Novus' Plummet

Marcus let his eyes drop to the vast array of sensors for the colonization ship. He had gone through these checks numerous times before, and they were always the same when the ship was coming to a new planet. When the great ship entered the system, the long-range sensors had registered five planets in this system. Of those five planets, one was too close to the sun to support life, while three were gas giants. But the second sphere from the sun was the only suitable planet for colonization, so the ship automatically set a course for the world. When they got close enough the ship’s sensors indicated that the surface wouldn’t need to be terraformed, which was a pleasant change from the last three planets.

Now that the ship was entering planetary orbit, the loneliness of the bridge was being erased with a vengeance. The ship’s automation was only designed to operate during the long stretches of space between planets. If the sensors hadn’t found its target, it would have plotted a course to a new system. But once it detected the suitable world, an announcement was sent throughout the ship so they could prepare to colonize the new planet. The most crucial part of this dance was the bridge crew assuming their posts to bring the colonization vessel into a stable orbit.

Novus' Plummet

Two lights at Marcus’ console went out, and Marcus opened communications with the two cruisers. “Cruisers please confirm separation from Colony Ship control.”

Two voices confirmed that the ship’s escort was no longer being controlled, they would be able to defend the traveling empire if needed. With the confirmation Marcus let his eyes drift from those lights to another bank of sensors so he could monitor the ship’s progress.

“Marcus, how does everything look?” Nathaniel asked as he walked from his chair towards the busy Marcus.

Keeping his eyes upon his systems, Marcus replied, “Everything looks fine so far.”

“Nothing ever goes wrong, Nathaniel,” Kenneth said as he walked onto the bridge.

“Just because nothing has happened before doesn’t mean nothing will ever happen Kenneth. And you’re late.” Nathaniel chastized the young man as he was taking his station.

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