E’usah had gotten off shift an hour or so ago and after briefing her relief navigator NE Parc, she had headed for her quarters, there was a chance that she would meet Quinn later in the lounge but nothing definite had been determined. She entered the small bedroom and stripped off her uniform and threw it in the laundry chute. After a quick sonic shower and a careful brushing of her fur she had donned a long soft robe and now sat on the edge of the bed. She held up a hand and extended the claws, her claws were somewhat smaller than a males’, about 3/4 of an inch in length and tapering to needle sharp points, her feet had slightly longer and thicker claws. She stared at her hand, at the academy many of her classmates had routinely painted their nails, but unless she extended them her claws were retracted and out of sight, so painting them seemed pointless, but she did buff them to a high sheen. Sighing she rose and entered the living area and after ordering a mug of hot mint tea, no sugar, extra cream, she sat on the small sofa with her legs curled under her and the tea cradled in her hands.

As Navigator she had not expected to be on any away teams, as her job was to plot and chart the Sentinels position relative to each away team as they orbited the planet, and map their position in this part of the galaxy. She looked at the antique brass Sextant and Astrolabe hanging on the wall, presents from her parents. What it must have been like to venture into the unknown with just these primitive instruments to guide you. They were still doing it, only with far more sophisticated instruments. Still, when you came right down to it the principles of navigation hadn’t changed in centuries, just better more highly accurate equipment. They didn’t rely on sightings of the sun or the position of the stars any more, but highly sensitive inertial sensors, and the position of not stars but entire galaxies.

She sipped her tea, and began to feel drowsy..... a quick nap would feel good. She sat her tea mug on the table and nestled into the cushions of the sofa. Soon only the sounds of soft breathing could be heard and with the lack of activity the lights slowly dimmed.

E’usah - NAV