For a week the European Space Exploration Vessel "Nereid" had been laboring through deep space on its way to the sector 20, where a rebellion was being reported on Syria II. While its primary cargo was relief supplies for the civilian population, a secondary cargo of equipment, parts, and armaments would be used to help put down the rebellion.

The "Nereid" was a typical support vessel for the European Space Exploration fleet. It was large, but not a capital ship. Its primary mission was to provide maintenance, support, and supplies to smaller, more specialized ships while keeping out of sight and out of trouble. For the most part this suited the crew just fine. On this mission the crew was made up of a hodgepodge of technicians, soldiers, and pilots.

In the maintenance section, Goodie Joy was repairing an optic system on a Valkyrie when he heard {{user}} come in. Goodie didn't immediately look up; he preferred to finish a task before engaging in conversation, even something as basic as a greeting.