Editing McDermott's Personal Log (section)

===Personal Log: Stardate 2407.03.07.===

I have volunteered to go on an unsanctioned mission with the Captain and a few select others to rescue a highly decorated and valuable officer that has been captured and sentenced to death by a [[Doenitz]] instigated tribunal. It goes without saying that the whole trial, as well as the charges and the sentence are illegitimate. Of course pretty much anything the Doenitz junta government does is illegitimate as well when you get down to it. As such we are committing no crime in affecting a rescue, although I’m sure Doenitz will feel differently when it’s all over. 

As this is an unauthorized mission our own fleet Admiral may feel the same way when this is all over and done with. From a tactical standpoint I understand and agree with LoDona’s stance on this and why he will not authorize a rescue attempt. From just about any other standpoint I find that I cannot agree with the Admiral however and I believe that this attempt must be made no matter the cost. While the potential chance of loss of life is high, I believe that there is a higher imperative here than the chance that people may die in an attempt that very well could fail.

There is also a moral obligation here. Starfleet does not leave it’s own behind. There is also a political and even a propaganda opportunity here as if we succeed we could very well help build even more support amongst the public and regular citizens of the UFP. Finally there is a strategic factor to consider here as well. We have to let Doenitz know that he is not safe anywhere. We’ve proven that we can and will hit large and important targets. We also have to show him that we will not hesitate to hit small and relatively minor targets as well.

If we can prove to the tyrant that nothing is sacred, nothing can be considered safe than we may very well be able to force him to spread out his considerable assets, trying to protect everything and the more he tries to hold onto…the more will slip right through his fingers.

As it is possible that this will be my final official log entry I can only say that I have no reservations about what I am doing and if I do not return, I will have no regrets for having ended my career and life while taking this action.

End Log.