### *Tobias: Searching for a Home*
The days aboard the orbital station continued to drag on, a monotonous blur of routines that left Tobias feeling adrift. While his new identity as Raven gave him a small sense of purpose, the question of his future hung over him like a dark cloud. His family, the Kains, had moved on to safety elsewhere, and Evergrand Island was no longer an option for him. The orbital station was temporary—a place to catch his breath, but not a home.
Sitting in his quarters, Tobias stared at the communicator in his hands, scrolling through opportunities Starfleet or otherwise. Each option brought more questions than answers. For the first time in a while, he truly felt lost.
---
### *A Visit from Blueberry*
Blueberry, ever the calming presence, dropped by later that evening. She leaned casually against the doorframe, her blue eyes studying him.
“You’ve been quiet lately,” she said, stepping inside. “What’s going on?”
Tobias sighed, setting the communicator down. “I’m trying to figure out what to do next. I can’t stay here forever, but it feels like every option is a dead end.”
Blueberry pulled up a chair, her expression thoughtful. “What have you looked into so far?”
Tobias shrugged. “I applied for a mission on Callora Prime. They’re looking for Starfleet personnel to help with rebuilding after a disaster. I figured it might be a good way to use my rank as an Ensign to make a difference.”
“And?” Blueberry asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I didn’t get it,” Tobias said bitterly, holding up the communicator and reading from the message. “Thank you for your interest, but we’re currently prioritizing applicants with extensive Starfleet experience and long-term service records.”
---
### *The Frustration of Rejection*
“It’s like every door I try to open just slams in my face,” Tobias muttered, his tail flicking irritably. “I thought being an Ensign meant I had a chance to prove myself, but I’m still not good enough.”
Blueberry frowned, her mechanical fingers tapping against the arm of her chair. “It’s not about you not being good enough. Callora Prime is a big assignment—they want people who’ve been in Starfleet for years because they’ve seen it all. You’re still at the start of your journey.”
“That doesn’t make it any easier,” Tobias said, his voice heavy. “I feel like I’m stuck in limbo. Too qualified for some things, not qualified enough for others.”
---
### *Exploring More Options*
Determined not to let Tobias spiral further into frustration, Blueberry sat with him for the next few hours, combing through other possibilities. Together, they reviewed Starfleet postings, civilian opportunities, and refugee settlements in nearby systems.
“There’s a technical apprentice program on Ferrox Station,” Blueberry said, scrolling through a listing. “It’s not Starfleet, but it’s good experience, and they take younger applicants.”
Tobias shook his head. “I’m not sure that’s the right fit. I don’t even know if I want to be a technician.”
“Okay, what about this?” Blueberry asked, pulling up another listing. “There’s a security program on Ordan IV. They train people for civilian protection roles.”
Tobias hesitated. “That sounds... interesting, but I don’t know. It feels like a step backward.”
Blueberry sighed, leaning back in her chair. “You’re looking for the perfect option, but that’s not how this works. Sometimes you have to take what’s available and make the best of it.”
---
### *A Message from the Kains*
As Tobias and Blueberry wrapped up their search, his communicator buzzed with a new message. It was from the Kains.
“Hi, Tobias,” Mrs. Kain’s voice said warmly. “We just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing. We know this hasn’t been easy, but we’re so proud of you for pushing forward. Wherever you go, remember you’ll always have a family with us. Stay strong, okay?”
Tobias felt a lump rise in his throat. “They still believe in me,” he said quietly.
“Of course they do,” Blueberry said. “And so do I. You’re not out of options, Tobias. You’re just figuring things out.”
---
### *Looking Ahead*
That night, Tobias sat on the observation deck, gazing out at the stars. His rejection from the Callora Prime mission still stung, but Blueberry’s words stuck with him. Maybe it wasn’t about finding the perfect place—maybe it was about making the best of whatever opportunities came his way.
“I don’t know where I’m going yet,” Tobias said to himself, gripping his raven mask. “But I’ll find my way. I always do.”
As the stars shimmered faintly in the darkness, Tobias felt a renewed sense of determination. The journey ahead might be uncertain, but he was ready to face it, one step at a time.
