“Captain’s log stardate seven-nine-eight-one-five point one. Our transit through the Vadia transwarp conduit was uneventful. After a brief layover at Framheim Station, the Atlas is now en route to the Ivalis system for our first mission: establishing contact with the Ivalans. This highly developed interplanetary civilisation has invited the Federation to open diplomatic relations. I cannot deny a certain excitement at the prospect of meeting a new species. Admiral Jenson has tasked us with assessing whether the Ivalis Union might become a valuable ally in our renewed exploration of the Shackleton Expanse.”

“As you can see,” Velesa began, her voice calm and precise, “the Ivalis system contains four major planets, two of which are inhabited. Ivalis Prime is the seat of government and homeworld of the Ivalans. Their colonies extend across Ivalis II, several moons, and throughout the asteroid belt.” The Denobulan science officer pointed out from where she stood next to the large central wall console in the observation lounge. In the centre of the display, rotating slowly, was the glowing star system with the four planets circling as she had stated.

Shortly after leaving Framheim Station, Corbin had assembled Atlas’s entire senior staff for their mission briefing on their first set of orders. Framheim Station had provided them with all the latest intelligence and data on the Ivalans.

Beyond the panoramic windows, the streaking glow of warp travel bathed the room in a soft, shifting light. Everyone was sitting with drinks and datapads that contained everything they needed to know.

As chief science officer, Velesa was starting the briefing for everyone, explaining the location they were heading to. “The system’s mineral wealth has sustained their civilisation for centuries. Automated mining operations appear to be extensive, efficient, self-governing, and well-defended.”

At the head of the table, Corbin leaned forward slightly, eyes studying the display with quiet interest. Nelson sat to his right, nursing a mug of coffee as she scanned her PADD.

“Should we be concerned about our approach?” Nelson asked, glancing up. “Any restrictions on entry?”

Starok answered that question without hesitation in his usual calm tone. “Negative, Commander. Their traffic control systems are highly advanced. I anticipate no interference on our final approach into the system.”

“So,” Nelson said dryly, “we just wait for the red light to change?”

Starok raised an eyebrow in polite puzzlement, but chose not to ask. “Indeed, ma’am.”

A few quiet smiles rippled around the table; it was the easy kind that only formed between a crew long accustomed to one another.

From Corbin’s left, Alkos leaned forward with a measured tone. “What about the Ivalans themselves? What do we know about them?”

Merrendis, seated next to him, set her cup down and folded her hands neatly. The Risan’s composure was warm but analytical. “Very little, I’m afraid,” She answered. As Atlas’s chief diplomatic officer, she would be heavily involved in their opening exchanges, so she had done her homework as she spoke with some confidence on the subject matter. “Starfleet’s data is incomplete. It is derived mostly from the Ivalans’ initial contact. From what we can infer, they’re a highly developed, multi-world civilisation unified under a single government. Their values appear compatible with Federation ideals, and their threat level is considered extremely low.”

“Sounds promising,” Alkos said.

From her place near the end of the table, Doctor Carrillion gave a knowing grin. “Well, I can see why the Federation Council is interested in us making some new allies.”

Corbin nodded faintly. “With our losses to the Borg, the Vaadwaur and the uncertainty with the Klingon Chancellorship, the Federation Council is keen for us to make some new long-term friends,” He shared. “The Expanse is wide open again. We need strong partnerships.”

“How would we benefit from an alliance with them?” Ortega asked from her seat beside Carrillion. “Besides their rich resource system, what else do we gain from them?”

​​Velesa gestured toward a section of the asteroid belt magnified on the display. “Long-range scans reveal a sophisticated shipbuilding facility embedded within the belt. If we establish cooperation, it could serve as a logistical waypoint for starships operating this deep into the Expanse. Though the Ivalis system is close to Framheim Station, it’s no bad thing to have further support this far away from Federation territory.”

Ortega nodded. “That makes sense. That would save a lot of turnaround time between deployments.”

“So strategically speaking,” Rowal spoke opposite to Ortega, “Ivalis would be an asset to the Federation in the region.”

Corbin’s gaze drifted around the room, from one familiar face to the next. Each officer carried the easy confidence of someone who had weathered the unknown before.

The low hum of the warp engines underpinned the silence that followed, steady and sure. “It looks that way,” Corbin said finally, his tone measured but certain. “I know we’re sailing into the unknown, but we’ve handled worse. Once we arrive, we’ll open full diplomatic channels with the Union. I want us prepared for every eventuality.”

He rose to his feet, setting his hands lightly on the table’s edge. “Let’s make this one look easy.” A few quiet smiles answered him. “Dismissed.”