The first adventure in the campaign I run was set on board the Agamemnon. I used the B story from The Shadow Within and just inserted my players into the story as Earthforce troubleshooters. Also the group is working for General Hague, Sarah is their contact. This allows them to be involved in the conspiracy and Civil War plots, and gives them an in with Sheriden for later. After all, in addition to working with Hague, they helped save his ship in the first adventure.
In addition, on a recent job on Praxis the players rescued Dureena Nafeel from a slaver. She mentioned to Captain Gideon that she had been a slave there when they were breaking into the colony, but she did not mention how she escaped. So I decided the players were the reason she got out. They weren't there to rescue her, rather they were rescuing one of the party the slaver had kidnapped. But she wound up getting released with the rest of the slaves, and since she helped a little the players are beginning the education in self defense and other general taking care of herself skills that will serve her well when she heads out on her own. It also means that if the campaign lasts into the Crusade era, the players will have an in onto the Excalibur.
Also, if you look closely at Keffer in the beam he is starting to steam and melt. But of course you can always change that for your campaign if you wish.