Ryder stood precariously infront of Caselas quarters door on deck three which was only a short walk from his own quarters situated on the deck above. In his hand was a small wrapped and hand carved wodden box and inside that something he hoped to finally show Casela his motives. He had finally decided with the advice from Sharah to try what she was calling ‘Connecting with your soul mate’ according to his young Betazoid friend Casela and he were clearly meant to be, opposites attracted and just about every cliche love story she could think off. He finally relented and searched Noas memories for something that she would like for her birthday which he had found out when reading the ships personel files.

He had found several memories but there was one which really stuck out, Noa and she were on an away team when Casela had lost a necklace, he had searched for days the memories of his former host, which was not fun act. Finally he had enough memories to design the necklace from scratch, luckily Kala was quiet the artist so he carved several tiger eye stones with Norse rune symbols, mostly ones that reflected her fiery attitude, fighting ability. Beauty and finally the larger stone with Freyas symbol which was on the original.

He had finally placed it in the box and had etched “Freedom isn’t found in a place” in ancient norse on top and painted it with gold. To him it mean freedom was found in a person not a singular point in time, object or place.

Taking in a deep breath he raised his free hand and pressed the door chime. He stopped back, catching his reflection his spots showing, his face was filled with nervous energy and he in the larger frame was dressed in a casual buttoned down shirt and jeans.

• Commander Ryder, XO