The Century Storm had weighed heavily on many of the crew as it had come to an end, Ritru was especially troubled as she began remembering the evacuation of her home planet and the hit of the supernova. She had been sitting alone in her quarters as T’Prel was on the bridge, she sat on the couch that was located near the window staring out into the vast emptiness of space while they traveled.

The evacuation of Aarius VII from the devastating ion storms that had been hitting all over the Paulson Nebula had taken a toll on her mental well-being, with memories flooding back that she soon wished to forget. She sat there in silence, alone with her thoughts running wild inside her mind.

Sitting in her shared quarters wasn’t doing her any good only making things worse, though she would have preferred to just stay to herself alone. She needed to get out and get away from the dark thoughts that kept circling her mind. Standing up from the couch that she had been sitting on headed out of her quarters and down the corridor towards the turbolift, that would take her to the arboretum. She enjoyed going there as it was a calming place to just relax and unwind while enjoying the sounds of the waterfall.

After a few minutes, she arrived on the deck where the arboretum was located. Ritru began to walk down the corridor towards her destination as people were walking up and down the corridor as they headed towards their destination. They nodded to her as they passed though she wasn’t in a state of mind to acknowledge them. Reaching the doors of the arboretum, standing there for a few moments she took a deep breath before she entered.

People were walking around enjoying the beauty of the place, Ritru began to slowly make her way down the winding path until she reached a spot with a bench that was located near the waterfall that no one seemed to be at and sat down. Closing her eyes she listened to the soft sounds of the water hitting the pond below, as well as the sounds of birds chirping.

Ritru was so relaxed she didn’t hear T’Prel walk up to her, “there you are.” T’Prel said as she had been looking for her for the last few minutes.

Opening her eyes she looked up at her partner, “I just have a lot going on in my mind and needed a way to clear my head.” Ritru responded as she closed her eyes again while T’Prel took a seat next to her.

T’Prel placed her hand on hers and just sat there quietly with her for a while, she wasn’t going to push the issue of what was bothering her right now. She had learned a long time ago not to push her when she was bothered, upset, or angry, she knew that she would open up when she was good and ready to.

After a few moments had gone by Ritru opened her eyes and looked at T’Prel just sitting there with her. “Thanks,” she responded as she squeezed her hand. “Just have had a lot on my mind, this last mission just made me remember what happened to my home many years ago.” She finally replied with what was bothering her, she was the only survivor of her entire family.

“I understand, it has had an impact on all of us as well,” T’Prel replied looking at her.

“I have been having nightmares, sleep has been rough the last few nights,” Ritru admitted even though T’Prel knew that she was.

“This might not be a popular suggestion, but it might help.” T’Prel began to speak in hopes of not making her mad as she knew how stubborn she could be about certain things. “It would be a good idea to talk to the counselor, it will help to get this off your chest,” T’Prel responded as she continued to hold her hand for reassurance.

Ritru didn’t like the idea of talking with a counselor, she always disliked talking about her problems with anyone let alone a counselor. She knew that T’Prel was right though, sighing she looked at her. “Maybe your right,” she finally replied after a few moments of silence as she contemplated her suggestion.

“I will go with you if you wish for me to come with you,” T’Prel said as she had been there for her through her good times as well as the tough times.

“I appreciate that, though I think I’ll just go by myself for this one,” Ritru replied with a soft smile as they both just sat back on the bench looking at the view in front of them for a while longer while they enjoyed each other company.

Ritru stood up after a few minutes passed by, looking at T’Prel who stood up shortly after. “I am going to go talk to the counselor now, what do you say to dinner tonight?” Ritru asked as they knew they would be arriving at Trill later on today.

“That would be agreeable,” T’Prel replied as Ritru smiled kissing her before they parted ways. T’Prel sat back down for a few more minutes before she had to head back to the bridge.

James was sitting in his office going over the many reports that were piled up on his desk, seemed like more people were coming in to talk with those in counseling over what had transpired over the past week. Which was understandable due to their last mission being as sensitive as it was. He was deep into his work when he heard the doors open, looking up to see who it was.

Ritru walked in and began to look around, she was about to say something when James walked out of his office with a smile on his face. “How can I help you?” He asked as he motioned for her to have a seat in one of the chairs.

Ritru looked at him for a moment before responding trying to tell herself that she needed to get this off her chest when all she wanted was to walk out those doors. “I need to talk,” she replied as she finally took the seat that was offered.

