The massive space station Starfinder drifted silently above a sea of violet nebula clouds, its countless windows glittering against the darkness like a constellation all its own. Deep within the station’s central atrium, crews hurried between docking bays, research wings, and navigation centers, carrying out the endless work of exploring the frontier.

Standing near the arrivals terminal was Rex, the station’s chief stellar cartographer. The broad-built tiger adjusted the straps of his utility vest and smoothed a crease from a folded star chart tucked beneath one arm. His striped tail swayed lazily behind him as he waited, a welcoming smile already forming.

A transport shuttle had just docked, and its passengers began filtering into the atrium. Rex scanned the crowd before spotting the newest addition to the crew.