After the battle ended, the squadron limped back to Starbase Bravo, and all three ships sustained substantial damage. It was looking grim for a while during the final battle at Farpoint Station, that was until reinforcements showed up and turned the tides in their favor. Azras was sitting at one of the corner tables next to a window near the rear of the Brew coffee shop. Holding a cup of coffee in the palms of her hands she stared out the window, thoughts racing and thinking about what had transpired within the Deneb sector.

Turning her attention to the cup that she held between her hands she worked her jaw as she contemplated things. The war had taken a huge toll on all of them, losing good officers was hard on any commanding officer. Azras seemed to be taking things harder, having lost a good commanding officer under her leadership. She began to wonder if she made the right decisions, she kept second-guessing herself as she sat there.

She had been staring at her cup for so long that her drink had gone cold, she sat it down pushing it away from her before she looked back out the window. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t see Linha walk up behind her and place a hand on her shoulder. This caused Azras to jump before she realized it was her daughter standing there.

“Sorry I didn’t mean to startle you,” Linha replied with a soft apologetic smile.

Azras smiled standing up from her seat and embracing her daughter tightly, Linha held her back as she could tell things were bothering her. The embrace held for longer than it was intended but no one seemed to mind, Linha knew her mother had a lot on her mind. She wasn’t one of those who felt embarrassed having their parent show affection in public. After a while the two ended the hug and both took a seat.

The waitress had brought over two cups of coffee, setting them down on the table in front of them. Nodding to the waitress as she took the cup of coffee that had gotten cold before she could even touch it. Turning her attention back to Linha, “how are you doing?” Azras asked looking at her.

“I am doing fine, the real question is how are you doing Mom?” Linha said with a worried look in her eyes.

Looking down at her coffee for a brief moment before taking a drink, “I am alright all things considered.” Azras vaguely said not wanting to talk about things yet, as everything was still weighing on her. “Though I do wish your father was here,” she said in a soft voice.

“Then your wish will be granted,” Arzin’s voice rang out from behind her as he made his way towards her. He had just arrived a few moments earlier and wanted to surprise her, which now seemed like a better time than any. Linha knew that he had arrived and came ahead to distract her while he made his entrance without her noticing.

Looking up at the voice her eyes swelled with tears before she turned to look at Arzin. Quickly standing up she embraced her husband, kissing him deeply before burying her face into his shoulder as she sobbed. Arzin held her tightly, not caring who had turned around to see what the commotion was. In the many years that they had been married they had never been apart, having him off of the ship during the war was tough on both of them.

After what seemed like an eternity they broke their embrace looking at each other, “I missed you so very much.” Azras said as they stood there for a bit longer.

“I have missed you too my dear,” Arzin replied with a smile.

“Let’s go home,” Azras suggested as she looked at them.

“You two go ahead, I still have some work I need to finish. I’ll stop by later on tonight for dinner,” Linha said as she hugged both of her parents before she went on her way leaving the two alone. She was happy to see her parents back together and her mom happy. She knew this war took a toll on her and everyone and to see some joy come back made her happy.

The two watched as Linha left, “she’s all grown up.” Azras said before turning her attention back to Arzin who smiled and nodded in agreement. The two walked out of the restaurant and headed down the corridor that would lead them to where the Saratoga was currently docked for repairs.

They walked hand in hand as they traveled down the corridor as officers and civilians alike were busy moving through and going to their intended destinations. Each nodding to them as they passed, the walk was quiet. After a while, they finally arrived at their quarters onboard the ship. Azras sat down on the couch that was located near the window while Arzin got them both cups of tea.

Grabbing the two cups from the replicator he walked over to Azras handing her a cup before he joined her on the couch. Taking a sip as he looked at her, he knew she was exhausted and worn out. He could also tell that things were eating at her, she was always stubborn but he always seemed to manage to get her to talk about things with him. 

“What is on your mind?” Arzin asked looking at her as he took another sip of his tea. “Please don’t tell me nothing as I know you better than that,” Arzin added as he could tell that was what she was about to say.

She looked at him with her tongue in her cheek for a moment before working her jaw, she had not talked about it with anyone not even the counselor. Silence filled the room for a moment before she let out a heavy sigh. “We lost so many good officers during this war,” Azras said as she stood up from the couch and faced the window.

“Not only on this ship but the Gagarin and Knight as well,” she said as looking down at her feet. “The Gagarin also lost its captain,” Azras said with a pained voice as that seemed to be what got to her.

Arzin stood up placing his cup down on the table in front of the couch and joined her at the window. Placing his arms around her, not knowing what to say though sometimes nonspoken words convey the same message. Azras closed her eyes leaning her head back on his shoulder, she was glad to have him home. 

“The battle at Farpoint wasn’t looking so good,” she said as she vividly remembered that battle. “That was until reinforcements showed up,” Azras lifted her head off his shoulder and looked at him. “Can you believe it even the Tholians showed up, even though it was only three ships but still,” Azras said before laying her head back down and looking up. “It wasn’t until they arrived that the tides had turned in our favor,” Azras said.

“We won at what cost,” she said before turning around to face him. The Saratoga took the heavy of hits compared to the other two ships, officers were still being patched up either on the Saratoga or some of them have been transferred down to Starbase Bravo for more extensive treatment.

Placing a hand on both sides of her cheeks Arzin looked directly into her eyes, “war is a terrible thing. Know that you have done everything you could for your crew and the squadron, tough decisions were made but they were for the right reasons.” Arzin said in his wisdom, “we will get through this together.” He added kissing her forehead before pulling her into a tight embrace.

“Thank you,” Azras said softly as she held onto him. “I am so glad your home,” she added as they stood there. Arzin ran a hand through her hair before leaning his head against hers.

“T’Prel to Dex,” came the voice of her first officer over the comms channel interrupting their tender embrace.

Pulling away from Arzin she sighed before tapping her combadge, “go ahead.” Azras said as Arzin smiled a bit as duty never seemed to end.

“Commander Tilana is waiting in your ready room as requested,” T’Prel replied.

She had forgotten that she requested to see Tilana after looking at the time, “I’ll be right there.” Azras replied before ending the channel, she looked at Arzin with an apologetic look.

“Go take care of business, I’ll get dinner ready.” He replied before she had the chance to say anything.

“I’ll be back soon,” she said kissing him one more time before leaving their quarters. She didn’t know that Arzin would be returning so soon before she requested to meet with Tilana.

After she left their quarters Arzin stood there for a moment, their quarters on the new ship weren’t like their quarters onboard the Odyssey-class. Though they were still very spacious, he would have to adjust to the new ship. Walking into the kitchen area he got to work on preparing her favorite meal and getting things ready while she took care of some things. He decided to let Linha know not to come home for dinner and that he wanted to have a romantic dinner for the two of them.

“It is good to be back home,” he said to himself.