Ben had managed to grab a bite to eat and get about 6 hours of sleep. He was now sipping on a cup of coffee and checking the computer monitor. “Looks like things are well in hand and we’re going to shadow the entity for a while .” he mused to himself. He had laid out a fresh uniform on his bed and had done just a light workout with mostly calisthenics and resistance exercises in his quarters, now fresh out of the shower, he prepared to start a new duty shift. He checked himself in the mirror and noted the bruise on his thigh was now just a faint yellowish spot. He pressed on the spot and noted no pain whatsoever. Another day and he could start heavy sparring sessions again.

He donned the clean uniform and slipped on his boots, his hair was short enough that all he really had to do was run his hand over it and it was good to go. Grabbing his coffee he sat down at the desk/table and slipped into a thoughtful frame of mind. He needed to evaluate several things in his life and make some decisions. First on the list was dealing with his family’s recent death. Second was Lydia Ayeka. What were his true feelings towards her and why? Thirdly was what were his priorities as a new Star Fleet officer?

He felt that he had come to grips with the fact that his family was gone, and all though he would always remember and miss them, it was time to move on. Lydia was a whole different matter. He knew he liked her, and would be forever greatful for her helping him to grieve over his families death, but was that why he had feelings for her, or was there something more. For now he decided he would just take it slow and be a friend if she would let him. Star Fleet was his chosen career and barring anything unforseen, he hoped a long one, this was his first priority and he would devote his time and energy toward that goal. Other things would develop or not. He slid the cup into the recycling slot on the replicator, gave his uniform a tug to straighten any imaginary wrinkles, and headed to the Security Office.

Ben, SO - Getting down to it