The low hum of the Ark Angel’s shuttle bay echoed off polished duranium bulkheads as Lieutenant Commander Alex Becket stood firmly at attention near the marked landing zone. The cavernous space was alive with movement—deck crews guiding cargo sleds, engineers running final diagnostic sweeps, and the steady glow of status lights reflecting off the shuttle’s atmospheric shielding grid.

Becket clasped his hands behind his back, posture precise but relaxed, his eyes fixed on the force-field barrier that shimmered in anticipation of the incoming arrival. Today was more than just a routine personnel transfer. The new Science Chief was inbound, and with recent tensions along the frontier, Starfleet had deemed it necessary to assign someone with a reputation for both discipline and unpredictability.

At his side stood James Grey, a seasoned operations specialist whose easy demeanor contrasted with Becket’s formality. He shifted his weight slightly, glancing toward the console as it pinged confirmation of an approaching craft.

The bay lights dimmed briefly, then brightened as the shuttle pierced through the force field in a smooth arc, repulsion flaring softly as it touched down. Steam curled from the cooling vents, and for a moment the entire bay seemed to hold its breath.

The hatch cycled open.

Becket straightened his uniform jacket, expression unreadable but alert.

Lieutenant Commander Alex Becket
Executive Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel