Ensign Enik’s shuttlecraft approached the Ark Angel, but he could only marvel at the ship. Growing up on a small colony, there were always supply ships of course, but the Federation spared no expense for the magnificent vessel currently in front of him. The warp nacelles glowed, and the Ensign wondered if he was maybe not the first to be transfixed by their pulsating pattern. As the shuttlebay came into view, however, the stark gray of the bulkheads snapped the new officer back onto task, and he felt the urge to pinch himself to make sure he wasn’t still dreaming.

He sprung out of the shuttle and onto the sparse floor, extending a salute to his new commanding officer. “Ensign Michael Edward Enik reporting for duty, sir.”