A holographic display flickered to life. Breathtaking in false color, various connections and borders between systems were drawn and overlayed on top of the galaxy.

"According to our best historical sources, long ago the galaxy was united by the Grand Celestial Gates, a system that ran down every main and secondary arm of the galaxy, joined at its center." Doctor Orlova began, the freckle of her hazel eyes a reflection of the holographic display. The paths of the Grand Celestial Gates were drawn, forming an ominous multi-armed swirl emanating from the center bar of the galaxy.

The eyes of the young Oryctolagus sparkled with recognition of the form displayed in front of her.

"Then, cataclysm befell the galaxy," Orlova continued, her voice slow and somber. "The causes were unclear. Some blamed incessant wars, others mistreatment and abuse of the environment, including the very Gates themselves. What was clear however, was that those Grand Celestial Gates faded, one by one. Entrances broke, energy dissipated, and the once great network that connected the entire galaxy, was reduced to a loose net of trade hubs." She explained, with the holographic display of the galaxy growing dark. As it did, the young Oryctolagus' eyes became moist with emotion.

"There were growing sects, dare I say cults, that supported this dark, disconnected state of our civilization," the Doctor continued, her expression grim. "They drove division between those who could afford the remaining operational gates, who owned the resources, and a growing number of planets disconnected from the rest."

Orlova paused, "Are you following so far? Um," she began to ask then chuckled in epiphany, "I don't think you've given us your name yet." She playfully teased, trying to alleviate the bleak atmosphere. The rest of the crew in the cargo bay chuckled politely, desperately trying to ignore the painful memories she had invoked.

"Ah, my sincerest apologies. It has been quite some time since I have spoken with others. My name is Nova," she introduced herself with a small smile. Her voice had a musicality that made everyone in the cargo bay feel at ease. "I was one of the many scholars fascinated by the Grand Celestial Gates."

This admission puzzled those in the cargo bay who realized the implication. Their confusion was noticed by Nova, "The Grand Celestial Gates had always been. Little was known of their origin, even in my time." she reminisced. "Curiosity consumed me, and I dedicated my life to studying them."

Nova's eyes met the Galactic Map hovering before her, a faint sadness lingering in the back of her gaze.

"There was a time when one could traverse the entire galaxy, just by using these phenomenal gates." she shared nostalgically. "Their purpose was multifaceted: trade routes, migration, military campaigns, and more."

Doctor Orlova stared, partially in disbelief and partially from amazement of this creature before her. "Well, anyway, where was I…" Orlova said, regaining her train of thought, "Yes, it wasn't long before use of any ship with a Celestial Drive or any local Gate was met with hostility by zealous protectors, and paranoid populaces. The Cataclysm drove people to suspect each other, trade to plummet, and political tensions to mount."

The Doctor continued, "The interstellar community was fragmented even further as every species isolated themselves on their home systems and sectors, refusing entry, contact and indeed even trade with those beyond their borders."

Orlova sighed, "There was little communication, little diplomacy, little understanding or empathy. Until people started to starve, until they grew cold, until their cities started crumbling beneath them." She paused, taking a deep breath, as if bracing herself for the next line, "Then, there was a new hope. Celestial Gates, smaller and shorter than the Grand Gates, but still large enough to connect one arm to another were discovered. This new hope drove exploration, the re-establishment of long-lost trade routes, and most importantly, diplomacy. A new age was dawning, one that held the promise of a reunited Galaxy, with species working together to rebuild worlds ravaged by their own hands."

"There was just one problem," Captain Nigel Carter interjected gravely, “The use of those Celestial Gates should have been, and by many were, considered illegal. Therefore, like any intelligent, spacefaring civilization, instead of rewriting the laws, we cheated. Anyone who used them, or the Celestial Engines were considered cursed and exiled, to be cut off from the galactic communities forever. By keeping our treacherous actions hidden, we kept our small, collective hope alive." Captain Carter said, mimicking Doctor Orlova's sweeping gestures within the hologram, emphasizing the collective tragedy sweeping through layers within the galaxy.

"Any freight 'found' moving slower than Light Speed was picked up and 'cleansed,' just in case, of course. Any barter and currency involved just happened to end up in the appropriate accounts." he said with a sarcastic tone. "However, anyone caught using the Gates or the Engines, in the flesh, was hunted down and destroyed. "We were no longer considered beings of the galaxy, but criminals and fugitives." Captain Carter explained, a scowl forming as he was reminded of the hypocrisy of it all.

