Strange New Adventures

Posted on Tue Sep 1st, 2026 @ 4:44pm by Ensign Rayus Hawke Mr & Captain Marc Steyn

1,001 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Season 1 Episode 2: The Garden at the Edge of Night
Location: Shuttle Craft Panther
Timeline: 1400hrs

ON

The entire shuttle journey to Genesis has been consumed by Rayus thought's about the conversation with the Admiral. Sat in the mans lap was Misty a 2 year male cate the befriended him on his last visit to earth. Sat there in quite contemplation, Ryas thoughts had been interrupted by the helmsman.

"Sorry to interrupt your thoughts Ensign we are arriving at the USS Genesis."

Few moments later he was aboard the ship "Ensign Rayus Hawke the ships new security officer reporting for duty". The transporter chief checked his id "sir the captain is expecting you".

Marc had made a point of being present for the arrival of as much of the crew as circumstances allowed. He knew that, in a ship this size, he would never be able to learn the names of everyone who served aboard her, let alone remember them all, but that didn't mean he couldn't make the effort. It was an old tradition, and one he was determined to preserve aboard Genesis. A captain greeting their crew personally might seem like a small gesture, but Marc had always believed that small gestures mattered.

It had also given him an excuse to see the latest addition to Genesis's complement—the Danube-class runabout being transferred from Jupiter Station, its original point of departure. Marc had spent more than a little time admiring the sleek new design, though the vessel's designation had amused him almost as much. Commander Newton had developed something of an obsession with big cats, apparently extending the habit to naming every support craft under her command after one. Marc suspected there was a story behind the particular choice, but that was a conversation for another time.

Eventually, Marc found himself standing before the assembled crew members, his attention briefly returning to the runabout before settling on the young officer nearest him. He glanced at the man's rank insignia, offering him a warm smile that carried none of the distance some captains preferred to maintain with new arrivals.

"Ensign," he greeted, extending a hand. "Welcome aboard Genesis."

Rayus stood straight to attention, stiffening more than he intended to. He realised that he should have offered his hand "Thank you sir its a Pleasure to be here. I have heard many good things about you and the Genesis." He had read up on his posting before before his assignment. He noted the difference in crew and size of the ship and its capability an mission objectives.

He he allowed some time before he spoke yet again.

"Sir I am well aware that the Genesis is the last, last chance saloon for me"-

Looking back at the past he wondered if he should have even mentioned his past. But he knew that the statement could have ramifications for his future. He considered if he had made a mistake by revealing to much to soon. but it was to late, he felt like he had sealed his fate.

He exhaled " Sir my past is in the past and I wish to leave it there I want to prove myself and to learn and advance my way on the ship if I am given the chance."

"Relax, Ensign, before you strain something," Marc teased, his South African accent adding a warmth to the words that took some of the tension out of the moment. His expression remained friendly, but there was a firmness beneath the humour that made it clear he was speaking as the captain now. "I've reviewed your file and, in all honesty, as you've already said, that's in the past. What matters to me is how you conduct yourself aboard my ship and, perhaps more importantly, how you integrate with your peers."

He let the words settle for a moment, his gaze steady on the young officer. It wasn't a threat, nor was it a dismissal of what had happened before. It was simply a clear expectation: keep his head down, do the job, respect the crew, and give Marc no reason to question the decision to bring him aboard. "Everyone gets the opportunity to prove themselves here, Ensign. What you do with that opportunity is entirely up to you."

The seriousness lasted only a moment before Marc's expression softened and the humour returned to his voice. "I would recommend, however, that you start by settling into your quarters and then go and find Lieutenant Talvaren. She'll be your direct commanding officer, and I suspect she'd prefer to know where you've disappeared to before she has to come looking for you."


Marc offered him an encouraging nod. "Welcome aboard Genesis, Ensign. Now go and make yourself useful."

"Aye Sir"

Rayus came to attention and then left the room after he was dismissed. Walking along the corridor he thought about the captains words and realised he was right. The past was the past and he needed to move forward and excel in his new assignment. Considering the time of day the ship was unnervingly quiet and something that Rayus was unused to. He found his quarters. And sat on the end of the bed. It had been many hours since had drunk anything

=^= " computer coffee black hot Jamaican Blend"? =^=

The replicator buzzed into action and the coffee appeared. The one think he always liked was how fresh coffee smelt. As he sat down he realised that Misty had jumped up on his bunk and was looking for some attention "hey girl how you doing with the change of ship"

She purred and nudged him with approval he decided to put some food and water and few toys round the room, He knew she wouldn't sleep in a basket and that her place was on his pillow with him. He laughed for a few moments rubbed behind the cats ears.

" Well old girl " even though technically she was still a kitten " I guess I had better go find the boss, Misty Sat down on the bed already and started to preen herself as he left the room.

End

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