Posted by Senior Chief Petty Officer Kohana Black Wolf (Helmsman) in Viewing the new ship (anybody else?0
Kohana had appropriated one of the Sentinel’s shuttle craft once she had docked at Station K-5. The new Independence class Sentinel had docked a day earlier and and the Chief Flight Officer wanted to get a good look at his new ride.

He piloted the shuttle back and forth across her beam, length, and height. All 12 decks showed in shiny new magnificence.

The ship’s helmsman gave a soft whistle as the shuttle came up from below the hull and saw USS Sentinel emblazoned across the top of the saucer section.

He was going to miss the old ship, as he had been with her since her shakedown cruise, but was looking forward to getting to know the new Sentinel’s quirks and personality. He was sure that it wouldn’t take long before the Independence class frigate and he were best friends. . . .

SCPO Black Wolf (helm)

Charles Fordham, Ford to those who know him, stood in the observation deck on the core of Deep Space Station K-5, watching a shuttle fly around a ship on one of the docking arms of the station. He had one arm over his head, leaned against the support strut beside the porthole, and he’d been staring at the same ship for several minutes.

Whoever that pilot is, they’re good. That’s a close, tight spiral. Closer than a standard inspection. Interesting. He filed that away.

His eyes swept from the shuttle to the sleek lines of the Sentinel, his home beginning tomorrow. He’d already reviewed her specs several times, but seeing her in person was completely different. It inspired a sense of awe, a sense of camaraderie he wasn’t expecting. With a ship? They don’t call them ladies for nothin’, he thought.

“Don’t worry, pretty lady,” Ford said softly. “I’ll keep you safe.”

COS Ford