Nova, her eyes downcast, offered her thoughts with a trembling whisper, "I know of none of this. My last memories were of a united galaxy." Nova's eyes misted over as she recalled her past. "That's why I dedicated myself to the study of the Grand Celestial Gates. I never intended for my work to put me in stasis for so long, but it seems that destiny had other plans for me."

"'For so long?'" Doctor Orlova exclaimed with an unintentional scoff, "That was 300,000 Standard Years ago!" Her eyes blinked rapidly as she realized her insensitivity, "Umm, my apologies, Nova. I didn't mean it like that."

Nova's expression softened and her ears twitched in a gesture that may have signified understanding or forgiveness, "Please, no need to apologize. You have told me the truth of my time and the world I return to. I'm truly grateful."

Captain Carter stared at the holographic display of the galaxy, momentarily lost in thought. After a brief silence, he raised his head and faced Nova with newfound energy.

"It might be more sinister than that, however." Bella added, her laser focus persisted despite a growing aura of uncertainty hanging in the cargo bay air.

"How so?" The Doctor asked, intrigued by the First Mate's intuition.

"Someone had Nova's stasis pod loaded into that container. There's no way Nova could have done so. Whoever it was, they loaded Nova into a container, with full knowledge that we would take her into a Celestial Gate," Bella looked around at the crew to ensure everyone was following her train of thought, "So effectively, they have forced Nova into being a transgressor, one of... one of us."

Her last words hung heavily in the air, reminding everyone present that they were all criminals by proxy.

Captain Carter nodded in agreement, "That's why I had us stop short of the Gate. Nova may have already travelled faster than Light, but that's a petty crime compared to traversing a Celestial Gate. My thinking was to ask whoever was in the pod their opinion on the matter, with the appropriate knowledge, of course. Alas, here we are."

Nigel sighed, unable to contain his frustration. "We are fugitives using forbidden technology, with Celestial Gates that are as much a secret as the emperor’s plans for conquest. So, how's that for a pitch, Nova, interested?" He inquired, his tone mixed with equal parts apology and bravado.

Nova couldn't help but return Captain Carter's gaze with an intensity that made him momentarily feel exposed, an echo of the experiences he had ventured through.

"Well... yes." Nova finally replied. Her eyes shimmered with curiosity, but a trace of unease remained visibly apparent. "I very much am, interested, Nigel." Nova's voice quivered slightly, but her stance remained poised, and her demeanor remained dignified. The other crew members differed in expression, although all eyebrows seemed to rise in question or intrigue.

Captain Carter let out a small chuckle first, and then replied confidently, "It is alright, Nova. You are among friends here, and if the worst does happen, we’ll face it together."

Nova nodded slowly with a soft smile in acknowledgment. She then returned her attention to the holographic representation of the galaxy, as Doctor Orlova started elaborating on the changes in the galaxy since her time, focusing on key political hotspots, trade routes, and the growing religious cults.

"Um, I would like some clothes please," Nova spoke up politely, blinking and breaking the spell of Orlova's discourse.

The crew suddenly realized for the first time Nova's lack of clothing - apart from a thin covering, which had the same color as her stasis pod, that hugged her form. Everyone except Tatyana averted their gaze or looked awkwardly away the moment they contacted Nova's body.

Tatyana simply raised her brow in surprise and gave a knowing smile.

"Oh, of course! Please excuse us for our poor manners, Nova," Orlova said in an embarrassed tone. "Maybe something from the Medical Bay, Captain?" she added, a slight blush covering her long ears.

Captain Carter nodded, "Noted Doc, but I'm thinking something more befitting a Bosun. Tatyana, please take our new friend Nova to one of the empty crew quarters and find a Combat EVA-Suit that'll fit... someone like her."

Bosun Tatyana Carter stood tall, "Yes, Captain." She snapped, then turned her attention to Nova. "This way, please." she gestured politely and guided Nova out of the cargo bay with a confident stride.

Once the two had left the room, Doctor Orlova couldn't help but smirk at the captain, "Nigel, what have you gotten us into this time?"

Captain Carter simply shrugged and smiled mischievously in response, "Sometimes Orlova, when providence sends curses, you compose haikus."