Chapter 2: Preparations

USS Coral Sea — Captain Hawkins' Quarters

Two weeks from Velan Prime, Captain Alexander Hawkins stood at the viewport of his quarters watching the stars slide past while Commander Daniel McKnight admired the collection of Wisconsin keepsakes that reminded them both of home. Their conversation soon returned to Velan Prime. The silence surrounding the colony troubled them more than any confirmed threat. There had been no distress calls, no debris, no demands—only unanswered questions surrounding the mysterious Arkivum.

Family Holovid

The quarters suddenly felt warmer as Marianne Hawkins and their daughters, Ashley and Angela, appeared in holographic form. The conversation was filled with affectionate teasing, laughter, and the easy familiarity of a family accustomed to deployments.

When Alex asked Staff Sergeant Elisha Hawkins to join them, the Marine's military bearing immediately gave way to that of a grateful son and brother. For a few precious minutes there were no ranks, no orders, and no looming mission—only family encouraging one another before another long separation.

Marianne finally looked from her husband to her son.

"Bring everyone home."

Alex nodded quietly.

"I'll do everything in my power."

The transmission faded, leaving behind both comfort and renewed determination as father and son returned to duty.

Major Shren's Decision

Elsewhere aboard the Coral Sea, Major Thalisschar Shren reviewed the final mission roster for the Marine Combat Construction Corps. Several capable Marines could lead the reconnaissance element, but one name consistently rose above the rest.

Staff Sergeant Elisha Hawkins.

His record reflected sound judgment, steady leadership, and an ability to remain calm under pressure—qualities that would matter more than rank once the team reached the surface.

After consulting Captain Hawkins, Shren formally selected Elisha to lead the MCCC reconnaissance detachment while Corpsman Ingrid Hedstrøm would oversee the expedition's medical support. Both accepted their assignments with quiet professionalism, already turning their attention toward preparation rather than recognition.

Shuttle Bay Alpha

Preparation became routine aboard Shuttle Minard.

Elisha led his Marines through repeated equipment inspections, insisting that every environmental seal, sensor, and communications relay be checked again.

"I'd rather discover problems here than on Velan Prime."

The squad understood. Every inspection completed aboard ship meant one less surprise on an unfamiliar world.

Major Shren stopped by the shuttle bay and found exactly what she expected: Marines mentoring one another, reviewing procedures, and refusing to mistake routine for complacency.

"Your Marines reflect your leadership," she observed.

Elisha simply answered, "Then I'll make sure they're ready."

Satisfied, Shren left them to continue preparing for the mission ahead.

MCCC Common Room

The Marine Combat Construction Corps assembled for one final readiness briefing beneath a holographic image of Velan Prime.

Major Shren wasted no time reviewing information everyone already knew.

"I'm not interested in whether you've memorized the mission," she said. "I'm interested in how you'll think when the mission no longer follows the plan."

Rather than lecture, she questioned her officers.

Kael'thar emphasized controlling the high ground.

Mira Tol warned that reconnaissance reduced uncertainty but never eliminated it.

Chief Jonas Vee reminded everyone that technology could fail, making disciplined leadership indispensable.

Finally Shren turned to Elisha.

"If communications fail and your route becomes impassable, what do you do?"

"I slow the operation," he answered. "I account for my people, secure the scientists, and reassess."

"And if the artifacts must be abandoned?"

"They'll still be there tomorrow."

The room fell silent.

"The scientists come home first."

Shren nodded with approval.

"Exactly."

She then invited Corpsman Ingrid Hedstrøm to explain the expedition's medical procedures. Calmly and confidently, Ingrid reminded every Marine that immediate lifesaving care began with the person closest to the casualty.

While waiting for the next question, she glanced through the reconnaissance packet Elisha had prepared. His notes were concise, organized, and practical. They reflected the same disciplined judgment she had just witnessed.

Looking up, she found him listening intently to the discussion.

He's kind of cute, she thought before she could stop herself.

I wouldn't mind getting to know him.

A tiny smile threatened to appear before she gently reminded herself:

Focus, Ingrid.

There would be time to know her fellow Marines after the mission.

As Ingrid finished, Elisha found himself admiring the quiet confidence with which she carried herself. She answered every question without hesitation or self-importance, inspiring confidence simply by being prepared. For just a moment he thought there was something almost angelic about her before setting the thought aside.

There would be time to notice her later.

Today she was the corpsman responsible for helping bring his Marines home.

Satisfied, Shren addressed the room one final time.

"The unexpected will happen. My expectation isn't perfection."

Her eyes swept across the Marines.

"It's professionalism."

She came smartly to attention.

"Semper Fi."

"HOO RAH!"

The meeting dissolved into purposeful activity. As Ingrid headed for Sickbay and Elisha made his way toward the training deck, they exchanged nothing more than polite smiles while passing in the corridor, neither realizing that their first impressions would one day become the beginning of something far more important.

Above the empty holotable, Velan Prime continued its silent rotation while the Coral Sea closed the distance one day at a time.