Noah woke with a start, his deep blue eyes adjusting slowing to the surroundings of the transport shuttle and the gruff looking security officer, who had just poked him, glowering down at him.

“Huh?”

The security officer grunted and gestured toward to the front of the shuttle where the pilots were sitting.

“Ensign Astor, you’re up,” one called out over his shoulder. “We are rendezvousing with the Athena in 2 minutes. Gather your things and prepare to transport.”

The adrenaline rush brought Noah out of his post nap stupor. It had been a bit of a journey to link up with his first ship and he was definitely ready to get off of the shuttle. He jumped up, smoothed out his uniform and grabbed his duffel bag just as the shuttle dropped out of warp. Out the small viewport he managed to catch a glimpse of the ship in the distance. It was hard to appreciate how big she was from here but of course he had studied the schematics several times and knew just exactly how massive she was. With a final deep breath he stepped up onto the transporter pad.

“Ok, they are ready to receive you. Good luck. Energizing,” the pilot called out.

And with that the interior of the shuttle faded away to be replaced by the transporter room of the Athena and a smiling crew member who stepped forward to meet him.

“Dr. Astor, welcome aboard. I trust the trip was uneventful?”

Noah nodded politely as he stepped off the transporter pad and shifted his duffel bag around on his shoulder.

“Great,” the crew member said as he handed Noah a PADD. “Here is the assignment for your quarters. Unfortunately, I’ve got other duties to attend to or I would escort you there. I trust you probably know your way around already anyway. If you get lost just ask the computer.”

With a final nod, the crew member was gone and Noah found himself alone in the transporter room. He glanced down at the PADD and noticed that he had been assigned to quarters on Deck 11 which would make for a very convenient trip to work for his duty shifts. He made his way there, taking in some of the sights and breathing in the hum of the ship. It was still a little surreal that he had finally made his way here. Far away from the small coastal town back on Earth where his family spent the days on boats and fishing. He had managed to make it here despite their disapproval and hoped that one day they would recognize the passion he had for this work as well as his strong desire to avoid smelling like salt water and fish all day.

He finally arrived at the door to his quarters and thumbed the panel to gain access. Noah stepped inside and took in the small area. It was really just what he needed since he hadn’t brought much with him when he left home. Within a few minutes he had put away the few articles of clothing and extra uniforms. Next to his bed he placed a small photograph of his family, one taken several years ago where everyone was smiling, which was a rarity these days. Finally, he placed the last two items on the small desk in the living space: a photograph of a small city on a hill, surround by a bay on one side and river on the other with a large green bridge; and a sculpture of a column depicting the westward exploration of the 19th century Lewis and Clark expedition.

“Well,” he said, looking around the room one more time, “Here we go.”

Ensign Astor, Medical