Luke was never as glad to see the back of a Cargo Bay as he was today. With the sheer number of ships needing repairs and refits, many requisition orders were redirected or commandeered for higher-priority assignments. Making a quick stop at Brew for some much-needed caffeine, Luke alternated sipping his drink and keeping an eye on the critical orders still unfulfilled on his padd.

His feet were on autopilot as he traversed the well-worn path to the station’s Arboretum. This was always a favourite haunt of his. Incidentally, his spatial awareness wasn’t on point as he almost collided with someone.

Thankfully nothing had spilled, but he felt the need to save face. “I am so sorry, Cadet.” he noticed the pips on the young officer in front of him. “Long shift and running on fumes.” he tried to explain.

Linha looked up after she also wasn’t paying attention to where she was walking but instead was looking at her padd that she held in her hand. “No worries, I am just as guilty.” She said as she held up her padd, “been studying for an exam that I have in one of my classes.” Linha replied looking at the young officer.

“Oho, Exams are just the worst aren’t they?” Luke replied. He still had flashbacks to his linguistics course as they got screamed at in various alien languages to determine their base levels. How have you been finding the stresses of exams coupled with all this.” Luke gestured around the station as crews were deployed everywhere to help resolve the crisis with the Dominion.”

“Where are my manners?” He added as an afterthought. “Ensign Lukas Daniels, Operations Division, but you can call me Luke.” he flashed a smile as he offered his free hand to shake.

“Nice to meet you, Luke I am Cadet Linha Varen. I am here on a learning tour if you call it that even if I just had returned from the Saratoga after completing a year of a Cadet cruise.” She said with a shrug as she smiled, “I don’t mind exams.” She added looking at him.

“Good to hear.” Luke flashed a smile to Linha. “How have you been finding the Station? It is a lot to take in after first coming aboard.” He knew just how fish out of water any new arrival could be, considering he was a fresh arrival only a few months ago.

“Of course, if you have somewhere to be, don’t let me keep you.” He added as an afterthought. He hated when people imposed their presence on him, so he was mindful to make sure not to impose on others.

She chuckled, “no your fine need a bit of a distraction now anyways. Been at this for the last couple of hours so the break is nice.” She said reassuring him that he was no burden to her. “I have been finding my way around well, I haven’t gotten lost yet so that’s a plus.” She chuckled, “it is rather large.” She added as she gestured for him to walk with her, to enjoy their surroundings even if some of it was holographic in nature. 

“I know the feeling all too well,” Luke replied with a smile. “This is one of my favourite places on the station. “ he gestured to the arboretum around them. ”And it’s thanks to another officer who took the time to help a new arrival find their way.” he continued.

Walking together amongst the splash of greenery against the backdrop of space and bulkhead, Luke did his best to go over some of the places to be and where to experience some of what the station has to offer.

“What’s your specialty?” Luke asked as they meandered around the Arboretum. He did like learning about his fellow officers and sometimes it really did boil down to the old adage: It’s not what you know, but who you know.

“Right now just general medicine,” Linha replied. “What about you?” She asked as they walked.

“Believe it or not.” Luke began. “I actually majored in Archival Sciences, which suited the operations focus I had planned on.”

Logically archival sciences seemed to be the polar opposite to station life, but his core functions were related to keeping data and communications moving steadily around the station and the whole process was a source of fascination to him.

“General medicine is one of the more noble pursuits.” Luke continued. “Pursuing medicine very much takes a selfless and special type of character.” Medical personnel truly deserve the utmost respect.

She smiled as they continued walking they continued to chat for a while longer until she noticed the time, “shoot it’s getting a bit late and I really need to get this studying done before turning in. The big exam is tomorrow and well you know I got to get a good night’s rest so I don’t fall asleep during the exam.” She said with a chuckle, “we should meet up for lunch sometime when I don’t have an exam to worry about.” She said as she wanted to get to know Luke better as he seemed like a nice man.

“Say no more.” Luke responded. The pressure of exams was something he could appreciate. “Good luck with everything tomorrow, i’m sure you are going to smash it out of the park. I am always up for some good food with good company so do let me know when it suits.”