Ari stood on the bridge staring at the view screen. The screen had been turned on to show the view out the now of the ship. Sitting in the Starbase, she took a breath and slid her hands into her pockets.

Except a single NE sitting at the rear science console monitoring the ship vitals, no one else was present. As a comm beep caused her to turn and tap her Captain’s chair console, she smiled. [O] This is your Captain. It’s official. The Bonnie is clear for shore leave on Starbase 243. Departments are to maintain skeletal crew during refit and replenishment. Captain out.[C]

They had been docked for several hours awaiting the clearance from the Vulcan constabulary here. There were long lists of rules they were given, thankfully most of them were basic shore leave rules. And there had been the promise that they’d be ready to depart in fort eight hours. Ari had been given a very strong impression that that meant they should actually be ready to depart at that time. This was no week long liesurely leave time. But it was good for the crew. They all deserved it.

Sitting in her seat she glanced down at the report she’d sent a couple days prior. The recent events has made her question their right to go poking around the universe. Sure, she was a scientist and wanted to see it all… Do it all… And understand it all. But at what point are they supposed to just back off and go the other way?

Oh well… Till someone gave her specific outlines for contacting other species and timelines, she’d just keep using her gut. And hope it was enough.

Her chef came out just then offered the Ensign something to eat and drink before setting the more familiar tray on the seat next to Ari. “I’ll be seeing to the ship’s stores and replenishments, ma’am. Make sure you get some rest.” The man had become nearly indispensable in the last couple years. If it wasn’t for him, she’d probably have wasted away from forgetting to eat.

“Thank you, Christian. Make sure you do as well.” Ari smiled and picked up half of the sandwich beside her, taking a bit as he nodded and walked away.

So here we are… She mentally sighed as she tapped her armrest to scan several cameras showing crew disembarking. Question is .. What’s next?

Realizing she was asking for Fate to be cruel, she smiled and went back to her sandwich.

Ari
Captain

((Ok, go have fun folks… But behave!!! Hehehe))