### *Tobias: Trapped in the Void*
The Epsilon Nebula Outpost was bustling as ever, a hive of activity with people coming and going, all with a purpose. For Tobias, however, the vibrant energy of the station only amplified his sense of isolation. Stripped of his Starfleet rank, without money, food, or shelter, he drifted aimlessly through the halls, trying to stay invisible while his stomach growled in protest.
He leaned against a cold metal wall in a quieter section of the station, clutching his raven mask in his hands. His cloak was starting to look worn and tattered, a visible sign of his struggles. For the first time in a long while, Tobias felt like he was out of options.
---
### *The Harsh Reality*
Food vendors lined the main corridors, the aroma of grilled meats, sweet pastries, and freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. Tobias avoided looking at them directly, knowing he couldn’t afford even the cheapest scraps. He had spent the last few days scavenging where he could—bits of discarded bread, half-empty bottles of water left behind by passengers—but it wasn’t enough to sustain him.
His situation wasn’t just about hunger. The station authorities had already warned him about loitering after his hearing. Without funds to rent a room or the means to buy a ticket off the station, Tobias was essentially trapped. If he couldn’t figure something out soon, he risked being arrested again—this time for vagrancy.
---
### *A Desperate Move*
As the day dragged on, Tobias found himself in a quiet section of the station, near the maintenance corridors. He crouched down behind a stack of crates, trying to think of a plan. His communicator, which had once been a lifeline to his friends and family, was now just another useless weight in his pocket. He had no one left to call.
“This can’t go on,” he muttered to himself, running a hand through his fur. “I need... something. Anything.”
A maintenance worker walked by, carrying a toolbox, and Tobias considered asking them for help. But the thought of explaining his situation—of admitting how far he had fallen—made his stomach churn. He stayed hidden, watching the worker disappear around the corner.
---
### *An Encounter with Blueberry*
Later that evening, as Tobias wandered the quieter sections of the station, he ran into Blueberry. The nindroid had been looking for him, her blue eyes glowing faintly as she approached.
“Tobias,” she said, her voice tinged with concern. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. You look... worse than usual.”
“I’m fine,” Tobias lied, his voice flat. “Just... figuring things out.”
Blueberry crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. “You’re not fine. You’re starving, aren’t you?”
Tobias didn’t answer, but his silence was enough. Blueberry sighed, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“Come with me,” she said. “I’ll find you something to eat.”
---
### *A Small Reprieve*
Blueberry led Tobias to a small corner of the station she had been using as a makeshift workshop. Among the scattered tools and spare parts, she had stashed a small supply of rations. She handed him a protein bar and a bottle of water, watching as he devoured them hungrily.
“Thanks,” Tobias said between bites, his voice soft. “I don’t know what I would’ve done without this.”
“You’re welcome,” Blueberry said, sitting down across from him. “But this isn’t a long-term solution, Tobias. You need a plan.”
“Do you think I don’t know that?” Tobias snapped, though the frustration in his voice wasn’t directed at her. “I’ve tried everything. I can’t leave the station without money, and I can’t make money without... I don’t even know what anymore. I’m trapped.”
---
### *Tobias’s Frustration*
Blueberry tilted her head, studying him thoughtfully. “You’re not completely out of options. It might not be ideal, but there are ways to survive until something better comes along.”
“Like what?” Tobias asked, his tone skeptical.
“There are always odd jobs on a station like this,” Blueberry said. “Maintenance work, cargo hauling, cleaning... It’s not glamorous, but it’ll keep you fed and off the station authorities’ radar.”
Tobias scoffed, shaking his head. “That would be great—if they actually hired Penitatas. You don’t get it, Blue. People like me don’t get second chances. The second they see my record or ask about my past, they’ll shut the door in my face.”
Blueberry’s expression softened, and she leaned forward. “Then we’ll figure something else out. You’re not giving up. Not on my watch.”
Tobias sighed, his ears flattening against his head. “I’m not trying to give up, Blue. But it’s hard to fight when every door slams in your face.”
---
### *A Faint Glimmer of Hope*
As Tobias finished the last of the protein bar, he felt a faint flicker of hope. His situation was still dire, but Blueberry’s unwavering support gave him a reason to keep going.
“Thanks, Blue,” he said, his voice quieter now. “For everything.”
“Don’t mention it,” Blueberry replied with a small smile. “We’ll figure this out, Tobias. One step at a time.”
The station lights flickered faintly as Tobias leaned back against the wall, his thoughts racing. He didn’t know what the future held, but for now, he had a small reprieve—and that was enough to keep him moving forward.
“I’ll make it through this,” he muttered to himself. “I have to.”
