Star-Providence

Part 1: What's Out There

As the Neptune, Alson's sleek and advanced ship, pierced through the cosmic expanse, James Thorne marveled at the breathtaking view of Earth. He guided the vessel smoothly through the atmosphere, descending towards Newport, the amalgamation of New York, Boston, and Richmond, now the largest city on Earth.

The ship touched down gracefully in the heart of Newport, and James, stepping onto the foreign soil, felt the pulse of humanity beneath his feet. Passing through security with a confident nod, he navigated the bustling city until he reached the towering headquarters of the Neptune Project.

Inside the modern and bustling building, he was ushered through corridors adorned with holographic displays showcasing the wonders of the universe. Finally, he found himself in the presence of Megan Sheep, the CEO of the Neptune Project, a visionary with a reputation that matched her ambition.

Megan, a woman with sharp intellect and a no-nonsense attitude, eyed James appraisingly. "Thorne, I've heard about your little adventure on Repturn. Impressive. We need people like you," she said, offering a firm handshake.

On the spot, Megan hired James, recognizing in him a potential asset to the Neptune Project. "Welcome aboard, Captain Thorne," she declared, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Now, we've got quite the team for you to work with."

First on the list was Atlas, a lizardfolk Ramas hailing from the swampy planet of Xrar. Atlas, a creature of formidable strength and cunning intellect, oversaw the logistical aspects of the Neptune Project. His lair, filled with holographic maps and schematics, resembled the wild landscapes of his home planet.

Next in line was Oscar Grant, the CEO of Grant Industries, specializing in crafting cutting-edge ships and outpost furnishings. Oscar's office, adorned with scale models of his finest creations, stood as a testament to his commitment to innovation.

Last but certainly not least was Hollie Bennett, an intrepid explorer fueled by an insatiable curiosity about the unknown. Hollie's office resembled a treasure trove of artifacts from various corners of the galaxy, and her passion for exploration was palpable. She had an affinity for Constellation, a revered group of explorers from the Starfield, whose exploits inspired her relentless quest for discovery.

Megan handed James a sleek device, a holographic pad that would serve as his key to the Neptune Project's inner workings. "You'll report directly to these three. Get to know them, Captain Thorne. The universe is vast, and we're here to uncover its secrets." With those words, James Thorne, once a mere security guard on Repturn, now stood at the threshold of a cosmic adventure that would redefine the very fabric of his existence.