[Bridge]
EQ could not help but smile at Luchico description of him. Most people didn't speak about him mechanical parts. She was not afraid too and he liked that about her.
"Well you won't find me with a little umbrella decorated drink in my hand. That's for sure. I'm too manly for that" he replied with a bit of a laugh.
"I was thinking about taking in some sky-diving. Or something exciting like that. But you might be right about the need for me to stay close to friendly faces" he agreed.
[Bridge]
"Sky diving? After all we've been through? I need to give my blood pressure a rest, thank you very much." Luchico replied, though with a quirky smile. "That being said, I'll give you a shout after a couple of those yummy drinks, if I reconsider."
Alex glanced over at the helmsman, imitation perfect of a Vulcan with his eyebrow raised. "Sorry sir, sending the message now." Luchico quickly added, deft fingers flickering over her console. "Warp core is confirmed...offline. Kimball, go ahead and vent the nacelles, I'm sure Chief Donovan's eager to get started."
Following the progress on his smaller display set into the XO's chair, Alex nodded. "Alright, Kimball, Luchico, you're relieved." He motioned for two crewmembers to take their places. "Have fun down there."
<A Little While Later>
[Ilandria: Ilandrian Gardens]
An odd feeling kept tugging at Alex as he wandered along the paths of Ilandria's idyllic gardens. He wasn't sure what it was exactly, but eventually settled on not knowing what to do. Alex couldn't recall the last time he had been on leave, not actual leave. Normally it'd be on a starbase or some outpost's sad excuse of a bar, and he almost always had some work with him. It kept him sane. Ever since he had lost Susan, Earth just didn't feel like home anymore, and he hadn't been back, besides the Academy, for years. Work was an effective bulwark against his past memories, the loose ends he had never managed to quite tie up. On a planet as wondrous and diverse as Ilandria, he simply didn't have anything to do. And that scared him.
A helpful, overly so to be honest, guide at the visitor centre had recommended their sector famous gardens, followed by a quick anti-grav tram to the seaside. Alex did appreciate the beauty around him, but the longer he spent amidst the fragrant blossoms and manicured greenery, the tighter his chest felt.
Tabernac, he swore silently, increasing his pace and pushing against the terror bubbling up inside. Stonefaced and rigid, he brushed past others, ignoring the blurred faces as they turned in annoyance.
Alex darted into the first secluded alcove he found off the main path, leaning against a stone bench as he struggled to compose himself. "Merde." He muttered after several moments, sitting down in the thick grass with his back against the stone. With a heavy sigh, he pulled a commbadge out of his pocket and gazed at the small metallic roundel for which he had given so much.
Alex placed it, what had put him off so. The gardens smelled like her perfume. He knew if he closed his eyes, he would find himself standing infront of the ocean, the moist breeze against his skin. Feeling the warm cedar planks beneath his bare feet, smooth and weatherworn, and hearing her laughter trickle through the window.
He kept them open instead.