The flight had been comfortable enough for Cherp’Eng, even if he had been forced to sit half crunched over during the shuttlecraft flight on this final part of the journey from Avi II to the Athena to fit his massive frame into the space the shuttlecraft afforded him. He assured the pilot that he would be fine despite the cramped space on offer and proceeded to rest his eyes as they flew.

The Greyfeathers who had died would now be flying, Cherp’Eng believed and he hoped when the time came for him, he too would become a Greyfeather and join them in their flights of fancy.

“Lieutenant,” Cherp’Eng opened an eye, and looked at the pilot, “we have arrived and will shortly be in transporter range.”

Cherp’Eng nodded and picked up his bags and the tricorder that had been modified and designed for his use. Forced to slouch slightly, Cherp’Eng made his way to the shuttle’s transporter padd. As that had more headspace than the rest of the shuttle, Cherp’Eng was able to stand at his full height.

“Ready to be transported,” he told the pilot who was now at the controls. Cherp’Eng was still nervous when he used transporters, as they weren’t used by the Avisarite people and as per normal, he closed his eyes. He heard the transporter sounds and he opened them when he heard, “welcome to the Athena, Lt JG Cherp’Eng.”

He opened his eyes and smiled at the transporter operator, “thank you,” he said politely, after mentally checking all the parts of his body were in their correct place.

He stepped down off of the platform and was pleased he wouldn’t have to stoop on the Athena.

Having his orders scanned, the computer told him that he was assigned quarters on Deck 5. He headed out into the corridor and down to the turbolift to go to Deck 5 to drop off his personal belongings.

• Lt JG Cherp’Eng, Sci