New Home

Posted on Mon Jan 5th, 2026 @ 3:49am by Ensign Janelle Barett
Edited on on Mon Jan 5th, 2026 @ 5:55am

650 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Shore Leave on Risa
Location: Shuttle - Enroute to Risa
Timeline: Current

Janelle Barett sat atop a wooden packing crate in the cramped little space of the shuttle that was delivering her, along with supplies, to Risa where the USS Washington was berthed.

"Sorry for the less than comfortable seating arrangements. I don't normally carry live cargo on these runs." The chubby little man at the helm called over his shoulder.

"Quite alright, I have been in worse situations." Janelle replied politely. Although, after much thought, she couldn't remember ever having a more cramped shuttle ride.

"If it makes you feel any better, we are about an hour from Risa." 'Chubby' said with a chuckle.

Not seeing the humor in his comment, Janelle decided to take that time for some much-needed reflection.

{Two Weeks Ago}

Janelle stood in the graveyard alone, quiet and in serious thought. She was carrying a bunch of wildflowers, and she soaked up the warm breeze as it blew, ruffling the branches of the overhanging trees.

She separated the bouquet in her hands into two equal bunches before kneeling and placing them on a pair of adjacent headstones. 

"Thought I might find you here." A voice sounded in the background.

Janelle turned to see her friend from the Academy crossing the lawn.  She reached out and touched the worn stone markers in silence for a few moments more, as if she was reluctant to leave before she finally stood up and turned towards her visitor.

"You found me!" Janelle smiled, "There is no hiding from you anymore." 

Natalie smiled back holding her arms out and hugging her friend, "I wouldn't intrude but I come with news. Our transfer orders came through this morning! We've received our assignments." She stated excitedly "I thought you would want to know right away. "

Janelle let out a sigh of relief and held out her arms to embrace her friend , "We've been stationed together?" 

Natalie shook her head, "No. But we knew that would probably happen..." her voice began to trail off as she seen the look of disappointment on Janelle's face, "don't look like that, this is what we've been waiting for. All that work at the Academy, it's lead to this day." 

Janelle forced a smile, "I know, just disappointed. We've spent every day together since we both joined the Academy.  How will I get by without my best friend?"

"Who will you drink with without your best friend you mean."  Natalie teased, "We can still talk every day and who knows, maybe we'll get assigned together in the future." 

Janelle knew she was going to miss her friend greatly but was also excited for her first assignment, "You're right. "I'm going to miss your optimism." She conceded. 

"You're going to miss more than just that." Natalie laughed.

Janelle looked back over her shoulder at the two graves and let out a solemn smile,, before turning her attention back to Natalie "Come on," She said, clasping her hands behind her and stepping forward "Let's get a drink." 

"To celebrate of course." Natalie mused

"Of course." Barett replied as the two giggled.

{Present}

'Such is the life of a Starfleet officer' Janelle tried to reason with herself as she felt the lump forming in her throat.

"We will be stopping in a few minutes, Ma'am" 'chubby'. the shuttle pilot called over his shoulder.

"Thank you," Janelle said politely as she blinked back the tears in her eyes. 

It would take time, but Janelle knew she would acclimate to her new home.  Keeping that thought in mind, she put on her best professional face and dusted the seat of her uniform as the shuttle came to a stop.

"Here we are, all safe and sound." The man threw one last comment over his shoulder.

"Thank you for a very... interesting... ride," Janelle said with a smile as she waited for the shuttle hatch to open. 'Let's go home'

=^=
Ensign Janelle Barett
Strategic Operations

 

RSS Feed