The sun on Casperia Prime rose early, casting warm golden light through the windows of Traven’s room, the shadows over the mountains would soon disappear. He’d been awake for a few hours now, sleep didn’t come easy, the memories of those left behind were hard to erase and even he struggled more so when in unfamiliar surroundings.

He stepped outside on the balcony, the cool air was crisp with mountain chill, though the heat of the sun was beginning to warm it. He stood with a mug of Tarkalean tea in hand and watched for a moment, the trees below shifted in the wind. Somewhere in the distance, a native bird let out a call that sounded familiar yet different. He smiled, the birds call reminded him of a junior officer at the Academy, the days studying in the Adademy’s grounds, simpler times.

As he stepped back inside he noticed a small light blinking on his PADD, a message waiting.

Message from: Lt. Brunak
Time: 0705 hours

“Good Morning, boss! A few of us are heading out to hike the south ridge trail. Low intensity, scenic route. No pressure, but thought I’d extend the invite. We’ll be back in time for lunch. -Brunak”

He wondered whether to join, he had promised himself the night before that he may join them, though, he didn’t respond straight away.

He set the mug down and heading into the bathroom, following a quick shower he changed, dark grey field pants, a short-sleeve tunic and hiking boots. Just in case.

He glanced over to the PADD again and then left, without sending a reply.

As he stepped outside he noticed there was plenty of activity around the resort. The peaceful serenity of the morning was being interrupted by people enjoying their vacations. A group jogged past, all wearing matching tracksuits, not Starfleet issue though, the resort clearly wasn’t completely booked out just for them. He could hear children playing in the distance, but he wasn’t sure where.

He made his way through the gardens, heading toward the main dining area. He wasn’t quite sure where he was going but could smell the food being prepared and was sure his nose would guide him.

A couple of people exited through a door ahead of him, he could see the dining area beyond and heading in. It was bright and airy, the other side of the room from where he entered there were folding glass walls pulled back to let in the morning breeze. The smell of fresh pastries and spiced eggs filled the air. There was a great mix of food laid out in a buffet style, Bajoran hasperat, Earth-style pancakes, even a bowl of hot kelp noodles.

He grabbed a plate and helped himself to a few bits to fill a hole, he grabbed a black coffee to and headed toward a table near the open walls.

He could make out the trail on the ridge that he’d be invited to hike along. He could already see some small figures as they moved along it.

He ate slowly, taking advantage of his quiet corner of the room.

Movement from across the room grabbed his attention, Lt. Brunak arrived, laughing about something, tray in hand, he was followed by Ens. Zoral and Lt. Kree.

They didn’t spot him at first. But then Zoral did see him and nodded toward him. Seeing this Brunak followed suit.

Zoral headed towards him with a loaded tray and a sheepish grin, it took him a moment to react.

“Mind if I sit, sir?”

Traven gestured to the empty seat across from him. “please do”

He sat down quickly, “how did you sleep” Traven asked,

Smiling, Zoral responded “I’ve been up for hours, the resort beds are too soft.”

Before long, the rest of the table filled.

Lt. Brunak dropped in next, offering a quiet “Good Morning, Sir”. Then Lt. Kree, still in workout clothes and already talking about how someone on the trail saw a bird with a nine-meter wingspan. Even Lt. Cdr. Paldor arrived, giving Traven a glance but saying nothing as she settled into the seat next to Brunak with a hot drink.

No one asked permission. No one made a scene. They simply gravitated toward the table naturally.

Traven quietly listened to the conversations around the table. It flipped between local wildlife, a awkward meeting with a very flirtatious holographic bartender and a group of the enlisted personnel taking on another crew at Springball.

Eventually, Brunak turned toward Traven. “We’re heading up the south ridge trail in about twenty minutes. If you’re interested.”

Traven taking the last sip of his coffee responded “Ah, you’re still recruiting for that?”

“I’ll be honest, sir, I wasn’t expecting a yes. But I figured… it wouldn’t hurt to ask.”

He could feel the rest of the table gaze toward him now, though no one muttered a word. He glanced back out the open wall toward the trail, he could see the winding path, the small group of figures he’s seen early were now out of view.

“I’ll need to change,” Traven said simply.

Brunak’s grin widened. “hah! We’ll wait for you at the trailhead sir.”

They hadn’t been Hiking long and it had started quietly, each individual taking in their surroundings and the opportunity to be planet side. The trail was well worn, Traven found himself wondering how many countless others had trod this path before.

Generally the group stayed fairly loose with a spattering of conversation between each.

Brunak fell into step beside Traven, “Glad you came, sir,” he said, his gruff demeanour often made him sound a little sarcastic, but not this time.

Traven glanced at him. “So am I” and kept walking.

They reached the ridgeline and paused, the view stretched for miles in all directions. Traven could just make out the shimmering sea in the far distance, mountain ranges surrounding the valley. Some of the group sat, other stood quietly taking in the view before them quietly.

Traven stood with his hands on his hips, he took in a deep breath.

Paldor walked up beside him, she offered a water bottle without a word. He grabbed it and took a drink then handed it back.

No one spoke for a long while.

Traven looked toward Brunak, “You did the right thing, asking.”

He blinked and scratched his beard “Oh er, thank you, sir.” he replied

“You knew I’d probably say no, but you asked”

Brunak smiled “Sure, but I thought maybe you didn’t want to.”

Traven gave a small, genuine smile “Maybe I didn’t.”