A/N: Thank you pallysd'Artagnan and 29Pieces for reviewing again! Rios totally would have jumped in if Raf needed some backup, but she had it sorted. XD

"Seasons Changing"

2372

The Nova Squadron didn't win the Rigel Cup while Rios was on the team, but that was okay. His piloting skills, which were pretty damn good already, became exceptional from his experience with them. But it had come time to move on. He'd completed his standard courses at Starfleet Academy and was going to continue with the Advance Training track, which would consume all of his time for the next three years.

Raffi plopped down on the couch next to him, two glasses of champagne in her hands. "I got my posting," she said, passing him one of the flutes. There was a lot of celebrating going on among the graduating class.

"Yeah?"

"Mars. Starfleet Intelligence."

He clinked his glass against hers. "Congratulations."

She beamed. Her final year at the Academy she'd proven she had a sharp analytical mind and had started hoping for a job in the Intelligence division. Rios was glad she'd gotten one.

Raffi sighed with a touch of moroseness. "This is the last time we're going to do this."

He paused mid-sip. "When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow. I have to pack tonight."

He nodded. They'd both known their paths would diverge after graduation. It was a bittersweet milestone.

"Maybe now I'll finally be able to get my work done without you constantly interrupting," he remarked.

She shoved her shoulder against his, almost making him spill his drink. "And I can stop having to deal with chicks pestering me about whether you're available and if I could set them up with you."

Rios straightened. "Hang on, I had a personal dating service at my fingertips and you never told me?"

Raffi snorted. "Like you needed me to pick up girls."

They fell into a comfortable silence, sipping their champagne.

"I am going to miss having my own personal chef," Raffi lamented after a moment.

"Get a hologram."

She smirked. "Not the same."

"No," he agreed.

They sat for a few more moments before Raffi let out another sigh and set her glass down. "I should go pack."

"Keep in touch," Rios called after her.

She grinned and saluted him on her way out. He stayed on the couch nursing his champagne. Times were changing.

It was the nature of things.