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Chris knew as soon as he received the invitation from Phil that something was up. It was unusual enough that Phil was inviting him over to his place - they both knew that Chris preferred to host - but the careful wording of the offer was what really set his radar off. But he went anyway, bringing a freshly baked loaf of bread and some nice cheeses that they both enjoyed, and waited until after dessert to say anything.
“So,” Chris began. “What did you want to talk about?”
Phil’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
“Come on, Phil,” Chris said. “You’re my best friend. I could tell from the way you asked me to dinner that you had something you needed to get off your chest.”
Phil nodded. “You’re right,” he admitted. He took a deep breath. “I don’t think I’m going to sign onto Enterprise’s five-year mission.”
Chris raised his eyebrows. “Really? Why?”
He fiddled with his napkin and sighed. “The last mission took a real toll on me,” Phil said. “I loved serving with you, but I think I need to be planetside for a while.”
“That makes sense,” Chris said. His heart sank, but he did his best to keep his tone light for the benefit of his friend. “I know you did your best, but I could tell that you weren’t happy during the last few months of the tour.” Phil nodded. “Do you know what you’re going to do instead?”
“Starfleet Medical School offered me a teaching position,” Phil said. “I think I’m going to try it for at least a semester or two. Then we’ll see what happens.”
“I think you’ll be a great teacher, Phil,” Chris said with a smile. “And who knows? I still haven’t decided if I’m going back to Enterprise. Maybe I’ll take a post at the Academy and we can have offices next to each other.”
Phil smiled, then shook his head. “That would be nice,” he said. “But you belong in space, Chris. I know you’ll find your way back.”
Chris just shrugged. “I’m glad you’re doing what’s best for you,” he said instead of responding. He got up and hugged his friend. “Don’t be a stranger.”
“I won’t,” Phil promised. “Godspeed, Chris.”