The medical bay of the USS Sausalito hums softly, the light muted and calm after the chaos on the colony. Monitors display steady reading. On the main biobed lies Taren Vos, pale but awake, his torso supported by a med-cushion to prevent strain on his surgically repaired spine. A thin brace runs along his back, gleaming faintly under the biobed lights.

“Spinal fusion complete. Neural graft accepted cleanly,” the young nurse spoke nervously. She had held up well but Lt Redrol could tell that she had been afraid. He was proud of her for working through her fear.

“That’s great news. That means he will walk again, though it will take time and rehab,” Redrol responded through a smile. “His implants have stabilized and he is still himself. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome.” He couldn’t help but smile big. He had hoped for this sort of outcome, but he wasn’t sure it would be possible.

“You didn’t have to come back for me. But you did. And now…those people down there have some hope, and we were able to save more people. I can’t thank you guys enough.” Taren spoke with tears in his eyes.

“You don’t have to thank us. It is you that should be thanked, Taren. You saved so many lives today. I am honored to have met you,” Lt Redrol responded.

Captain Harper had entered the medbay only a few minutes before but was happy that she had been present to witness this moment. She was grateful that her crew had been close enough by to respond and make a difference in the horrible situation that occurred here. “I concur with my Chief Medical Officer, Taren. Thank you! You should and most certainly will be honored after today.” She took the man’s hand in her own and patted it.

The ship’s comm system chimed and Administrator Haleen Rix appeared on the viewscreen. Her face appeared much softer now, exhaustion etched across her face but gratitude seemed to be shining through. “Captain and crew of the Sausalito, on behalf of every colonist, Thank you! You not only helped rescue out people from the quake, you also saved one of our own who risked everything for us. We will never forget your efforts here. And to you, Taren Vos. Come home when you are ready. We have something we’d like to give you.”

Taren swallows, eyes glinting with emotion. “Thank you, Administrator.”

The administrator says a farewell and the viewscreen fades away. Taren looks at the crew again, voice still quiet but much steadier than the day before. “I don’t know what waits you for all out there, but whatever it is Starfleet is lucky to have you. You are all the kind of people who don’t give up on anyone.”

Lt Redrol smiled and patted Taren on the shoulder. “Get some rest, Taren. You are heading home soon. I will check with you again before we leave.”

Taren smiled and nodded in return. “I’ll be here….or there, Lieutenant.”

Two days later, under a pale morning sun, a shuttle from the USS Sausalito descends through the Colony’s thin clouds. It’s landing struts hiss against the dusty landing pad. A small crowd awaits – colonists, engineers, families. At their center stands Administrator Haleen Rix.

“Welcome home, Taren. I am proud you are back. We will never be able to thank you enough.” Administrator Rix spoke and shook Taren’s hand.

“Thank you. I’m glad to be back home,” Taren responded.

The crew of the Sausalito stood nearby for moment, watching as colonists surrounded Taren. They welcome him back and thank him. They honored him as both their neighbor and their hero. The scene was quiet, full of warmth and relief.

Captain Harper’s commbadge chirped. “Captain, we are cleared for departure. I have notified Starfleet we will be leaving within the next 30 minutes. They stated that we are needed in Task Force 47 space.”

“Very well, Ensign. Thank you,” Captain Harper responded.

The crew took a few moments to exchange final farewells with Administrator Rix and many of the colonists before stepping back aboard the shuttle. Moments later, the USS Sausalito lifts from orbit, its silhouette framed by the rising sun.

On the bridge, stars glitter against the dark. “Helm, set a course for Task Force 47 space. Engage at warp speed.” Captain Harper ordered.

“Aye, Captain. Warp Factor Six.” Helmsman  Hveir replied.

The stars stretch into brilliant lines as the ship slips into warp, leaving the colony behind. Captain Harper leaned back into her chair and heaved a sigh of relief. It had been a long and stressful few days, but it had been rewarding. She was extremely proud of her crew. They had responded to the tragedy admirably and she was honored to be their commanding officer. She smiled and watched as the stars streaked across her view. She would be carrying this gratitude forward into the next mission.