The USS Starquest (NX-71804, then NCC-71804) was a Galaxy-class large exploration cruiser on active duty in Starfleet during at least the last quarter of the 24th century, under the command of Captain Jeffrey Handshaw, Commander James Byers served proudly as his XO until he transferred to a Klingon vessel, at which point Comander Bill Litz, a Vulcan named Sylock,assumed the duties of XO. (Starfleet International: Vessel Registry, 0801.07 revision) Shuttle Hawking was launched shortly after the commissioning of the USS StarQuest, whose crew were later granted their own starship commission.