Fleet Captain’s Log

Starbase 93, Holodeck Control – Task Force 93 HQ

Following the Vaadwaur assault, I’ve ordered a temporary morale booster across all units. We’ve earned it, and quite frankly, I’ve seen more tension in some shoulders than currently aboard these ships.

Holodeck 1 has been programmed for a full-environment simulation of Risa, complete with clear skies, surf, and just enough odd subroutines to keep things interesting. No drills. No briefings. Just sun, sand, and perhaps some minor shenanigans.

Commanding officers are encouraged to grant their personnel downtime in the program. This is not an official order… but it is a chance to reconnect, decompress, and remind ourselves that we’re not just Starfleet officers, we’re people. And people sometimes need a break.

What happens on Risa… well, I’ll leave that up to you.

– Fleet Captain Alexandria Mitchell
Task Force 93 HQ, Starbase 93

Alex stood outside the holodeck, in one hand holding a padd and with the other tapping several last-minute changes to Holodeck 1. The Risa simulation was just about finished, and thanks to several eager young Ensigns, she added a few subroutines to keep things interesting.

For the next few days, there were no briefings, no uniforms, and no duty shifts. There was just sun, sand, and fun. It was perfect. She tilted the padd, rereading the screen with a critical eye, before sending the message out.

“Computer, begin program,” she stated as the holodeck doors opened. She paused, however, hearing footsteps behind her. Turning she saw a familiar face. “Lena,” she called out.

Alex embraced Elena without hesitation, “It’s good to see you. I hoped you would be the first.”

“It’s good to see you too, Alex,” Elena smiled.

Alex pulled back from the hug, “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for Peter’s service. He was my brother… I should have…” She let the sentence trail off.

Elena shook her head, already dismissing Alex. “It’s ok, besides, this isn’t about the past. Not today, it’s about letting go and moving on.” Elena thought to herself, “It’s about living again.”

Alex gave a nod, looking past Elena, “And who are your guests?” She already knew, but wanted to allow Elena the opportunity to introduce her team.

“This is Captain AJ Tindal of the Galileo,” she said, gesturing to the tall man beside her. “And this is Commander Kiera Donovan, XO of the Phoenix.”

Kiera gave a polite nod. “Captain Mitchell. It’s good to meet you in person finally.”

Alex returned the smile. “Likewise. And no ranks, just Alex for the next few days. Captain Mitchell might get a bit confusing. We won’t know who anyone’s talking to.” She looked at Elena.

There was a chuckle from the group.

Elena smiled, “Alex is, well, she’s my sister-in…” She paused. “She’s my sister.”

Alex blinked. “That works for me.”

Tindal looked between the two women, then toward the holodeck doors. “So… Risa, huh?”

Alex grinned. “Complete with sand, a well-stocked bar, and enough fun to keep you all entertained.”

“No surprises, right?” Elena asked with a bit of suspicion.

“No promises,” Alex said with a smirk.

“Captain Parker didn’t want anything to do with this, by the way. He opted to stay on the Phoenix. I think he called her the floating hotel.”

Elena rolled her eyes. “Of course he did. He wouldn’t know fun if it beamed aboard and ran a diagnostic.”

“More space for us,” AJ smiled.

Alex stepped back, gesturing inside the holodeck, “Well then, shall we?”

The scent of saltwater and warm sand greeted them, along with the unmistakable promise of being anywhere but the center chair of the bridge. Elena wrapped an arm around Alex. “I’ve needed this.”

Alex leaned in, returning the embrace, “We all do.”