisine, each dish chosen for its symbolism as much as its flavour. With James as my Best Man, he and Jean joined us at the main table, along with Ranih, myself, both sets of parents, my sister, and Ranih’s brother. It felt like the perfect blend of families and friendships, the kind of table where laughter comes easily and the significance of the moment settles in quietly between courses. Every...

I took a wander through the park this afternoon with Ranih to check on the progress for the wedding. Seeing everything taking shape, the marquees, the pathways, the little touches we’d only talked about on paper, was both exciting and, if I’m honest, a little unnerving. It’s one thing to plan a wedding; it’s another to watch it physically rise out of the ground around you. We couldn’t resist walking down the aisle while the place was swarming with people adjusting every last detail. It felt slightly mischievous, stepping through the space before it’s officially ours, but also grounding. A quiet moment in the middle of organised chaos. We had originally planned to go with a purely traditional Trill ceremony, but in the end we decided to blend in a touch of classical Earth style. Something about the atmosphere in those old images we found just resonated with both of us. The fusion feels right, like a small reflection of who we are together. As we get closer to the big day, my diary entri...

Today has been a blur of greetings, handshakes, and embraces as guests arrive for the wedding, four days out, and the colony feels fuller by the hour. Most of them are settling into the central complex’s long‑stay suites, turning the place into a lively crossroads of familiar faces and new introductions. Down at the central park, the wedding grounds are beginning to take shape. The marquees are outlined, the pathways marked, and the weather forecast reads like a blessing: 21°C, blue skies, a soft breeze, and a scattering of clouds drifting lazily overhead. Our outfits are all prepared, and we ran a brief dress rehearsal, largely because Ranih’s mother insisted. Her excitement is so genuine that none of us had the heart to deny her another moment in her chosen outfit. I’ve lost track of how many people I’ve greeted today. Even Rom and Leeta, unable to attend, sent a cascade of traditional Ferengi gifts and a recorded message that made half the room laugh and the other half gasp. James c...

We are officially on leave, five days and counting.   James and I have a colleague, Lucas, who is brilliant at his job but has some rather… distinctive interests outside of it. For example: he collects records. Actual records. The old Earth medium used for music back in the 19th and 20th centuries. Despite the fact that 25th‑century audio quality is vastly superior, Lucas is utterly fascinated by that era of music. I have vague memories of hearing some of it myself, from the times Dax visited Earth in the mid‑22nd and early 23rd centuries. Recently, Lucas asked whether we’d be having any music at mine and Ranih’s wedding. I told him yes, traditional Trill music. He looked genuinely crestfallen. According to him, it “isn’t a real after‑wedding party without some good old dance music.” Our plans are pretty much locked in now, so changing anything would be difficult. But my curiosity has been piqued. So Lucas is putting something together for when we return from our honeymoon. I’...

Six days. That’s all the time left before Ranih and I get married. It felt so far away when I started this journal just over five months ago. Everything is ready, and guests are arriving from various places outside Docosie III. It’s not a large gathering, only fifty guests. I’ll be picking up the specially handmade vase in two days. I’m looking forward to seeing how it turned out, and I’m confident it will be something special, knowing how talented Nana Griaan is. Our leave from work starts tomorrow and lasts until we return from our honeymoon. James assures me the colony will be perfectly fine without us. Of course it will; neither of us is that integral to its very existence. I spent most of today wrapping things up before my leave begins, just making sure everything can run smoothly in my absence. Image from Unsplash by Towfiqu barbhuiya.

Oh James… did you really think we didn’t know today was your birthday? Did you honestly believe you could slip it past us with a quiet smile and a change of subject? Absolutely not. Not on my watch. In nine lifetimes I’ve arranged more surprise birthday celebrations than I can count. For family, friends, mentors, even the occasional unsuspecting ambassador. So organising today was, frankly, child’s play. And the look on your face when you walked in? Utterly priceless. Worth every whispered plan, every coded message, every moment of Jean pretending she “had no idea what you were talking about.” We’ve been plotting this for months. Everyone was in on it. Even the ones who can’t keep a secret to save their lives managed to hold the line. That alone should tell you how much you’re loved. And now, seeing you settled into your favourite chair, worn out, content, surrounded by the remnants of laughter and cake, that’s reward enough for me. Your family came. Your friends came. Your colleagues ...

Back on Docosie after two days at the moon base with James. An interesting trip, different pace, different silence and absolutely worth it. Now I’m back home, sitting in the back garden with Jodo stretched out beside me, enjoying the familiar warmth of the colony again. Ranih is out with both sets of parents. They’ve headed to the central park, where most of our outdoor concerts are held, because today there’s a crafts fair with stalls, demonstrations, and all the usual bustle. I’m not entirely convinced either my father or Ranih’s father truly wanted to go, but they were given full permission to retreat back here if boredom struck. So I’m expecting the pair of them to reappear at any moment, probably pretending they lasted longer than they actually did. I’ve got beers chilling and a selection of nibbles ready for their triumphant return.

James wrapped up his tasks ahead of schedule this afternoon. I helped him quite a bit. Entirely voluntarily, of course, and I genuinely enjoyed it. The extra time at his side meant I learned far more about the moon base’s setup than I ever expected. There’s a surprising amount of complexity beneath the surface. That seems to be the way with most things. A quick glance only offers a shallow introduction; it’s only when you take the time to dig deeper that the real understanding begins to form. With that in mind, the old axiom “never judge a book by its cover” still holds true. It applies to systems, places, and, most of all, people. It reminds me of when I first met James. Beforehand, I only knew him by reputation. It was only after spending time with him, both on duty and off, that I began to see past the surface and discover the person behind the stories, the friend I have today. Image from Unsplash by Alexander Andrews.