“Well, get ready to say your goodbyes to Galadkail,” Dawa said as she checked off items on a PADD. “We’ve been cleared for departure in 10 minutes.”

She glanced up at a small basket of fresh fruit sitting on the console next to her. “Gotta find somewhere to stow that before takeoff. Considering the state of the colony, it’s actually a pretty thoughtful gift. Maybe Prefect Adelbai warmed up to us after all? Or maybe it was her assistant’s idea.”

“Given how mad the Prefect was about the waterways not getting repaired, I’m going to guess her assistant,” Joshua replied. “I’ll put a recommendation to any future goodwill crews to fix them.”

“Good idea.” 

Dawa turned her attention to Cadet Tior as he came aboard. “I’ll have to take the pilot’s seat on the way home given your recent concussion,” she told him.

“I’m not coming with you, I just came to say goodbye and wish you the best of luck on your journey home, guys. Lt Commander Dawa, Joshua, Cadet Kinos and of course Zoff, I am staying here. The USS Gilroy is just about to come into orbit, and they are going to beam me up as soon as I’m ready. It’s been an honor and privilege to serve beside you guys. Maybe when I’m back from the Delta Quadrant we can catch up sometime if you guys are ever free or we are at the same starbase” said Jabir.

“Good luck out there,” Dawa said with a smile. “You’re already a hell of an engineer, and not a bad pilot!”

Joshua nodded, “Of course, look me up when you get back.” He went to shake Tior’s hand, but he was barreled aside by Cadet Zoff.

Zoff hugged Jabir, “Thank you. I owe you my life, literally. I won’t forget what you did for me.”

“Anytime. I hope you would have done the same for me,” said Jabir.

Once Jabir was free of Zoff, Josh continued his farewell. “You’ve been an asset to the team. The Gilroy is lucky.”

With that, Jabir gave everyone a firm handshake goodbye and left the runabout, standing a few meters away to allow the ship room to take off. Next to his gear, he tapped his combadge, and away he went on to his next mission.

Back in the runabout, Dawa turned her attention to Josh and the remaining cadets. “Well, which one of you wants to take the navigation console?”

“I’ll split navigation with Cadet Eager Beaver,” Joshua said to Dawa. “Zoff still needs to take it easy for a while. Should we get underway?”

“Well, we’ve been cleared for takeoff,” said Dawa. “Once you’re all settled, we’ll jet. Oh, and…”

Dawa took the fruit basket off the console and handed it to Josh. “You’re in charge of refreshments again!”

Joshua took the basket with glee. He took a fruit, smelled it, and took a large bite. “Eager Beaver, you’re on navigation!” Joshua said as he sat down and looked through the basket.