Sunrise.

A perfect warmth of brilliance color burst from the treeline of Casperia Prime, promising a beautiful day ahead. Some sort of exotic bird hummed nearby as if it was a solo jazz musician improvising a song to lure its mate.

Ishreth Dal, the newly promoted Captain of the USS Salvation, arrived early. Because he was always early, something had been engrained in him since he was a young child. Tagging by his side was his twelve year old daughter, Tyva, who broke off, skipping towards a window to take in the magnificent views.

“They have a beach!” she exclaimed with the energy only an adolescent could produce. Apparently the trek up the mountain hadn’t dimmed her reserves in the slightest, especially when the promise of swimming was on the horizon. “Can we go?”

“Yes, as soon as we check in.” the Andorian tipped both antennae towards her. “I’d like to see who else is around.”

Tyva turned to see who else was in the majestic lobby with them, pointing at the nearest person with Starfleet-standard luggage. “How about that person? I bet they’re in your group.” she grinning, unafraid to approach another Starfleet officer, unbothered by rank or station. “Hello!”

Still stood in his uniform, freshly pressed like the day he left the Academy, Jorik Traven stood out of the crowd like a sore thumb. He didn’t mind social situations, but he craved the order and discipline of a Starship. Being surrounded by fun was not his idea of a good time.

Hearing a voice, Traven turned, expecting to be greeted by staff but instead a young Andorian girl stood before him.

She beamed up at him, a blue girl with a slight bifurcated ridge down her face and bright curly white hair waved. “I’m Tyva Dal! You’re a Starfleet officer, right?”

Traven thought to just turn away and ignore her, but the thoughts of home, his family and those he missed washed over him. washing away the years of discipline, just for a moment. “I am indeed, young lady, I’m Lt Cdr Jorik Traven, from the USS San Clemente“.

He wasn’t sure what he expected once he’d introduced himself. Maybe for her to shrug and disappear, not really listen to his response or simply just go away. he certainly wasn’t expecting more questions….

Leaning forward the girl clearly was interest in Starfleet and seemed knowledgeable. “Oooh, nice!  And what ship are you on?  what class?  What’s it like?”

“you clearly know a little more about Starfleet than I expected, are you some sort of spy?” Traven responded with a slight smile.

“the Mente is a California class ship, some of the finest vessels in Starfleet. Nothing ever happens without a Cali class in the background!” he continued.

The young girls’ eyes sparkled. “My Dad is in command of a California Class ship as well! I know they’re common, but they’re also really important to Starfleet.” She put her hands behind her back and looked charmingly innocent. “If you had to choose a ship, what kind of ship would you command?”

Traven stood for a second, remembering the curves of the USS T’Kara, his first and very brief command. She was an Excelsior class vessel, old and dependable. Tyva was still peering up at him, “oh sorry, the Mente is all I’ll ever need”

She beamed back at him. “I like it!  You gotta love what you have.  I’m sure the Mente loves you back!” And she meant it. She had been on a lot of ships and met a lot of Starfleet officers and the ones she liked best and seemed to do the best were the ones who were proud of their ship no matter what that ship was.

Jonathan needed this break; the past few months after the blackout and problems with the Vaadwaur had left him in pieces. He had never had to deal with such choices before, or orders, also not to mention the fallout it had on his crew, so this was a welcome trip.

Stepping off the shuttle, he had to gaze at the beauty of this place, which he had never been to, but had friends who had been trying to convince him to visit since he stepped into his new role on the USS Burbank.

He was early, as usual, having been taught not to be late to anything, even for relaxation. He set off on his walk up the slow, inclining hill to the accommodation, the wind light enough to take away the heavy lifting of his luggage.

Approaching the top, in the distance, he could see a few people congregating “So, I’m not the only early one”, he thought to himself.

He began to walk towards them, immediately noticing Ishreth, who was deep in conversation.

