“The time is 10:28 hours, galactic federation standard. The weather is a balmy 26.1 degrees Celsius, with a cool breeze coming in from the north. We hope you enjoy you stay here at Vehlara Springs Resort!” the automated voice echoed over the small space port. Michael had taken an early morning transport craft down to the planet since Shore Leave had been issued. He was dressed in casual jeans and a t shirt, with a clearly Starfleet-design leather jacket that was missing its patches and badge.

Clearing customs was easy enough as he had packed light, not so much out of necessity but rather he didn’t have much personal effects to bring with him. Taking his single bag off the scanner, and thanking the customs officer, he was directed to the resort concierge for more information. He heled a light, but forced smile as he approached the middle aged woman at the desk.

‘Here we go…’ she thinks dully to herself aloud, seeing Michael approach. ‘The Starfleet tidal wave has come a-crashing upon us…’ she mentally projects as if thinking aloud to someone close by. Her facial expression is bright and welcoming as she beckons him forward. “Come come deary! Let me help guide you on your tour of relaxation!” her vocal voice is much sweeter than the one in her mind. Michael chuckles to himself and sets his bag down. “Don’t worry, I may be Starfleet, but I promise not to cause too much trouble.” He responds.

The woman is taken aback for a moment by his words, wondering whatever he could mean, until she meets his eyes. Both Michael and the concierge come to the same stunning realization; the deep black irises, they were both betazoids! Her hand shot up over her mouth as if she had said something wrong, and let out a short shrill squeak sound. ‘Oh, my word! You heard that didn’t you! Oh no!’ her mind giggled, more out of embarrassment than shame. “Oh, honey no! That wasn’t for you!’ she continued telepathically as she physically came around the desk.

Michael was pulled into a warm embrace by the woman before he had any chance to react. ‘Oh, don’t mind me dear, were just fine with you Starfleet types, it’s just there are so many of you coming down all of a sudden, its gonna get very loud!’ she projected while still giving him a deep hug. Michael hesitated for a moment before extending his arm around her and hugging her back. There was a sense of security in her hold, that almost placated his doubts and concerns.

His thoughts quickly shifted to his own family. He hadn’t stepped foot on Betazed since he was a little kid, since before the Dominion War. He had only ever spoken to his matriarchal side via subspace transmissions since then, and even those were far and few between. Was this what he was missing? Is this what his grandmother’s presence would have felt like? The sharp pang of guilt and regret reverberated into his mind, only for a second before he re-steeled himself. But it was enough for the woman holding him to have felt loud and clear.

Taking hold of his arms and pulling him away slightly, she looked deep into his eyes, the look on her face was of concern and pity as she shook her head, “Oh honey, you need this don’t you? Don’t you fret dear, you’re among loved ones!” she said, verbally this time, giving him a reassuring smile before scuttling back around the desk. Michael nodded in acceptance of her words, and began to croak out a “Thank y—” before stopping. His words were cracked with emotion in the pit of his throat, and he had to take a second to re-stabilize himself before finishing “Thank you.”

“I’m Carla by the way, incase you need anything, you just ask for me.” She spoke as her eyes were fixed on the screen before her. She was already hard at work typing away getting him registered at the resort as she continued to speak. “First time on Mellstoxx?” she looked at him for an answer for a split second before chuckling telepathically, ‘That’s obvious’. She continued to type away again as she “I’m going to assume you’d want something quiet and isolated? Hmm?” She once again asked, but given his immediate mental response to the question, she already knew the answer without words. “I’m going to assign you to one of our bungalows on North Beach. It’s aways from our main attractions, so won’t fill up as fast. Nice and cozy!” She chatted.

“Will it just be you, or are you expecting company?” she questioned. This time, he had time to properly respond. “No, should just be me.” He answered earnestly. She gave a devilish smile to him, ‘Well, your room can fit two or three comfortably should you come across any young, impressionable companions during your stay. We don’t water down or replicate the spirits here, so many toss their inhabitations out the window!” She gave him a once over with her eyes, ‘Ya never know, might do you some good!’ she teased mentally. Michael could only shake his head lightly and smile to hide the light blush in his cheeks. Honestly, he didn’t even consider romance when it came to shore leave, but given all he had been through maybe he did need to let loose.

“That’s the spirit” Carla clapped, obviously following along with his train of thought. She slid out a small key card, and brochure PADD. “You’ll find a list of all we have to offer here at Vehlara Springs, and if there is something here you’d like that you don’t see listed, reach out to us and we will do our best to accommodate!” Michael took the items off the desk and thanked her, turning around he looked up at the pathway that lead to the main resort itself, but just as he readied to walk away, he could feel the tinge in the back of his mind.

‘Michael?’

He turned to see Carla once more, peering deep into his eyes. ‘Ma’am?’ he responded back to her. ‘I mean it though, if you need to talk, feel free to reach out. Were here for you son.’

There it was. Like steel striking hot iron, the twang of emotion rippling through his entire soul. He nodded, as he fought to keep from the emotions showing physically. ‘Thank you. I might need that.’

[To be Continued]