08-03-2026, 03:36 AM
The whole docking process took maybe five minutes. Ethan sat back and watched as the Aquila continued to glide serenely along her preset course. The station loomed larger and larger on the viewscreen, the sides of the docking slip aligned perfectly with the approaching vessel. Every tiny variation that was required to keep her level was handled by the computer. The docking clamps were opened, then there was the last-second burst from the maneuvering thrusters to slow them down for final approach. At about 100 meters or so, the impulse engines were shut off completely, and inertia did the rest. A heavy metallic creak that echoed throughout the superstructure signaled that the docking clamps had been engaged. Finally, a system alert appeared on the main helm interface: "ALL STOP - SECURE FROM DOCKING CYCLE".
At this point, it was safe for Ethan to leave his station. The only way the ship could come lose now was with a "shove-off" safety lock signal that could only be sent one-way from STC and had to be confirmed on the Captain's panel. Technically, the proper procedure was to wait until the Captain dismissed them, but on most ships that was just a formality. Ethan turned to look over his shoulder and saw that some of the senior officers were already on their way out. Then, with perfect timing, Lieutenant Coppola told him to lock his station. The midshipman nodded and did so with practiced ease. "Aye, sir."
While he waited for Captain Brooks to address them, Ethan wondered how he ought to spend his first couple hours of off-time. Some of the other new officers he'd been dining with in the wardroom had arranged to do some stuff on the holodeck, which was tempting, but perhaps it would be better to squeeze in some last-minute coursework. Cross-training with Maneuvering Section down in Engineering was always an option too, assuming he wasn't assigned to a Non-Duty Watch up here. Or maybe he'd just get some more sleep.
In any event, Ethan was relieved there'd been nothing for him to screw up. For his first shift, things had been perfectly uneventful.
== Tag ==
At this point, it was safe for Ethan to leave his station. The only way the ship could come lose now was with a "shove-off" safety lock signal that could only be sent one-way from STC and had to be confirmed on the Captain's panel. Technically, the proper procedure was to wait until the Captain dismissed them, but on most ships that was just a formality. Ethan turned to look over his shoulder and saw that some of the senior officers were already on their way out. Then, with perfect timing, Lieutenant Coppola told him to lock his station. The midshipman nodded and did so with practiced ease. "Aye, sir."
While he waited for Captain Brooks to address them, Ethan wondered how he ought to spend his first couple hours of off-time. Some of the other new officers he'd been dining with in the wardroom had arranged to do some stuff on the holodeck, which was tempting, but perhaps it would be better to squeeze in some last-minute coursework. Cross-training with Maneuvering Section down in Engineering was always an option too, assuming he wasn't assigned to a Non-Duty Watch up here. Or maybe he'd just get some more sleep.
In any event, Ethan was relieved there'd been nothing for him to screw up. For his first shift, things had been perfectly uneventful.
== Tag ==