Captain Skyrunner’s remaining time on shore leave consisted of meeting with Starbase 74’s Tactical Officer of known regional threats and he met with his First Officer and did a thorough tour of his ship, the USS Carlsbad, prior to starting his mission the next day. He met his friend, Catersha, again for their targ hunt on the holodeck, followed by dinner. As they both were sitting at the table in one of the nice looking restaurants on the Upper Promenade and Kirok had ordered dinner for them both.

“So, this is your last night on shore leave. Are you ready Kirok,” Catersha asked him as she took a sip of her Bajoran spring wine.

Kirok had just had a drink of his whiskey and answered her. “Honestly, I think I am as ready as I’ll ever get. I’ll admit, I’m a little nervous, especially being running around anywhere near the Cardassian border. I can still remember some of the stories I heard from the Dominion War that could rival a Borg attack. Whatever happens, I’ll always face what is to come with courage.”

“I know you will Kirok,” Catersha said, taking a bite of her Caesar salad. “I just received my orders this afternoon that I’m replacing you as Executive Officer on the USS Thunderdragon, your wife’s ship. She gave Kirok a big menacing grin.

“Oh wonderful…,” Kirok mumbled, more to himself than her, “what could possibly happen when my wife and my ex girlfriend are together.” Kirok downed the rest of his whiskey, put his glass down on the table, then called for the waiter. “Waiter! Get me a warp core please.”

Catersha laughed loudly at his reaction. She was laughing so hard she nearly fell out of her chair. A waitress quickly brought Kirok his second drink. A second waiter brought out a tray carrying their food, placing the dishes on the table.

“Grilled Jamaican jerk spiced chicken breast with spiced fried potato wedges and mixed vegetables for the lady,” the waiter said as he placed the plate down in front of Catersha.

Catersha looked over her dish, then up at Kirok, a tiny tear formed in the corner of her eye, then streaked down her cheek. She took her napkin and wiped her face off, covering the fact that she wiped that tear away. When she put her napkin back down, she mouthed the words “thank you” to Kirok, who smiled and nodded.

“You remembered our first date,” she said out loud, which caught the waitress’ attention.

“That is so sweet of you,” the waitress said to Kirok.

Looking at the waitress with a friendly smile on his face, he replied, “thank you.”

The waiter placed the other plate in front of Kirok.

“Medium rare T-bone steak with French fries for the gentleman. Is there anything else I can do for you two tonight,” the waiter asked them both.

Kirok shook his head as he was chewing on a French fry. Catersha shook her head as well.

“Very well, please enjoy your meal.”

The waiter left, returning to the bar to assist another guest.

Kirok Skyrunner and Catersha sat across from each other at a cozy table in the corner of the Galactic Grill, a popular eatery on the Upper Promenade. The soft hum of conversation and the aroma of exotic spices filled the air as they savored their meal. Kirok smiled warmly at Catersha, his former academy sweetheart.

“It’s great to catch up with you, Cat. It’s been too long.”

Catersha, a brilliant engineer with a quick wit, laughed and playfully rolled her eyes.

“You’re only saying that because you’re about to ship out tomorrow and you need someone to remind you of your roots.”

Kirok chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

“Guilty as charged. Seriously, Cat, I’ve missed you. We had some great times together in the academy.”

Catersha’s expression softened, and she reached out to touch Kirok’s hand.

“We did, didn’t we? I’ve often thought about those days, wondering what could have been if we’d stayed together.”

Kirok’s gaze locked onto hers, and for a moment, they both forgot about the present, lost in the memories of their past. Then, Kirok cleared his throat, breaking the spell.

“I’m glad we remained friends, Cat. You’re one of the most important people in my life.”

Catersha smiled, her eyes shining with warmth.

“You’re pretty important to me too, Kirok. Be careful out there, okay? Come back to us in one piece.”

Kirok grinned, feeling a sense of gratitude toward this remarkable woman.

“I will, Cat. I promise. Who knows? Maybe when I get back, we can pick up where we left off, on memory lane.”

Catersha’s laughter was music to Kirok’s ears.

“I’d like that, Kirok. However, for now, let’s just enjoy the evening and each other’s company.”

As they clinked their glasses together in a silent toast, Kirok knew that this was a night he would treasure forever, a reminder of the special bond he shared with Catersha, and the hope of building their friendship again in the future. They continued to enjoy their meal together, when Kirok’s comm badge beeped. He tapped it.

“Captain Kirok Skyrunner, this is an automated message to remind you to report to the docking Bay at 0800 for official orders,” the mechanical voice of the Starbase computer said from his comm badge.

“Acknowledged,” he said, tapping it again. Then after he finished his last bite, he looked at Catersha with mixed feelings. “It has been wonderful to see you again Cat. Wish I had more time to catch up, but duty calls. It’s 0045 now and 0530 comes quickly. Have a good night.

“I agree with you Kirok. I have to head out to my shop as well in the morning. I’ll say hi to your beautiful wife and we both can talk about you,” she replied with an innocent smile.

Kirok laughed seeing her look.

“You do that Cat. Be safe as well please. Take care of my wife please,” he asked her.

“You know I will, darling,” she replied.

They said their goodbyes and Kirok left the restaurant and headed to his quarters for a few hours of restless sleep before he had to report for his official command orders.