“Of course,” James said as he took the seat across from her. “What seems to be on your mind?” He asked as he sat there looking at her, “oh where are my manners would you care for something to drink?” He asked standing back up, heading towards the replicator.

“Sure I’ll take a Raktajino,” Ritru responded.

After getting the two glasses from the replicator he returned and handed her a drink before taking a seat yet again. Ritru took a sip of the drink before looking back at James, “Well it all began during our last mission in the Paulson Nebula.” Ritru began as she would explain everything that has been going on since.

They would continue to talk for well over an hour as she began to feel a bit better after getting things off her chest. “I believe things will begin to go back to normal though would like to have a couple more sessions.” James had suggested looking at her for a moment.

She nodded in agreement, “that will be agreeable.” Ritru responded then realized she started to sound like T’Prel and couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.

“We will be arriving at Trill, I would recommend that you take some time off the ship to unwind.” James said before he continued, “I will see you next week for your next session.” James had finished before standing up from his chair.

“I will thank you,” Ritru replied before she walked out of the counselor’s office and headed to her quarters to take a shower. She was due to be on the bridge within the hour, so she wanted to freshen up a bit before her shift started.

The Hillside Bar & Grill had just opened its doors after Anai decided to close the previous day for extensive cleaning and restocking after the refugees had left the ship for their temporary home. People started to come in hoping to unwind after a stressful few days.

After taking their seats and ordering their food Sashaa looked at the others, “I am so glad this mission is over.” She said not that she didn’t have a heart or that she didn’t care about what had happened, she was just happy things were starting to return to somewhat normal.

“You’re telling me,” Brian replied as he leaned a bit back in his chair. “There were way too many fights going on between them like it was the end of the world, our brig was starting to get full.” He replied looking at the others before taking a drink.

Jaliyo looked at them, “really Brian how dare you to say such a thing. To them, it was the end of the world and they are all just scared, can you blame them?” The Counselor replied in anger as she could sense their fear and uncertainty at the whole situation.

“Well there could have been a different way to handle that,” Brian responded with a shrug looking up at the ceiling for a moment before shifting in the chair to look back at the others who just looked at him as they shook their head.

“I am sure in a perfect world,” Jaliyo replied in annoyance. “They just had to leave their home, with no warning or time to gather their things, uncertain if they would ever get to return to the home they have ever known” she replied. “What would you do if you were in their shoes?” She asked as their food arrived.

Sashaa looked at the two of them and responded before Brian could even reply, “I probably would have been scared and probably wouldn’t have been in the right state of mind to act right.” She responded truthfully as she knew what it was like to suddenly leave the only home she had, though it was only her and her family who had to quickly leave not a whole planet.

“There was still no need for violence,” Brian said still stuck in his beliefs as the others just rolled their eyes at him.

“You know what Brian?” she asked looking at him in almost disgust, “you’re impossible.” Jaliyo snorted in response as the others nodded in agreement.

“All well deal with it,” Brian replied with a shrug as he began to eat his meal.

They rolled their eyes as they began to eat their food in silence so they wouldn’t cause a scene in the restaurant, just then Nehi entered the establishment walking by their table before she found a seat near the corner window by herself. “Is that the new Assistant Chief Operations Officer?” Sashaa asked as she saw a fairly young Barzan officer walk by them.

“Yep, she just arrived before our last mission when we made a pitstop at Starbase Bravo,” Brian replied with food still in his mouth.

“Did your mother ever teach you manners?” Jaliyo asked as she sighed with his uncaring nature. Brian didn’t respond to that question and just continued to eat, “I am going to go ask her to join us so I suggest you behave yourself, Brian at least for once in your life.” Jaliyo replied as she got up and walked over to where Nehi was sitting.

“Ya ya,” he replied as she walked off, Sashaa just looked at him with a sigh and a slight shake of her head.

Jaliyo walked up to Nehi, “I hope I am not interrupting anything?” She asked with a soft smile as Nehi looked up to see the counselor standing there.

“No,” she responded looking at her.

“I am Lieutenant Jaliyo Raid, we would like you to join us if you want to.” She said as she gestured over to where she and her group was sitting. Jaliyo could sense the hesitation, unsure if she should join them or not.

After some awkward silence as she thought about the woman’s gesture, “I guess that would be alright,” Nehi replied as she stood up. “I am Lieutenant Commander Nehi, the new Assistant Chief Operations Officer,” she then added as they both walked over to the table, Jaliyo gestured to the open seat next to her and Sashaa and they both sat down.

