Jianhong’s eyes closed as his transport had sped through space, ignoring the conversations of the other Republic members he shared the ship with. Exhaling a brief sigh, he had needed this assignment to get away. With his sister gone and now both of his parents, there wasn’t anything that held him back to New Terra or Old Terra. While he did enjoy the classroom molding young mind for the new age, it wasn’t for him anymore. The satisfaction was gone and yearned for the openness of space once again. Maybe it was him getting old and wanting to feel young, he didn’t know but he had to get on a ship again.

Once Jianhong transport had started slowing down his eyes had opened revealing the USS Hawking, the ship that was to be his to maintain. In truth he didn’t know why he Captain Antares had chosen him for such a venture, considering almost half of his career with the Republic was in the classroom. He looked out through the visor at the ship, the Hawking was a marvel to behold. He was in a better mindset now as the crew member disembarked, being the last to leave the transport ship.

[color=coral]”Andrei it has been quite some time. I’m to assume that you’re assigned to the Hawking  .”[/color] Andrei Ilyich had been one of his prodigal students in the classroom that Jianhong had bonded with and fewer yet that he’d kept in touch with.

“You’re correct professor or should I call you chief now.” Walking in tow with Jianhong, Andrei handing Jianhong the tablet-like device so he could see the USS Hawking specifications

[color=coral]”Hong will do Andrei, both make me feel older than I feel.”[/color] Everything had seemed to be in order. Reactor cores showing steady readings for the past twelve hours, all systems were green and performing superbly according to his strict standards. Handing the device back, to his second.[color=coral]” Start archiving reactor levels in thirty-minute intervals, along with a complete system and diagnostic check on the hour. After you get settled of course.”[/color]

“Of course Hong. And perhaps some of that rice win you covet later.” Andrei remarked, remember the celebration of his academic success completing Jianhong rigorous class.

[color=coral]“When there is a reason to celebrate Engineer Ilyich.”[/color] Jianhong very direct in his statement as they crossed the threshold in the Hawking. 

“Of course Hong.” Andrei left Hong to continue on his own reports and to let his old teacher get acquainted with the ship.

Standing before the reactors, glowing dim blue as the thrummed with power. Going over last inspections logs of the cores. Again everything was perfect. Just peering at the new reactor cores, this was what he needed. 

[color=coral]”My friends it has been too long.”[/color] Walking off to his quarters where he trusted his belongings had been forwarded to.