Tom looked around what had been his temporary home this past week and a half, it was a small but comfortable room and had served its purpose. Having picked up his bag and checking the room one last time, he moved into the bustle of Star Base 243. He pulled up the notification he had received earlier checking the dock location for the Ark Angel. Fortunately for him there had been plenty of places for him to train and work out, his fathers’ words echoed in his mind constantly now that he had graduated.

“You respond how your train Son”, he mumbled under his breath. Words that he often heard when he lost a game or otherwise failed at something. He had learned to appreciate the words more and more as he moved toward graduation and the reality of the potential for lives lost sunk deeper into his mind.

He boarded the turbo lift “Docking bay 12” he called to the computer. The lift hummed as it navigated to the dock. I hope I can get settled quickly so I don’t miss my evening workout, He thought to himself. His routine was regimented, training several times throughout the day.

Stepping off the Turbo lift he approached the dock entry where a security ensign stood looking over his data pad. “Name” he called out not looking.

“Ensign Thomas Reed” Tom responded with confidence though inside he was nervous, or maybe excited. He was not sure, perhaps it was both.

“Welcome aboard Ensign, your quarters have been transferred to your data pad.” He said motioning for tom to board. “You will need to complete your medical and psychological as well as check in with Lieutenant Anders who will give your duty assignments.

Tom replied with a smile “Thank you Ensign” he said boarding the ship quickly working his way to his quarters and stowing his gear. He sat down on his bed for a brief moment to collect his thoughts before heading to the medical bay.