Chapter Twenty-One: Alone

"We should be safe here," Nevilka said. They had landed on Oknashta ten minutes ago. Enterprise hid itself far enough from military sensors. "It's best that we wait till sunset. It'll be less commotion then."

She walked back into the shuttle.

Trip and Malcolm began preparing the itinerary.

"How are you?" Malcolm asked Trip.

"Been better."

"Everything will be fine. We'll get that antidote and save Hoshi from that bloody virus." Malcolm grinned. "Maybe even blow up some valuable things."

Trip laughed and patted Malcolm on the shoulder.

-----

Oknashta, Trip admitted, really was a beautiful planet. It was too bad he wouldn't have time to enjoy it. There was only one reason Enterprise had any interest here. He walked to the nearby lake and was surprised at the rich darkness. Trip thought it was a beautiful black; it reminded him of Hoshi's hair. He splashed his face with the water.

"Hurry and make a wish!"

"Oh…my…"

"Did you make your wish?"

"Trip. That was absolutely beautiful. I've never seen shooting stars that close before."

"You haven't answered my question. Did you make your wish?"

"Yes. You?"

"Hoshi, I don't need a shooting star to make a wish. I already have one. You."

He splashed another handful of water on his face. Trip walked back to the landing area and heard a scream. He ran to the shuttle, Malcolm behind him.

Nevilka was hysteric. Trip rushed to her and she backed away against a corner.

"It's alright," Trip said, calmly, holding up his hands to show he meant no harm. "You're safe."

Nevilka calmed down and she stared at Trip. "What happened?"

"Exactly what we would like to know," Malcolm said.

"We heard you screaming," Trip said, helping her to stand.

"I had a bad dream," Nevilka mumbled. "I'm sorry."

"Don't worry about it," Trip assured. "We all get nightmares."

Malcolm exited the shuttle.

Nevilka suddenly cried and buried her head in Trip's chest. He was caught off guard but gently held her.

She realized she was in his arms and stepped away. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that." She wiped her face and avoided looking at him.

"Hey." He lifted her face to look at him. "It helps to talk."

She looked away. "I've always had the same dream where I see my friends' blow-up in our getaway vehicle. It's so vivid. I still hurt." She turned to him. "It hurts to know I'm alone."

Trip wanted so much to comfort her. He thought of how awful it would feel to be alone on a lifelong mission. Was he ever alone? Even when stranded 'alone' he always had someone with him.

"It's time," Malcolm said, walking into the shuttle.