“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dear Aura,

Prof. Scott would have a word or two to say about the sanity of writing a diary addressed to one’s pet – but then again, he of all people would understand why you are much more than a pet. And seeing as you are forever stuck with answering with your faithful eyes, I see no reason why anyone else than you would be a more perfect addressee for my personal thoughts and secrets than you. I know you shall guard them well.

Now then, I have set us on a new path that will likely lead us far away from home. There is no way of knowing how often we will touch real grass, climb real stone, drink real water or run with the real wind for quite some time. And yes, I am aware that all of this can be produced technologically. Does it have the same spirit? I think not. But it does make for an acceptable substitute.

Like you, I am looking forward to meeting new people on our first assignment, wherever it may be. Perhaps my thoughts may be more guarded than yours, but my heart is just as open as your approach. Worry not, my friend. I will find us a good place. A good crew. And I am looking forward to sharing their stories, their suffering, their joy. Maybe alleviate some of their pain, if I can. But then, I have you to help with that, too. You are certain to do a marvelous job.

Once more, Aura. To the stars.