Olly had been on the ship for all of a few hours and he’d already dropped of his things in his old room, untouched thankfully and made his way to the Labs. It was starting to get late and most of the science technicians had retired from their duty shifts and gone to bed or a late dinner. Fortunately there was only a Skelton crew, usually on call during gamma shift which meant the science department always was envied when it came to the duty roster.

He was sat down in his office, the plant Revna had given him once wilted but not dead atleast unlike his chances of getting back in her good books. He had yet to even tell her he was back on board having left her nothing but a note and sorry explanations to why he was leaving. He wasn’t looking forward to the conversation.

“Computer play Loughty Beta four” and music instantly began to play in the form of some soft mellow piano keys. Olly began to play an imaginary piano with his eyes closed.

• Lt Oliver Loughty