“Everyone, this is Nehi,” she began introducing her to the others. “This here is Sashaa our Assistant Chief Strategic Operations Officer and Brian Holman our lovely Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer,” Jaliyo introduced as they both smiled and nodded.

“Welcome,” Sashaa said with a bright smile for an Orion.

“Yes welcome,” Brian said again with his mouth full which caused Sashaa to kick him from under the table. “What?” Brian said looking at Sashaa who just gave him the look as if to tell him to be polite. “Sorry, excuse my manners,” Brian said apologetically though both the women knew he was being sarcastic.

“Thanks,” Nehi replied looking at them as the waitress came back over to take her order. Nehi was a reserved and quiet person, though she did want to open up more and make some friends while here on the ship.

“So how are you settling in?” Sashaa asked looking at her as she took a bite of her food.

“So far so good, though the last mission made things a bit difficult all things considering,” she replied as the waitress came back a short time later with her food.

“That’s good,” Jaliyo replied with a smile. “I know new places especially at the start of a crisis can be daunting sometimes,” she added with a soft reassuring smile trying to make her feel comfortable.

“I know there aren’t many Barzan’s in Starfleet at least to my knowledge, I have only personally met one other one during my time.” Sasha began before taking a drink, “what made you decide to enter Starfleet?” She finished her question, she wasn’t trying to pry or be nosey just wanted to generally get to know her.

“I always wanted to travel beyond Barzan II, so when I was old enough I decided to join Starfleet Academy against my parent’s wishes.” She replied with a sigh, “we are not on the best of terms even now.” Nehi admitted as she hasn’t visited home since, not that she didn’t want to but her parents disowned her once she left.

“I am sorry to hear that,” Jaliyo replied with a soft look of sadness in her eyes.

“Don’t be, I don’t regret my decision,” Nehi replied with a smile as they would continue to talk amongst each other for another couple of hours drinking and enjoying each other’s company until they all decided to call it a night. They got up from their table and began to head out of the restaurant towards their quarters.

The Saratoga was due to arrive at Trill in under an hour, the crew was busy preparing for a much-needed vacation from the most recent events of the Century Storm. To Azras, Trill was a very beautiful place to be and visit, she always did enjoy returning home though it wasn’t as often as she had liked. 

Azras was sitting in her study while her husband and children were finishing getting ready, she had a few things to finish before the ship would arrive at their destination. Sitting in her chair that was facing the window with the back of the chair towards the door, coffee was cupped between her hands as she took a sip before lowering it back down to her lap.

Captain’s log, stardate; 77138.89.

Where do I even begin with this log? There is so much on my mind that I am just not sure where to even begin. I know for sure that the Century Storm took everyone by surprise, that is an understatement. We only had a matter of hours to evacuate an entire planet with the Saratoga taking the majority of them aboard. 

To say things went smoothly and without a hitch would be an outright lie, these kinds of things don’t always go as you hoped they would. Far from it, things were hectic in many facets of the evacuation.

The burdens placed on this ship and this crew have been very high, some are handling things well while others were not by remembering their dark past. The biggest burden was placed on me alone, being responsible for thousands of lives was placed solely in my hands. 

With a sigh rubbing her temples “computer pause,” Azras replied taking a deep breath before standing up from her chair to stretch and catch her thoughts. She looked at the cup of coffee in her hands that was only half drank that was now cold. Letting out another sigh she walked over to the replicator and replicated another one before going back over to her desk.

She stood there at the window for a bit looking out as the starts slipped by as they continued at warp. After a while, she decided to sit back down in her chair turning in the other direction that was facing the door. She took a drink before just staring at the contents of the cup for a few more seconds. “Computer resume log,” she replied as the computer beeped.

After all the years that I have been in Starfleet, I have been faced with many different situations from good to bad. Though none of that experience prepared me for what would transpire back in that Nebula.

To think if it wasn’t for Commander Atur things would have been way different, and I am grateful that she was able to convince them of the true nature of the storms. Which had saved countless lives, though there have been some injuries in the chaotic mess at least everyone is alive.

Just as she was about to speak her commbadge went off, “Bridge to Captain Dex.” T’Prel said over the comm channel, sighing she didn’t have much else to add to her log at this moment. 

“Computer end log,” she replied as the computer beeped.

Tapping her badge shortly after as she sat there at her desk “go ahead, Commander.” Azras replied.

“We have arrived at Trill and are in standard orbit,” T’Prel replied.

