The Brighid had arrived in the Orion sector just two days earlier via LINK transport. Now, only a few minutes from their destination, the ship was
buzzing with activity as pre-launch preparations were being completed.
Zuri stood at the observation window, watching as the ‘seeding crew’ boarded the shuttlecraft. Just to her left, Evander spoke into his lapel mic:
“OK, Ambia, let me know when you’re in position. I visually confirm portal platform is retracting.”
“Roger, sir. In position. Confirm portal secure light is green. Station keeping still in auto. All onboard systems show green.”
Evander turned and winked at Zuri. She glanced up at him, then quickly back at the beautiful spherical shuttlecraft as it lowered its hover to just a foot above the hangar floor.
Everyone who had been involved in preparing for this mission was gathered, either at the few hangar bay observation windows, or around any available video screen which was broadcasting the launch.
Strangely, though everyone was excited, there was very little conversation. Weeks of planning and training had finally come down to this moment. Everyone was engrossed in their own private thoughts. They were about to participate in the birth of a totally new civilization.
“Ops, clear hangar deck; make ready for launch.”
“Roger, commander. Hangar deck cleared for launch.”
The green stripe down the center of the deck began blinking, then turned yellow as the hangar doors began to retract. Ceiling light reflected off the smooth spherical surface of the shuttle as it moved slowly toward the door. Once clear of the door, it began it’s descent toward the beautiful blue/green planet below.