Captain Jaya Thorne leaned against her desk, arms folded, watching the planet Raeya slowly drift past her window. Fourth Fleet Command had sent a message a few days ago, ordering shore leave for all crew, and Jaya had the task of coming up with an idea for anyone who didn’t already have plans, but she was utterly out of them. What did people do for fun, anyway? For her, it would be to lock herself in her quarters with a stack of books, and forget the outside world existed, but she doubted she could order the whole Task Force to do that.  

The door to her office chimed. “Come in.” she said, turning around and taking a seat. 

An Ensign came briskly through the door, carrying a PADD in his hand. “Excuse the interruption Captain, but we just got a message from Khitomer.” he said, holding the PADD out for her to take. 

“Thank you, Ensign.” she said as she took it from him. Without another word, he turned on his heel and left the room. She leaned back in her chair, and began reading.

Captains Pryce and Thorne, Task Force 86

I often hear of Starfleet’s courage and discipline, of its resourcefulness and resilience, but tell me this: How often do your officers soil their hands gathering firewood? When was the last time you slept beneath the stars with the forest around you?

I, HoD Kravok, challenge your Task Force to The Path of Ash and Leaf, a rite older than many wars. No weapons but your wits, no shelter but what you can build. This is a trial by nature, not by blood. 

We shall navigate by the stars, build fires without your replicator sorcery, and face the wild without any cowardly tricorders! For 10 days, you will live as the warriors of old once did, with the land as your ally and the night as your rival. 

Complete the trials, and I shall sing your glory, and declare you more than uniformed diplomats! Lose, and I shall hang your combadge on my belt, and drink to your memory! Meet me on Khitomer in one week’s time, unless you are afraid!

HoD Kravok

Son of Marek

Kravok Battle Group

Commander of the K’Tarek

Jaya smiled. This is perfect, she thought. Perhaps a friendly challenge from the Klingons would help rally her officers together, and let them blow off some steam. Either way, she had found her idea for Shore Leave. She pulled herself back in to her desk, and typed out a message for her Task Force Captains. 

From: Captain Jaya Thorne

To: Task Force 86

Subject: Shore Leave

I think it goes without saying, but after recent events, a little R&R is required. I suspect it’s been longer than anyone would care to admit since you’ve seen a beach, or a proper cocktail for that matter, and I cannot in good conscience let that stand any longer. That being said, you’re going on vacation! Yes, it turns out I can order people to take a vacation, No, you cannot delegate this order to your XO. Consider this a chance to spend time with your fellow Task Force Captains without the looming threat of galactic destruction. The details are attached. Have fun, and see you there!

Captain Jaya Thorne

Task Force 86 Executive Officer

She sent the message, then stood, brushed off her uniform, and left her office to pack her bags.