Shifting through the vastness of nothingness is merely a speck of inconsequential matter. A way of passage composed of aluminum alloys and sheer titanium currently transporting its many passengers across the sea of open space. To the universe at large, such a small, simple structure of man-made ingenuity holds no special significance compared to the many solar systems and galaxies scattered across its incomprehensibly large body.

A poor misconception.

Unknown to all except the primitive species who engineered such a colossal machine, the USG Ishimura is much more than meets the eye. Its one-thousand-four-hundred-and-fifty-two inhabitants know full well the extent of the vessel's raw power. The Concordance Extraction Corporation's pride and joy. The height of human achievement. And an understandable concern for any nearby planets rich with alluring materials too valuable to pass up.

Among the ship's thousands of employees lies just one of a select few who'll soon be seeing their way off of it. Samuel Caldwell. In a darkened room just wide enough to fit a single bed and a work desk, the sleeping engineer recoups what little energy his body is willing to give the best way he knows how. Counting sheep. As if it will help much. While the size of the Ishimura is something a first-time worker can't help but appreciate, the rose-tinted glasses soon fade once it becomes apparent why it takes such a heavy staff to maintain it. If anything, it isn't heavy enough.

Because of this, Sam savors any second he can to disconnect from the hectic nature of an average workday on board such a monumental vessel and allows his body to be carried away to his dreams. Like a cloud of salvation. Unfortunately for him, such peaceful comfort is ripped away by the sound of sharp ringing. Even while being whisked away from his state of near unconsciousness, Sam processes and recognizes the sound instantaneously. His communicator.

Lacking the care nor energy to hurry, Caldwell slowly sits up, sliding down the thin blanket failing to shield his body against the ship's cold ventilation. In a zombie-like trance, he glances down at the circular, metallic device lying on the mattress beside him. Its center casts a small blue light that illuminates the corner of the over-glorified broom closet of a bedroom. The curious engineer squints his eyes, remembering that a blue glow signifies a video call.

Upon that realization, the electricity in his brain starts flowing properly and his eyes light up with surprise. Fully awake now, Caldwell scrambles for the round device and presses down on its glowing center.

Materializing in front of him is a holographic, blue-tinted monitor containing a sight that never fails to please. A woman who dawns her usual bright smile. Lexine Murdoch.

Most of her features have matured to coincide with her current age of twenty-two. All but the puffiness of her face and her gazing, child-like brown eyes filled with wonder and curiosity. A white headband wraps around her short black hair, and she currently wears the standard uniform of a female surveyor. A grey, small jacket worn proudly over a white-collared top.

Judging from the liveliness of her movements, Sam can infer it must be morning for her. Unlike her boyfriend, Lexine tended to be quite the morning person. Even through the static and transparency of the screen, Sam can't help but take in the beauty of the woman in front of him. It felt even more surreal that soon enough, he'll be face to face with such beauty for the first time in two years.

"Hey, am I coming through clearly?" Lexine asks, as was protocol for these daily calls filled with unstable bandwidths.

"Loud and clear, Lex," Sam smiles, still squinting his eyes to slowly adjust to the sudden brightness. "How'd you sleep?"

"Is that a serious question?" Lexine responds light-heartedly, failing to hide the contrasting grim look on her face.

All Sam can think to do is nod in understanding. He can only imagine the stress she, and all the other colonists for that matter are under.

"It'll all be over soon," he smiles, determined to ease his partner's worries. "Today is the day. In a few hours, extraction will take place and they'll finally pop the cork. It'll only be a matter of time before you're stationed somewhere else. Maybe something we can both apply for."

"That'd be nice..."

Lexine's eyes wander away from the screen and stare off at nothing, undoubtedly imagining a future spent in a less dreary environment. One where she'll be surrounded by familiar faces, (barring her father). One where there exists some type of normalcy.

"Anyways," Lexine shakes her head, snapping back to reality. "Are you and the others excited?"

"To see you?" Sam grins. "I can't speak for the others, but as for myself..."

"Oh come on, Sam," Lexine rolls her eyes. "You can't tell me there isn't a single part of you that's thrilled to extract a marker!"

"Last I checked, there isn't a single part of me that believes in that bull."

"It's a MARKER, Sam. You don't have to be a unitologist to understand the magnitude of what we're dealing with. I mean... we're making history!"

"Trust me, almost everyone on board is a rock-carrier", Sam replies, shifting his legs out of bed. "Almost every second of every day I'm reminded of how much of a 'holy reawakening' this mission is."

Lexine sighs, realizing she's fighting a losing battle. This is a conversation they both have had time and time again, and she has no interest in repeating it further. Instead, after a brief period of silence, she gives her boyfriend a reminder.

"Make sure you come and see me while they load it. I'll be waiting at the spaceport."

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Sam says. "Remember to stay safe. I dunno what exactly is going on down there, but it's definitely nothing good."

"You're telling me? My Dad threw around a couple of theories. Insufficient pay, the effects of deep space, hazardous conditions- all that just to name a few. Things are... getting worse. Seeing you would be real nice, no matter how brief."

Sam stands up, ready more than ever to finally touch down on Aegis Seven. Before both he and Lexine get on with their shifts, the smiling engineer looks her in the eyes.

"Once this is over, we will be together for however long we want."

...