“Very well,” she said before taking a short pause before continuing. “Let the crew know they are free to beam down and enjoy themselves,” Azras replied.

“Understood,” T’Prel said before ending the comm channel.

Azras stood up from her chair turning around to look out the window to see the planet below them, she couldn’t help but smile at such beauty even from space. She took a moment to collect her thoughts and her composure before she walked out of her study only to find Arzin and her children finished packing what they would be bringing with them.

Looking up from the book that he was reading, “you alright dear?” Arzin asked as he looked at her with a soft gentle smile.

“Yes, I am now that we have arrived home, so what do you say we go start our vacation?” Azras said with a smile.

“Sound great to me,” Arzin replied as they got up from the couch, grabbing their belongings they all headed out of their quarters. They headed down the corridor towards the turbolift that would take them to the transporter room. The corridors were busy with people who were planning on going planet-bound while others decided to just stay on board.

****

Trill was beautiful this time of year as it was early spring, with birds singing in the trees and the flowers blooming of all different varieties. As they beamed down at the pond that was located near the caves of Mak’ala, there was a slight breeze that filled the air. Taking a deep breath of air, closing her eyes for a brief moment with a smile on her face.

“Home sweet home,” Azras said as she opened her eyes to gaze more at the beauty of their home.

“It has been far too long,” Arzin said looking around as nothing had changed since they were last here many moons ago.

“This is so beautiful,” Linha replied looking around as she was just a child the last time she was here. Looking at the time, “oh I better get to the Symbiont Commission.” Linha replied, “I’ll meet up with you after I have finished there,” she replied giving both her parents a hug.

“Good luck my dear,” Azras replied with a smile as she watched her walk off down the path.

“She is growing into such a fine young lady,” Arzin commented as Yadri began to walk away from his parents and make his way around the pond admiring such beauty.

“That she is,” Azras replied proud of all that she has accomplished as they began to walk slowly behind Yadri. Other people were walking up and down the path both fellow Trill and guests alike, nodding to them as they passed by. 

“I haven’t realized how much I have missed home until now,” she admitted while holding his hand.

“I can agree to that,” Arzin agreed.

After a while of walking, they came upon a bench and sat down while Yadri just continue to walk, enjoying the fresh air and scenery. Azras closed her eyes as she began to feel a calmness wash over her, she hadn’t felt this calm in a very long time.

Arzin could tell that his wife had been stressed for a while and seeing her this calm made him smile. “I am glad we are here, it’s nice to see you relaxed again,” Arzin replied as Azras opened her eyes to look at him.

“After the events of the Century Storm, I felt that I needed to come home as I have been taking it for granted for so many years.” Azras honestly replied looking at him for a moment before laying her head on his shoulder and looking out onto the pond.

“I have to agree,” he replied as they continue to sit on the bench enjoying each other’s company before they would make their way to their home.

Romulus was once the heart of the Romulan Empire but now was in complete chaos after learning of the impending supernova of the Romulan sun. Panic had set as they began to evacuate, you could hear children crying, and adults pushing and shoving as they tried to be the first to the shuttles. Things were looking grim as they were about to lose their home, everything they had ever worked for was going to be lost.

USS Verity and the USS Odyssey the first of their class were sent to help with the evacuations of Romulus. Ritru and her family grabbed what they could and left their home, holding onto her little sister’s hand as they made their way toward one of the shuttles that would be heading to the Verity. 

Time seemed to stand still with no one moving when things were hectic, people running every which way. Things went from peaceful and quiet to pure chaos in a matter of hours, forced to leave their home that would be destroyed by the shockwave of the supernova.

Fear of the unknown began to sink around her, so many questions filled her mind as she wondered what would happen next, and where would they go. They had finally arrived at the shuttle and were about to board when she heard screaming and yelling from behind her.

Turning around blocking her sister she heard the sounds of phaser fire, “no!” she screamed as she witnessed her parents being murdered. Then they were directed at both her and her sister, but as she closed her eyes just as she heard the sound again but this time it came from a Starfleet security officer who took down the gunman.

Though she would never know their motives, she tries to run out towards where her parents were when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Ritru looked at the officer who had a solemn look on his face. “It’s time to go,” he replied as she took a moment more to look in the direction of where her parents were.

She looked at her sister who was hysterically crying, picking her up she walked onto the shuttle tears running down her face. Now it was her responsibility to raise her younger sister as they took their seats and the shuttle lifted off heading for the ship in orbit.

