Shuttle Bay

As your shift change taps you on the shoulder, indicating that your watch is over, you hear the Captain’s voice, “Lieutenant Doe, please join me.”

Casting a quick glance around the bridge, you can’t help but notice almost all of the bridge crew are looking at either you or the Captain with expressions ranging from concern to confusion to suspicion. Ignoring them you reply “Aye, aye Captain.” And quickly follow her to the turbo-lift.

As you step inside and the doors close behind you, Captain Li grabs one of the handles on the wall and commands, “Shuttle Bay”. Giving her a quick quizzical look, you do the same, and an instant later the lift begins to move.

Wasting no time, Captain Li explains, “Lieutenant, seven minutes ago science officer Quinn handed me a finished report. At thirteen forty five hours, using the long range sensors, she discovered unusual readings travelling at near light speed coming from the Horus system. Under normal circumstances I would alter the Constitution’s course; however, the situation on Seanix Prime demands our immediate attention. Therefore, I’m sending a team in a shuttle to investigate. I want you to lead the away mission.”

After a brief moment to process the information you ask, “Captain, I don’t mean to speak out of turn, but wouldn’t it be better to launch a probe as we pass by the Horus system? A shuttle doesn’t have the science equipment that the Constitution does.”

Nodding Li replies, “I’d like to; but my gut tells me that those readings in the Horus system and whatever’s happened on Seanix Prime are related. I want people out there investigating Mr. Doe. And I’m under orders to proceed directly to Seanix Prime.” With a tilted head and raised eyebrow she adds, “No detours.”

“Understood sir, but what makes you think the two are related?”

“Quinn plotted the reading’s course.” The turbo-lift stopped and the doors slid open. “She identified its point of origin as Seanix Prime.”

Breathing in deeply you ask, “When do I leave sir?”

With a half smile she answered, “Three minutes, you’re team’s been assembled and waiting for you at the shuttle. Your orders Mr. Doe are to proceed at maximum warp to the Horus system, investigate those readings and send regular reports back to the Constitution. We’ll be back to pick you up as soon as we can.”

“We’ll be waiting Captain.” You say with a confident smile.

After a short breath Captain Li adds softer, “This is a recon mission only Lieutenant; find out what it is out there. But if it’s sentient don’t provoke it. You may be able to outrun it, but a shuttle won’t last long in a firefight.”

“Understood Captain.” You say snapping a salute.

She returns it, “The mission’s yours now Doe. Good luck.”