Sharah hadn’t actually spoken to her brother since she had been released from sickbay. She wrote him every night, but she was afraid to talk to him. Andrew loved her unconditionally, she knew that, but she was apprehensive about talking to him. But it was his birthday and no matter her own problems, she was going to talk to him on his birthday. “Cadet Fatyh, Sharah requesting contact with Lt. Cmdr Fayth, Andrew, Outpost 59”
The Star Fleet symbol stayed on the screen for a couple moments when her brother’s face finally appeared. “Sharah! Is everything okay?” Andrew looked concerned.
Sharah smiled, “Everything’s fine, I just wanted to call and wish you a Happy Birthday.”
Andrew’s face lit up, “Thank you! So, little sister, how are you doing? I figured I would hear from you soon. You’ve been avoiding talking to me, but you never miss my birthday. I wasn’t mad at you, just very scared. Why didn’t you tell someone? You had no hints? Nothing?” The idea shook Andrew’s nerves. His sister was always so perceptive, and aware, when it came to her own mind and her own reactions.
Sharah shook her head, “No, well I did apparently. I found a note on my PaDD requesting Lt. Mika to see me because I wasn’t feeling well, but I never sent it. I don’t even remember writing it. There’s a few things I don’t remember, memories that are fuzzy, but I’m better now.”
Andrew always admired Sharah’s view on life. No matter how hard it got for her she found a way to even the balance, at least in her own mind. “What about now? How is everything going?”
“I’ve been taking extra shifts to catch up. I know I don’t have to; I’ll be given an extended tour, but I want to finish on time.” Before Andrew could interrupt, she kept talking, “I know I was sick, and if I need time then I should take it. Andrew, no one, NO ONE, not even you thought I could do this. If I finish at all I prove I can, I know that, but …”
Andrew held his hands up, “Hey, I get it. You don’t want special treatment, no matter what. What about your weapons proficiency for your away team certification? What are you going to do?”
“I’m not,” Sharah shrugged. Andrew raised a single brow and she explained, “I don’t think, after showing up crazy as a fruit bat demanding a phaser is going get me any leeway for extra training. And even if it was approved…. well I’ve apparently made the whole security team nervous, so” Sharah just shrugged.
“What about that…friend…of yours in security?” Andrew asked.
Sharah shook her head, “No, I won’t do that. It’s …. It would be unprofessional. I’m not using my friendship to ask for special treatment either.”
Andrew shook his head, “You are morose today. I’m going to leave this alone, but first I’m going to remind you, phasers aren’t the only weapon you can show proficiency in. So how IS that friend of yours?”
“Andrew, stay out of my personal life, okay. And I won’t ask you about yours.” Sharah squirmed a little in her chair.
Andrew laughed, “Alright, fair enough.” They talked for awhile longer and then signed off. Sharah checked the time, it was early for a meal, but it would give her time to read.
Sharah headed to the mess hall. She got a glass of water and choose a table in the far corner next to the wall. She sat down and began to read over the research on her PaDD.
Cadet Fayth, Doctor