Stars seemed to blend as the Knight moved at warp towards Colludia II for some much-needed shore leave. Rayu Isha had been standing at the window in her quarters, looking out, lost in thought. After the weird happenings that had transpired while working with the crew of the USS Babylon, they all had been affected in some way, some more than others. Rayu was most affected and had been put on medical leave by the doctor, who hoped that shore leave on Colludia II would help.
Rayu stood there for what seemed like an eternity, but it was only a few minutes before she turned to walk towards the replicator. “Earl Grey tea, hot.” She said as the replicator beeped in acknowledgment, the cup appeared before her. Grabbing the cup, she walked back over to the window, but this time took a seat in the chair that she had positioned near the window with a table next to it. She had a book placed there. Taking a sip of her tea, she set the cup down on the side table, picked up the book, opened it to where she left off, and began reading.
Rayu sat there in silence, reading her book, when a slight noise made her jump. She had been more jittery than usual, which was one of the reasons she was relieved of duty for the time being. Her heart started racing as she looked around before realizing it was just the ship shifting while traveling, and she calmed herself enough to go back to reading. She hated feeling this way and just wanted things to go back to normal, but the past mission had really done a number on her.
Meanwhile, down in the senior staff lounge, Jerra was very proud of herself, having planned the perfect vacation and party this crew had ever seen. “Everything is set, and it’s going to be ‘epic’,” Jerra said with emphasis on epic as she looked at the others who were there.
“Will see about that,” Lieutenant Derohl replied. She wasn’t much into relaxing; she would rather be working than goofing off. Unlike the past hosts, she didn’t see the point in goofing off.
“Quit being so negative, Nilah,” Kisha Pazal spat back as she rolled her eyes.
“What, I am only being realistic,” Derohl replied with a shrug as she took a bite of her food.
“You can stay on board for all we care,” Pazal spat back. “It won’t be a sweat off our backs if you decide to join or not.” She added in an annoyed tone.
“Let’s not argue,” Ledire Turi replied, being the peacekeeper of the group.
“Anywho,” Jerra cleared her throat, looking at Derohl for a brief moment before looking to the others. “With everything set, I am going to go let the Captain know.” She said as she stood up.
“You know Captain Rayu has been put on medical leave,” Turi stated.
“I know, but figured she would want to know so she could participate, as I am sure that is what the doctor had ordered when we arrived,” Jerra said, looking at her. “You know how she is, she wants to know so she’s not surprised.” She added.
“True,” Pazal replied. “With everything that had happened during our last mission, I can understand being kept in the loop.” She admitted that it was a good idea to let her know what is planned.
“Indeed,” Jerra replied before walking out of the lounge, making her way down the corridor towards the turbolift that would take her to the captain’s quarters. After a few moments, she arrived and pressed the door chime and waited for an answer.
Looking up from the book she was reading, she looked towards the door; she wasn’t expecting anyone. After a few moments of silence before the chime went off again, she finally opened her mouth to speak. “Enter.” The doors opened to reveal Jerra standing there with a smile.
“Sorry to bother you, Captain,” she said as she walked in towards where she was sitting. She was holding a PADD. “I just wanted to let you know what is planned when we arrive at Colludea,” she said, extending the hand with the PADD in it towards her.
Taking the PADD from her, she began to read the context that was on it. “Impressive, Jerra, you did this?” Rayu asked, looking back up at her.
Smiling, “I can’t take all the credit, I had some help from a few others.” She responded because she didn’t want to take all the credit herself.
“This sounds like a perfect place to relax and have a good time,” Rayu replied.
“I am glad you approve. I know you were relieved of duty, but I didn’t want you to be left in the dark. I am also about to let Commander Piyu and the crew know. She said before taking a breath.
“Good job,” Rayu replied with a smile, handing the PADD back to Jerra.
“Thank you,” Jerra said. “Well, I will leave you be. I got some stuff to complete before we arrive,” she replied. “This will be the best vacation ever,” Jerra said in excitement before she turned towards the door.
Rayu nodded with a smile. “Thank you for stopping by,” she added as she watched her leave. She seemed to be in a chipper mood, more chipper than she normally was, which was good to see even if she wasn’t there yet.
Rayu sat there for a few moments just looking at the door before turning her attention back to what she was doing. Picking up her cup of tea, she took a sip before setting it back down, picking up her book again to continue reading. She was getting to the good part of the story. She always felt relaxed when she was reading a good book, not having to worry about anything else that was going on around her. Just immersing in the characters of the story as if she were there in the book, going through whatever the character she favored was going through.
