Doctor Lori Weaver made her way through the lounge and joined her shipmate and friend, Science Officer Haia Ohtani. The two women were having lunch.

“So you decided to try the sushi after all,” said Haia.

“I had no choice. You would have kept on me about it into the next century,” said Lori.

Haia chuckled, watching carefully as Lori took her first bite. “Well?”

“It’s not bad for raw fish,” said Lori.

“Yeah, replicated.” Haia laughed.

“It’s still raw,” said Lori. “Have you heard the rumors?”

“I don’t pay attention to rumors,” said Haia.

“But the word is, we’re going to get a new ship. No more cramped Raven.”

“If we go back to a Raven or we get something else, it will happen when it happens.”

“How can you not think about it, especially with that new Rhode Island-class ship docked at Devron,” said Lori. “It arrived last night, a few hours before we did. The captain and XO have been in meetings all morning.”

“They’ve been in meetings before,” said Haia. “It will happen when it happens, if it happens.”

“I give up.” Lori tossed her hands in the air.

“Maybe your answer is coming now,” said Haia. She motioned with a tilt of her head.

“What?”

“Hello, ladies. May I join you?” Chief Engineer Nick Saunders slid into an empty chair at the table, not waiting for an answer.

“What’s up, Nick? Do you have any news? Lori is ready to pop.” Haia smiled.

Lori smirked.

“As a matter of fact, I do. We’re transferring to another ship,” said Nick.

“I knew it! Is it the Rhode Island in the docks?” said Lori.

“The Eagle, and yes,” said Nick.

“How do you know?” said Haia.

“I’ve already been on board. It’s ours now.”

“I don’t know much about a Rhode Island,” said Lori.

“Well, it’s bigger than a Raven, obviously. It’s a ship that packs a punch, kind of a bigger version of a Defiant,” said Nick.

“So another ship that’s not big on science,” said Haia, a pout on her face.

“There’s always science somewhere out there,” said Nick. “You’ll do fine.”

“I hope you’re right. When do we officially board?” said Haia.

“Not sure, but the captain and XO are with the admiral now, so it will be soon,” said Nick.

“How many crew? It will give me more to do,” said Lori. “Sometimes things got dull on a Raven.”

“Ninety-five,” said Nick. “We’ll all get our own rooms now.”

“Yes!” said Lori. “Haia snores. She sounds like a buzz saw. Peace and quiet will be nice.”

“I do not snore.”

“I recorded you.”

“An obvious fake. I don’t snore.”

“Mm hm,” said Lori.

Nick chuckled. “I need to get back to the Eagle. I had a short break, and when I saw you, I wanted to pass along the good news. Keep it to yourselves until it’s officially announced.” He got up, but paused. “You tried the sushi. I’m impressed.”

When Nick had gone, Lori looked at Haia. “You snore.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Oh, yes you do.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

The friendly argument continued, amusing anyone nearby that could hear.