The shuttle pilot was put out. Her passenger had insisted on boarding via shuttle instead of via transporter, and she being the on-call shuttle pilot for non-scheduled transport, well… she wasn’t happy about it. And all he’d said when asked was “I like the view.”

Nivor did like the view. He always preferred boarding a ship by shuttle, giving him a perspective of the ship he could keep in mind when performing his duties, whether they were as chief engineer, or now, as executive officer. And the view of the Ark Angel did not disappoint. He knew Mythology-class ships were large, but this was gargantuan. “Take the long way please, Lieutenant,” he said. The pilot looked at him, and though she didn’t mean to he could feel her eyes drop to the breather attached to his cheek. She didn’t say anything, turning back to her station and complying with his order; but she didn’t have to, he could practically hear it anyway, as he had hundreds of times before. It set him apart, it made him different, and even in an organization made of thousands of species, too different stood out - and not breathing oxygen was very different.

The Federation was not what he had expected when he left Barzan II; he disliked being considered the “other”, but in some ways it was better, as these attitudes were actively frowned upon; even more, science, engineering, and discovery were driving forces in their society. He’d grown accustomed to the stares and the, sometimes awkward, questions.

It was one reason he looked forward to serving on this ship, with Fleet Captain Drudoc Andone.

He admired the sleek hull as they passed around the starboard side of the ship, and the pilot began the spiral into the shuttle bay, landing with no noticeable sound. “Well done, Lieutenant,” he said turning to her. “You have my thanks.” He bowed his head before he left the cockpit. The pilot wondered why that nod seemed to make the whole trip worthwhile; maybe it’s because it now meant over half the words he’d spoken had been in praise of her.

His belongings had been beamed aboard and were to be sent to his quarters, so he had nothing to carry, but quickly exited the craft and crossed the shuttle bay toward the expected operations ensign near the door, holding a PADD and watching him approach, clearly waiting for him.

“Good afternoon, Ensign,” he said before she could speak. “Lieutenant Commander Nivor Rhansi. Where might I find Fleet Captain Andone?”

XO Rhansi