OOC: Since we appear to agree, we’ll go on foot.
- Dave

IC:

The quiet hum of the shuttle bay was punctuated by the occasional chirp of diagnostic equipment as one of the engineering technicians worked methodically around the waiting shuttlecraft.

Crewman First Class Dalen crouched beneath the port nacelle access panel, running a final calibration through the shuttle’s field coils. Satisfied, he secured the panel before moving to the landing gear, tricorder in hand.

“Structural integrity field emitters are within tolerance. Inertial dampers are green across the board,” he reported to no one in particular as the results scrolled across his handheld display.

Crossing beneath the shuttle’s nose, he connected a portable power cart long enough to complete the final systems synchronization before disconnecting it moments later.

Inside the cockpit, status indicators flickered from amber to green one by one.

• Impulse engines: Nominal
• RCS thrusters: Nominal
• Environmental systems: Online
• Navigation sensors: Calibrated
• Shields: Standing by
• Transporter systems: Operational
• Communications: Verified

Dalen stepped back as the shuttle’s access hatch cycled smoothly.

“Pre-flight diagnostics complete,” he called toward the gathering flight crew. “Fuel reserves are topped off, emergency rations and medical kits have been replenished, and all mission equipment requested by Engineering, Science, Security, and Medical has been secured aboard.”

He gave the shuttle an approving pat along the hull.

“She’s ready whenever the team is.”

“Not today crewman!” said Captain Glen, “We’ve decided we’ll walk instead!”

Rynak had slowly descended off a turbolift before his boots met the ground, coming to stand right next to one of the engineering officers present. His eyes seemed to illuminate when mismatched eyes landed on their vessel, tail betraying a small wag behind him. Composure remaining steady as the last calibrations were ran.

He stepped off and carefully joined the rest of the away team. Beaming with excitement almost like a little child.

“If everyone is ready,” said the Captain, “Let’s go out and meet the Shiarians!”

• Glen, CO