The gravity shifted as the ship in dock four began to take off.
“Seraph Station, this is captain Vyroe of the Neptune ship Condor, requesting departure.”
“This is Seraph Station. Captain Vyroe, the gate will open momentarily. Have a safe flight.”
A wall of energy flickered in front of the ship. Several beams of light emanated from corners of the docking room, concentrating on a single point. A rainbow of colors swirled around the point, growing until it took up the entire wall. The beams of light appeared to become increasingly absorbed by the colors, until a black center appeared. The wall of energy disengaged, the room turned red.
Captain Vyroe threw a switch, pressed a few buttons, and gripped onto steering and throttle. The ship’s engines were already warmed up, and the ship slowly passed into the black center. The blackness surrounded the ship as it passed through, and then the dots of stars appeared. The rainbow of colors receded behind the ship, and dissipated.
Obrad was in flight control. It’s not his duty to admit and depart ships, but he was already there and was more than qualified. Other than himself, flight control was deserted. Besides, he thought, it was good to remain practised.