Commander Aramis Lionel was in his quarters, finishing up last minute paperwork before he could finally go on shore leave. His doors chimed.

“Come,” he announced to his visitor.

The doors whooshed open. Catersha walked in, a warm smile on her face. Aramis saw her and smiled.

“Good morning Cat. How did you sleep,” Aramis asked, getting up and walking to the replicator, “want some coffee?”

“Yes please,” she replied, taking a seat at the table.

He ordered two cups of coffee and two breakfast sandwiches with a bowl of fresh fruit. He brought the plates over and set one on the table in front of Catersha and the other where he was sitting. Then he went back for the bowl of fruit. They enjoyed their breakfast and each other’s company.

Commander Aramis Lionel leaned back in his chair, sipping his coffee as he gazed out the viewport from his quarters. Chief Engineer Catersha sat across from him, her dark hair tied back in a ponytail, her eyes fixed on the PADD in her hand and eating a strawberry.

“So, Catersha, are you looking forward to Shore Leave on Earth?” Aramis asked, setting his cup down.

Catersha’s eyes lit up, as she looked from her PADD to him.

“Absolutely, Aramis. I’ve been cooped up in this ship for too long with these repairs from our Vaadwaur battles. I need some fresh air and a chance to stretch my legs on solid ground.” She smiled wryly. “Plus, I’ve heard great things about Earth’s beaches.”

Aramis chuckled, then mentioned.

“Well, I think we can fit in a visit to the beaches of Oahu. Maybe even grab some of that famous Earth seafood. What kind of food do you want to try?”

Catersha’s eyes sparkled.

“Hmm, that’s a tough one. Maybe some good old-fashioned burgers and fries? Or some fresh lobster rolls?”

“I think that can be arranged. We’ll make sure to hit up some of the local eateries. What about activities? Do you have anything in mind,” Aramis asked as he was grinning at Catersha.

Catersha thought for a moment before responding.

“I’ve always wanted to visit the Grand Canyon. The geology is fascinating, and I’ve heard the views are breathtaking.”

“That sounds like a great plan. We can definitely fit that in. Maybe even take a hike down into the canyon itself,” Aramis suggested, filling his coffee cup and offering more to Catersha, who nodded.

Catersha’s face lit up with excitement.

“That would be amazing, Aramis. I love hiking and exploring new places.”

As they chatted, their comm badges beeped in unison. Catersha grabbed her PADD and accessed her messages. Her eyes grew big when she saw the message.

“Looks like our leave has been confirmed. We’re clear to proceed to Earth for Shore Leave,” Catersha said excitedly.

“Excellent. I’ll start making arrangements for our itinerary. I’ll make sure to book us a nice hotel with a view of the ocean,” Aramis said while grinning.

Catersha smiled, feeling a sense of anticipation. “Sounds like a plan. Let’s make the most of our time on Earth.”

So Aramis and Catersha left his quarters to carry out their part of their Shore Leave plans. Aramis went to arrange getting a runabout to use and Catersha went to pack.

***

Flummox and Kaelara were in Main Engineering, studying the latest results of the last Level 1 diagnostic of the plasma induction coils.

“These results are still not up to Starfleet specifications,” Flummox said, frowning.

“It looks like the inducers are faulty. These results are showing minute defects in the casings,” Kaelara said, after studying the results. “The defects can cause breaches and cause them to rupture.”

Flummox out his hand to his chin for a minute, deep in thought.

“Well, looks like we will have to make them from scratch then. If these are defective, chances are the whole lot can be as well,” Flummox said as he was looking at Kaelara.

“I agree with that. I’ll start work on the new inducers immediately,” Kaelara said.

Flummox nodded and Kaelara left, heading for the ship’s machine shop area in the depths of the ship. Flummox grabbed his toolbox and started to disconnect the inducers from the plasma grid, grumbling in his native tongue.

***

Lieutenant Tom Bradley was in the Security Office on Deck 6. He was going over his current roster of available security officers.

“So very few left,” Tom said, slightly depressed.

He tapped more keys and accessed the current roster of Academy students ready to graduate this year in Security. As he went through the list, several of them caught his attention.

“Interesting,” Tom said to himself.

The doors to the Security office whooshed open and a young female Ensign walked in.

“Good morning Lieutenant,” she said.

Tom looked up from his computer, nodded to the Ensign.

“Morning Ensign Tiffany Evans,” Tom replied.

“I’m reporting for duty sir,” she told Tom.

“No need right now Ensign. You are my only officer on the roster right now. I was just going over the roster list at the Academy. I’m thinking of going to Earth to hand pick my staff. Want to join me?”

Tiffany’s eyes widened, then replied, “I’d be honored, sir.”

Tom smiled at her.

“Good. Meet me on Starbase 72 at 0900 tomorrow. We will travel with Catersha and Aramis, since they are heading to Earth as well.”

Tiffany smiled, turned around and left the Security office. Tom sat back and started to think about how he will rebuild his Security staff. He grabbed his PADD that has the Academy list and left the office, heading to his quarters.