“You’re up early.”  Phil Goldsmith sat in the cafeteria, coffee in hand.  His fellow cadet, Natalie Harris, wasn’t an early bird.

Harris was tying up her hair, “I’ve been assigned to the Exeter for a training exercise.  Orders were to move quickly and get onboard.”  She sat, taking a long drink from her cup of black coffee, “You haven’t signed up to take part, Phil.” He hesitated and dug into his hashbrowns. The silence was like a canyon between them, and Natalie wasn’t sure what he was avoiding talking about.  She pressed, “Phil.”

He dropped the silverware with a clatter that startled Natalie.  His eyes darted from her to the room and every place in between.  “I’m…I’m not sure I want to do this anymore, Nat.  The Borg, the Changelings…I thought I was over it, and I thought I was through it…now I don’t know for sure.”  He stared at his plate, his face red from the outburst.  A sigh escaped his lips, “My parents are worried about what’s out there.  My older brother nearly died on his assignment.  He resigned after his treatment.  He’s going to work for my father.”

Natalie wasn’t sure what to say to her friend.  The fallout from Frontier Day continued to ripple throughout the universe.  Locally at Mellstoxx III, it had been a mixed bag. Some had been energized by the new threat and committed themselves to service in Starfleet.  Others had decided it wasn’t for them.  She spoke gently, “Phil…I wouldn’t blame you…or think less of you.”

He managed a half smile through the shine of his eyes.  “Thanks, Nat.”  He sniffled and worked to compose himself, “I think I just…I wanted this so bad…and so much…that I needed to buckle down and push harder.  I don’t think that works for me.  It works for some people.”

She put a hand on his and he gripped it tightly, “I think you’ve made your mind up, Phil.”  He agreed and asked her to accompany him to the Commendant’s office.  She walked him there and waited until he was done.  They walked wordlessly back to his dorm.  Natalie offered to help him pack, and he accepted the help.  A few hours later, he stood on the transporter pad, waving a quiet wave as the bright beam took him away.  Natalie felt his absence and knew it would take her time to find a new friend.  She picked up her bag and mounted the pad, “One for transport to the Exeter.”

The lights brightened and blurred her world.