“No!” she screamed as she sat up in bed breathing heavily and sweating profusely. She looked around the room to have realized that it was all a nightmare. T’Prel woke up at the sudden scream to look at her.

“What is wrong?” T’Prel asked as she placed a hand behind her back to try to comfort her.

Bringing her knees up to her chest, she wrapped her arms around them placing her head on her knees as she sat there in bed. “I what you would call a nightmare,” Ritru said tears running down her face at the sudden memory. It felt real as if she was living it all over again, even though it was just a dream it felt so real.

T’Prel sat up in bed looking at her, “care to talk about it?” T’Prel asked as she placed a reassuring hand on hers.

Silence filled the room as she sat there looking down at the bed, thoughts running through her mind as she tried to center herself. She wasn’t sure where to begin, from the beginning or when her nightmare started. She tried to keep her dark past in the past, now it seems that it has come back to haunt her in a way.

“Where do I even begin,” she finally replied as she tilted her head towards T’Prel looking at her. She wiped the tears from her eyes as her vision had gotten blurry from the tears welling up in her eyes. “Guess I better start at the beginning,” she replied taking a deep breath before she continued.

“At an early age, I knew I wanted to leave Romulus and take to the stars, though I took an unlikely avenue and decided I wanted to join Starfleet,” Ritru said as she adjusted in bed to become more comfortable. “I knew I would have a long road ahead of me but once I was old enough I found a transport heading for Mellstoxx III and left,” Ritru said before pausing to collect her thoughts once more.

“After many months of fighting I was finally accepted and joined Starfleet, I graduated from the academy and moved onto my first posting where I would spend the next few years moving up in rank and position,” said Ritru.

“In 2384, I got a call from my father back on Romulus that my mother was getting sicker. I thought I never go back home, though I wanted to be there for my parents. I decided to take some leave and go back home.” She continued before pausing looking back down on the bed again.

“Going back home to Romulus after so many years away, people looked at me differently. Even though I could never hear them I knew they all talked about me behind my back, I didn’t care what they thought as my parents always supported me even when I decided to join Starfleet.” She said as she moved, getting out of bed she walked to the window and looked out.

“My sister was about thirteen at the time, though I will admit that I missed being out in space and away from here. I needed to think about my family and if anything would happen to them while I was away who would take care of my little sister.” She said standing there as tears began to fall down her face again.

“Things were going good until we learned of the impending supernova of our sun that would destroy Romulus and any planet in its path. We had to evacuate, at that time Starfleet had sent ships to assist with those efforts as you know.” She said before she paused her voice was beginning to crack, tears flowing by this time.

T’Prel got out of bed and walked up next to her, taking her hand in hers. Ritru looked over at her partner. “We grabbed all we could and made our way to the shuttle, you could hear the panic and sense the fear of everyone without even being a telepath,” Ritru said as she tried to press on.

“We had made it to one of the shuttles that would take us to the Verity, my parents were right behind us when we heard shouting and then phaser fire. My parents were murdered in front of us, if it wasn’t for the Starfleet Officer outside the shuttle he was going to kill me and my sister as well.” She finished as she looked out the window in silence.

“I had relived all that in my dream,” Ritru replied before looking at T’Prel who remained quiet the whole time she was speaking.

“I am sorry you had to go through all that,” T’Prel replied as she tried to be as sympathetic as any Vulcan could.

“To this day I don’t know what his motives were, yes I have my suspicions but no actual proof.” She said as she walked back to the bed and sat down wiping away her tears. “I returned to Starfleet shortly after, I raised my sister alone who eventually moved on to join Starfleet when she was old enough.” She replied.

“After that, I never looked back,” she finished.

“I am grateful that you are here now with me, we will get through this together,” T’Prel replied as she kissed her on the lips before moving away. “Tomorrow we will go down to Trill and have a picnic and enjoy our leave,” T’Prel said looking at her, she tried to do things that any normal Vulcan probably wouldn’t do as she cared for Ritru.

“Care for a cup of tea to help calm your nerves?” T’Prel asked as she started to head towards the kitchen.

“That would be great,” Ritru replied as she sat back in bed.

A few moments later T’Prel returned handing her a cup of warm tea and handing it to Ritru. Taking a sip she smiled, “you sure do know the key to my heart.” She said with a smile as it felt good to get that off her chest, she hadn’t told the whole story to anyone before. They chatted with each other for a while longer as they both drank their tea. Once they finished their teas they both settled back into bed and soon they fell back to sleep.