A lone ship approach the station, which guarded the hyperlane leading out of Darkon. It was a strange vessel. It look like one of the merchant vessels of one of the Federations biggest transport companies, TransGalactic, but it was outfitted with various scanners and research instruments. It was the first exploratory vessels produced by the Federation in many decades.
In charge of the expedition was Doctor Alicia Pall. She was a xenoscientist, a field of study she chose specifically to fulfil her dreams of exploration. The government was unwilling to fund any of her proposed expeditions, due to its long-standing policy of semi-isolationism and domestic development. But now a private company was willing to sponsor her research. More importantly, a company with a permit for usage of armed starships.
“Voyager-3, you are cleared for jump. Just be warned, you are entering uncharted territories and we will not be able to provide you with any assistance. Godspeed.”
With this the ship jumped into an unknown system, ready to face whatever was there.
“Perform a full system scan. While we wait, get us in orbit of a nearest planet and start mapping out the surface. Get moving, the sooner we get this done the sooner you will get your bonuses.” Alice commanded. She would have preferred a proper scientific team, but all she got was a couple of friends from university and transport workers provided by TransGalactic. The next couple of days were going to be rough.