The Executive Shuttle Manticore silently settled onto the deckplates of Hanger Bay 1 of the USS Dresden on Deck 30. A two-deck high space running the length of the Stardrive Section of the massive Dreadnought was beginning to fill with Templars and Compies, along with Hanger Bay 2 which took up Decks 31 & 32. The swirl of busyness was everywhere and no one seemed to notice the two silver stars on a field of Hunter Green beneath the Shuttle’s painted-on name.

With a hiss, the Shuttle’s main personnel hatch opened revealing two smartly dressed Marines… one a full-bird Colonel and the other a two-star Major General. The Colonel was female, medium red hair, and just a few inches shorter than the man beside her’s easily six foot plus frame. Though the party took a few steps forward into the airlock that separated the cabin from the personnel hatch, only the female continued right up to the edge before turning to face the Marine General.

“Ya know, Daddy…” The woman began in a crisp soprano. “… you didn’t have to bring me all the way out here.” A smirk crossed her face.

“Bologna…” The General huffed. “… the Dresden’s current patrol wasn’t very far out of the way at all. I haven’t the foggiest as to when I’ll get to see you again Pumpkin… let an old Marine do something nice for someone for a change!”

There was a giggle that escaped the woman. “Oh Daddy…” She rolled her eyes. “… I seriously doubt any other O-6 would get to ride in a Flag Shuttle all the way from HQ. So please, don’t give me that.” Pausing for a moment, she added. “But don’t think I don’t appreciate the gesture. Now…” She smiled widely. “… go bug some Battalion stuffed shirt somewhere and let your little girl do her job.” The woman reached up, hugged the man tightly as he returned the hug and kissed him on both cheeks. “I love you Daddy.” She said warmly. “And I love you too, Pumpkin. You be safe.” The older Marine smiled warmly. “You too.” Came the young woman’s response before she turned and stepped off the Shuttle, a large duffle now slung over her left shoulder.

“See ya soon.” She said, snapping a crisp salute. A split second after thumping the wall of the airlock, the Marine General returned his daughter’s salute as the Executive Shuttle Manticore rose once more silently from the deck and its hatch hissed shut.

Turning to what she assumed was the front of the ship, Colonel Devri Rae Hudson let out a long, slow whistle as she walked… her mouth agape at the sheer size of the warship. She wished it was going to be her permanent assignment… the ship was awe inspiring and beautiful. At least she had a couple months to enjoy this spectacular home away from home.

Col. Devri “Starbuck” Hudson, SFMC
Director of the Office of Aerospace Personnel