“It is a sign of a sharp mind to be early.” Ishreth Dal offered with a polite nod. “You must be Captain Reilly?” the Andorian had done his homework.

Jonathan offered a smile. He had done his research on other members at his level, but never had the opportunity to engage with them face-to-face; it was something he was looking forward to doing on this trip.

“That’s right, it seems I wasn’t the only one to be early”, he said.

Ishreth wore a calm expression, hardly expressing anything on his facial features, but his antennae were active and curled forward in a friendly manner. “Yes, and this is my daughter, Tyva.”

The girl turned and waved. “Hello!  And this is my new friend, Jorik Traven!”

Traven approached the pair, slight annoyance that he’d now been dragged into a social situation but these were Starfleet. Much different from the civilians hovering around “good morning both!” nodding to each.

“Nice to meet you Tyva, it must be a great thing to be able to travel with family on these trips!” Reilly engaged back.

“I will warn you that if you spare her five minutes Tyva will be your new best friend, too…” Ishreth murmured in a conspiratorial whisper.

Tyva managed to cross her arms and roll her eyes in a perfectly adolescent way. “Daaa-aad.”

Ishreth turned towards Jorik. “I’m pleased to meet you Mister Traven.  I’m Ishrh Dal and I think you’ve already met Tyva.”

“I have indeed, is she always so inquisitive?” Traven replied with a wry smile, not really expecting a response.

Aakon pushed open the door to the waiting area of the resort already clad in a tank top, complete with commbadge, and shorts. The medium size bag in his hand hadn’t slowed him much on the journey up the mountain but trekking around nature was nothing new to him; for his senior cadet practicum he’d be assigned to Verva IV and it’s rather prolific and hard to navigate jungles. He took several steps forward and held the door open so that Jackson could make his way in.

Out of breath, drenched in sweat, and carrying a large bag in each hand with a backpack slung around his shoulders, Jackson Rutledge practically waddled into the room before dropping the two bags, sitting on one of them.

Aakon could sense the waves to agitation rolling off the man. He rested his hand on Jackson’s shoulder. “You were the one who had to pack a months worth of clothes just to go to a tropical beach resort.”

He gave Aakon a grumpy but affectionate glare. “Some of us prefer to wear clothes when we are off duty.”

Aakon gave him a clap on the back followed by a quick wink. “I wear clothes.” he paused for a moment. “When other people are around anyway and you’ve never complained before; besides if you decide to go to my sister’s wedding next month you’ll need to embrace some nudity.”

Without waiting for a response, Aakon looked around the room. “I’m not sure where to check in.”

Tyva pointed up to the front desk. “This way, by the giant Mugato statues wearing swim trunks.”

“I’m pretty sure Mugato don’t wear swim trunks…” Ishreth intoned and it was difficult to tell if he was being humorous or not.

Aakon cocked an eyebrow. “Well, if I can manage to collect evidence in the field of a Mugato wearing stylish trunks I’d be a shoe in for that promotion to Admiral.”

He extended his hand with a smile on his face. “Captain Aakon Keacen. Pleasure to meet you.”

He glanced at Jackson, who was already making a bee line for the check in desk. “And that would be my Chief of Security, Jackson, who would normally introduce himself but he is preoccupied with getting to his room and taking a nap.”

“Good to meet you both.” Ishreth offered politely. He didn’t smile, but his antennae curled forward in a gentle expression of welcome.

He glanced between Tyva and Ishreth. “Thank you for pointing us in the right direction. This place is bigger than I ever imagined.”

Starting to feel a little out of place while still in his Uniform, Traven, was waiting for a moment to excuse himself to find his room though everyone seem quite happy to continue with introductions.

he cleared his throat “gentlemen, it’s been a pleasure but I must get myself checked in and find a bar!” he turn while giving a last smile to Tyva, “it was a pleasure to meet you to, if I’m ever in need of an assistant I’ll give you a call”

Tyva waved with a smile. “Have a great vacation!”

He walked away to check in and get that well earned drink!