[I][b]ULSS Research & Deployment Station
Location: Undisclosed C10 Quadrant[/b][/I] 

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From every corner of the Zyphil galaxy, the crew of the ULSS Zotharis slowly converges toward one designated point on the star map. Deep within an undisclosed location of the C10 quadrant is a massive research outpost called the Truth Shield. With the exception of a few capital class ships that occasionally run maneuvers in the sector, its solitary existence has seen little-to-no traffic in its ports. It floats aimlessly in space, accompanied only by an azure nebula ruminating in the distance.

 You, and the rest of the Zotharis crew, are transferred to the launch site via ULSS Black Dove Flagship, the largest capital class space vessel in the federation. Escorted by four Battlecruisers, the Black Dove safely arrives at the Truth Shield, four day cycles before everyone else. 

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The Zotharis crew quickly gets acclimated with the ship, which arrived a day cycle before by a special naval team lead by Captain Ruedra. For the next several cycles, you run special scenarios, go over procedural checklists, and perform necessary launch preparations before the ULSS Zotharis is given the green light. On the last day of ship prep, the Exploronaut groups and shift duties are announced in the Conference Hall of the Zotharis. Captain Ruedra formally assigns the teams herself. 

“Those qualified to be Exploronauts will function within a smaller unit. These units are broken down into four groups: Alpha, Beta, Charlie, and Delta. Those assigned to any one of these teams will have synced shift and off duty hours with every other member in your group.” [b]Among those four groups, Operations Officer B15, Medical Officer B07, Navigations Officer B19, and Executive Chef C17 were assigned into Delta.[/b] The Kruharan Captain goes on to make a rousing speech about comradery as pioneers and professionals, instilling a sense of community and purpose. She acknowledges your commitment to the program, noting the two years of intense training endured to get to where you are now. “We are of different species, but soon, we will rally into uncharted space, united as one…” 

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For a planetary week’s cycle, the Truth Shield’s four warp gates work nonstop to accommodate hundreds of space vessels trickling in from slipspace. This vast array of ships are mainly composed of government officials, family, friends, and media personnel, many of whom have traveled far and wide to bid you farewell. The next several day cycles include countless media interviews with each and every crewmember, followed by a commemoration ceremony that involves the ULSS primary delegates, and most of the secondary officials representing each cluster of the galaxy. 

A month’s worth of preparation and PR has finally come to an end. [b]By special order from Captain Ruedra herself, you are given 48 hours of recreational free time before your journey into the outer reaches of the galaxy begins.[/b]

 Some choose to spend their last moments with loved ones, while others look to kill time running amuck on board the Truth Shield, or the Zotharis… 

[b]After a 24 hour day cycle has passed, Operations Officer Nadan Taushir takes it upon himself to forward a message to everyone on Delta team.[/b] 

[quote=Message from B15D00]
Greetings Delta, 

I am personally extending an invitation to each of you to come join me in the Rutgun Drinkwell on the Truth Shield. I apologize for the last minute proposal, and understand if you have other matters to attend to. However, if you find yourself without obligation, I will be there at 1700. The alcoholic beverages, as humans figuratively say, are on me.

Operations Officer B15
Nadan Taushir[/quote]