While the week on Earth went slower than the one on Betazed, Julian Bashir was still sad when the time came for him to leave his parents. He had the opportunity to introduce Commander Rzepka as his girlfriend to many of his family members and more importantly, his grandmother. He didn't get along well with his parents, but luckily they were manageable for this visit.

Casperia Prime boasted the most reliable enviornment control system in the quadrant. Bashir and Rzepka spent five beautiful days on warm, sandy beaches and relaxing in a swinging hammock. By the end of the week, though, they were both ready to get back to work.

On the way back to Starbase 23, where the fleet assembled, their transport made a stop on Ferenginar - for an event Commander Rzepka didn't care to relive.

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Kymberli Rzepka and I am one of Nog's friends as well as his commanding officer. It is with great sadness that I stand in front of you today to celebrate our friend. Nog's life was taken away from us too soon and it is hard to understand why tragic things like this happen to such good people. However, this is a question without an answer and we should not dwell on the loss of our dear friend, son and fellow officer. Today let's celebrate his life and remember all of the remarkable things Nog accomplished and how wonderful his life was.

Nog and I met on Deep Space Nine during my first year there. He was a cadet, a very young cadet, but not for long. Once he was promoted, we were paired together as engineers and this was the first time we both had gone into battle. Nog and I bonded instantly and helped each other get through a difficult first year of the Dominion War. Eventually, he and I both became war casualties, bring our relationship even closer. He was always there when I needed someone to talk to. We both got promoted our second year together and he taught me how to play Dabo. I will always look back on Deep Space Nine with fond memories and appreciate getting to know Nog so well.

Lieutenant Nog was a fine officer. He always volunteered to help when something needed to be done. I knew that I could trust him with anything and I respected him more than words can say. While I took my time teaching him about what it takes to become a commissioned officer, he taught me what it takes to stay young and enjoy life, a lesson that was frequently welcomed during the most difficult parts of the war. He died a hero and a warrior.

Nog will be sorely missed. It is incredibly sad that Nog's life ended so soon and I cannot put into words how much I will miss him. Nog was a positive person and would not want us to be sad today. If he were here he would tell us to cheer up, smile and remember all of the great memories we all shared. Even though Nog may be gone, his memory will live on in all of us forever.

The two weeks that passed since Rzepka's last day on Betazed were a blur. She loved spending so much quality time with her Imdazi. Now the day she dreaded was here. They day of Nog's funeral.

"What's that you're reading so intently?"

The doctor returned from the replicator with a cup of tea in his hand. He lowered himself onto the chair next to Rzepka's. The guest quarters they shared were dark, with large windows to display the pouring rain outside. The Tower of Commerce was visible in the distance, the tallest building on Fereginar.

The commander still wore her pajamas, yet she eyed the dress uniform hanging on the closet door. She already dreaded having to put it on.

"Nog's eulogy."

"It's about time to get ready," the doctor said. He was already dressed in part of his uniform, vice his jacket. "Do you want me to read over it while you get dressed?"

"No, thanks" the commander responded. "It's about as done as it will ever be."

Within a few minutes, Commander Rzepka reappeared wearing her white officer's uniform. It felt stiff and formal. She didn't like it one bit.

"I love seeing you in your dress whites," Bashir gushed softly as he stepped closer to her. He reached out and straightened one of the pips on her collar. "Where's your Pike?"

Rzepka looked down at her officer decorations – fourteen total – affixed to the chest of her tunic.

"To be honest," she started, turning and walking over to the mirror to check her hair one more time. "It brings back some pretty terrible memories. So I don't wear it any more." She combed through her short brown hair. She received the Christopher Pike Medal of Valor after her work disassembling an assassination ring within Starfleet Intelligence and Section 31. Before she disassembled the ring, however, her partner was murdered by them. "And I always thought Captain Pike was a bit of a dickhead anyway."

Bashir's surprise at her statement showed when his mouth flew open, then he burst into laughter. "But you didn't even know him."

"Well," she concluded, finishing her hair and checking her teeth in the mirror. "He did some self-centered things."

Commander Rzepka finished with her hair and teeth, then proceeded out the door of their guest quarters. The officers walked together to the transporter station, quietly, until the doctor broke the silence.

"I know this is hard."

Rzepka looked up at his soft face, wishing they were anywhere but on rainy Ferenginar. The rain let up a few minuets before they left their quarters, but the drizzle started to fall again as they reached the transporter station. His words couldn't mend her broken heart, but they did soothe her soul. Just a tiny bit. She didn't know what to say, but luckily Bashir kept talking.

"I just want you to to know that I love you. And I'm here to support you. And you can do this. You can do anything."

Commander Rzepka slipped her hand into his and held it tight. She knew in two more days, they would be arriving back to reality on Starbase 23. Then, back out to the uncertainty of the stars. She wasn't sure she was ready. She needed more time. They both needed more time.