Star log: Convivality
an excerpt

“This is Reginald Tobias” The Capitan began. “This new ship concept was his idea. He was the brain behind the brilliance. I will turn the floor to him. Thank you Reginald, for giving the officers a thorough tour.”

“It is my pleasure Capitan Schuler. Hi officers, you all represent the elite of the elite and also a new breed in the Space Corps. When they hired me to build this ship I thought the concept was brilliant. A fully functioning city in space was something that before now was never attempted. Yes, the other ships all had what was needed to survive one or two years in space, as was needed at the time. But to live in space for five years more was needed. If we were going to truly reach out and look for life in distant places we needed a way to keep the crew from going crazy. It needed trees, animals, grass, schools, clubs, shopping, and eating choices. We did not want you to commit to five years in space and stick you in a dark grey, uninviting place. That is where the conviviality I comes into play. Conviviality is a boisterous celebration. We wanted the journey you went on to be just such a celebration. This ship was designed to keep the crew interested and happy, making for a more dedicated, productive team willing to put their lives on the line, when necessary, to make contact with a being from another planet."