"We would be more than pleased to reinstate you to your position." Captain Picard treaded softly knowing that Anya was still quite fragile, but the academic side of him was doing cartwheels at the thought of Anya returning and running the labs as well as producing her research. "I don't want you to rush into anything though. You've been through so much in the past little while."
"I know my parents will be disappointed, but my mother will respect me for what I am choosing to do. My father was always happy for me to be home, but he was the one that encouraged me to leave in the first place." Anya paused for a moment and looked out the window. "My ancestors, the ones that first became Brethren, they were very forward thinking in their beliefs that people should come to their own understanding of their faith and not be told what it is from birth. They were persecuted for their beliefs and actions, then somewhere along the way some of them got caught up with remaining in the World and not of the World our history shares that some could be seen still using horse and buggy until well into the 21st century. Yet at the same time, more continued to grow and change and move with the thoughts of sustaining their beliefs and yet being part of the world and becoming Salt and Light instead. They maintained the principle beliefs of conflict resolution over violence, social justice and sustainable living by using technology to help them. Then about 50 years ago, the colony was formed and the colonist didn't go backwards to the very old beliefs exactly, but they surely got stuck. I was the first one to look further than our farm land and arts… I chose to pursue science and that took be away from the colony and back to earth, were I found people with my same heritage working in Starfleet. The colonists continued to believe the basic foundations of our faith, yet they embraced the challenges of other things. I tried to come home and share my lessons, they appreciated my abilities to teach and they embraced Kyle fit the mold, my community isn't ready for me yet. They love me and support me, but they don't understand me." Anya let a tear escape from her eye before she brushed it away. "Kyle was happy there, and I was happy with Kyle. Kyle is gone now… I know it seems like I'm moving too fast, but somehow coming back here is like coming home as well."
"Anya, I appreciate your honesty. I will send the subspace notification to Starfleet and you should be ready to report for duty before we leave. Orbit."
"Then I need to go and prepare my family." Anya nodded and stood to leave. "Thank you." Anya finished before she left and Captain Picard sat back down at his desk. Something about that woman caused Jean Luc to pause and he wasn't quite sure what it was.
"You will be missed." Johanna hugged her daughter. "You will keep us updated daily of Carina's progress."
"Absolutely," Anya agreed. She knew that her family would miss her, but they had each other and the greater community to help with. Anya didn't feel like she was escaping the colony, while they grieved the loss of those members, but at the same time the greater community understood why Anya was leaving.
"You've taken everything that you need. How are you going to manage on only replicated food?" Samuel asked as he joked with her.
"Somehow I will manage. If there is a way to produce some food without the replicator I will try." Anya assured.
"You are going to meet with Kyle's family in a few weeks?" Fletcher asked as he hugged his sister. His strength had slowly started to come back, but it was a good thing that the growing season was still several months off. He would need it to recuperate.
"Yes, George and Karen are now on Star Base 2374 and the Enterprise will be docking there in two weeks for some crew changes." Anya shared. "You will keep me posted on the children as well. Carina's cousins will be a part of her life and we will come and visit as soon as I get leave."
"We know." Johanna agreed.
"You and the clinic staff will maintain the garden?" Anya made sure when she caught up with Dr. Masters.
"We plan on changing your home into an external centre for the clinic, the gardens will be well looked after."
"I'm glad," Anya nodded and hugged Chrissy. "You go and take your studies. I know you will be a great nurse."
"I plan to be. I'm going to study midwifery as well."
"Good..." When Anya got to the end of line of people, Duncan stood looking a little sad.
"You will be getting your notices in a few months Duncan, when you do I want to know so subspace me a message right away."
"Maybe we will work together in the future." Duncan suggested and Anya agreed.
"You follow your heart." Anya shared wisely and Duncan nodded. When she got back to her mother she collected Carina from her and smiled. As she was now dressed in her Starfleet uniform, she tapped the communicator and announced that she was ready to beam aboard. With the group waving goodbye Anya returned to the starship.