The stars were still, then space rippled with the faint shimmer of warp deceleration.

A shuttle craft dropped into normal space in a controlled glide, impulse engines glowing soft blue as it angled downward toward a ship waiting in the dark. And there she was–the USS Athena.

Long, elegant lines. A sovereign silhouette cut in silver and shadow. Running lights tracing the edges of her hull like a heartbeat. She didn’t drift. She held position—confident and deliberate.

The hum of impulse engines vibrated through the deck plating, while four officers sat strapped into their seats, luggage secured at their boots. No one spoke, but a young ensign checked his uniform seam for the third time. Across from him, a lieutenant stared through the viewport as the Athena grew larger—windows glittering like a city suspended in a vaccuum.

The pilot’s voice broke the silence: =/\=USS Athena, this is shuttle Tiberius on final approach vector. Requesting docking clearance.=/\=

Then the Athena’s voice, =/\=Shuttle Tiberius, you are cleared for Bay Two. Welcome aboard.=/\=

The new crew exchanged glances.

Massive bay doors parted in measured precision. The shuttle glided inside, dwarfed by the cavernous hangar. Deck crews moved below like clockwork. Cargo tractors hummed and a pair of security officers stood watch near the arrival platform.

The shuttle settled while landing struts deployed. Then the engines powered down to silence within the shuttlecraft.

Seat restraints released with a soft click and everyone made a grab for their gear. Slowly the new officers stood and cued up at the hatch.

Talia Ren was one of the junior officers. She’d been looking forward to her arrival on the Athena and couldnt keep the smile from her face as the hatch cycled open.

Ltjg Talia Ren
Medical