Ben rolled the tip of the PADD’s ‘pencil’ between his lips, allowing it to hang to one side as he typed in a few details. Replacing the pencil on to the side of the PADD, he smiled slightly as he looked through the modifications. Whilst they were not extensive, they were more than he had originally thought, but hopefully meant that the trudging between wards for both patients and medical staff was minimised (as well as replacing the uncomfortable seats that were part of the original fit).

“Ben, we’re a few minutes away from the rendezvous point, and will shortly be dropping out of warp.” Mark, the young Ensign piloting the shuttle, stated in his American accent. The long journey meant that the two of them had got to know each other, and Ben had, in a playful way, berated Mark for calling him ‘Sir’ 5 times within the first couple of minutes.

“Excellent!” Ben said, as he got up from one of the chairs that surrounded a table at the back of the shuttle. “I could do with a good walk in the holodeck and a shower,” arching his back to give it a good stretch.

“Ditto on the shower, but I might skip the walk and get myself a cold beer. The lounge on Deck 8 is pretty good. ” Mark replied, running his hands over the interface. He noted the Manhattan was already at the coordinates, waiting. =^= Zambezi to Manhattan. We’re are approaching your position. Please confirm that we have permission to land in one of your shuttle bays. =^=

“Planning on staying?” Ben asked, settling into the co-pilot’s seat.

“You don’t think I’m repeating that journey again without a break?” Mark exclaimed, shaking his head mockingly.

=^= Manhattan to Zambezi, you’re cleared to land in Shuttle Bay 2. =^= came the reply across the comms channel.

“I’ll spend a night or two onboard, then head back, depending on who else needs to be chauffeured around the Delta quadrant.” he continued as he brought the shuttle out of warp, and started to line it up for landing.

“I can hardly blame you!” Ben said with a smile. Within a few moments, the shuttle was passing through the doors, and coming to a gentle rest on the deck. “Nicely done!” He said to the Ensign.

“I might have done that once or twice before.” Mark retorted, flashing a quick grin back at Ben, as he opened the rear door. Ben picked up his holdall and slung it over his shoulder.

“Well, thanks for the company. You actually made the journey seem somewhat tolerable.” He said, holding out a hand.

“Ahh, high praise from a Brit.” Mark replied, clasping Ben’s hand before Ben turned to leave the shuttle. “Say, once you’re done on the holodeck, let me know if you want to grab a beer.”

“Sounds good, although mine will be a gin and tonic!” Ben said, as he stepped on to his new ship. He wondered to himself what was in store for him during this assignment. He missed being close to home, but that paled into insignificance compared to the excitement he had for being back among the stars.

Lt Hudson
CMO