The group walked toward the space shuttle with Matt leading the way, practically vibrating with excitement, while Yanxia brought up the rear with a amused, lighthearted smile. Everyone had broad grins plastered across their faces, but Matt's was easily the widest, stretching practically ear-to-ear as he stared up at his new ship.
The circular boarding lift had already lowered smoothly from the ship's underbelly. The entire group—including Yanxia—stepped onto the wide platform. With a soft, barely audible hum, the lift began its smooth vertical ascent into the hull.
A few seconds later, the lower interior frame came into view. As the lift sealed seamlessly into the floor deck, they stepped off into a spacious, immaculate entry vestibule. The architecture bore the unmistakable signature of the Lunar Base's foundries—matte-black alloy paneling, warm ambient floor lighting, and a pressurized inner hull structure.
