Nico looked around the lab, it was empty again, just the way he liked it. He moved his work station to the central table and began monitoring all the incoming and outgoing communications. Ships rolling in to take advantage of Mellstoxx’ gracious invitation, same with crew doing the same. He had previously pre-recorded his “Starbase Bravo wishes you well” message, as it will be used a lot today.

Nico wasn’t one for shore leave, not since ‘he’ left. He opted in to stay on the station and be the stand in for Comms. It was only 8 hours, and it meant more work in the end, but it also meant time for thoughts and meditation.

Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He transferred all the comms traffic to the Operations Center Comm’s Station, at least he would be able to have some conversation with those on Alpha Shift.

He walked down the Corridor of the Operations complex, past offices and offices all vacant, all on shore leave. I am sure he was going to be questioned, truth be told his heart wasn’t in it. Ever since his ex took everything, the memories, the fun, he just felt the need to work, to get where he wanted, where he was supposed to be. Does this mean he wants to go back into Intelligence? He wasn’t sure.

By the time he reached the central Turbolift ‘Turnover’ he was all disheveled. He pressed his hand on the handpad of the ‘Alpha’ turbolift to take him to Operations.

He rested on the back bar of the massive turbolift, it was 10:00 you’d think there would be more people coming in. As the doors slid open the stars opened his eyes. He fell in love.

“Lieutenant Nico Kalogeropoulos Reporting In,” he paused, “Just call me Nico.”

He looked towards the watchmen.