The atmosphere on the Mercy had changed over the last hour and a person didn't need to be empathic or have antennae to feel it.  Word of what happened to the away teams on the Colorado had spread quickly enough, but the experience Izi had with Ren Torell in the mess hall, set a speed record for how fast a story could be spread through a starship.

The captain set a course for moon base Charon in the hopes of learning what happened to the Colorado crew.  Izi expected to be part of the team investigating the base, but there were rumors she wouldn't be, so she had asked to speak with Commander Sorek about it.  Reaching his office, Izi took a deep breath and let it out slowly.  She was angry about missing a chance to solve the mystery, but she needed to remain disciplined and respectful.

“Is this a good time to talk, sir?”  Izi's antennae were leaning slightly forward.

“Yes, Lieutenant.  Please come in and sit down.”  Sorek was reading from a PADD, but he set it on his desk.  “What is on your mind?”  He knew, but he wanted Iziraa to express her concerns.

“There's talk around the ship that any away teams we send to Charon won't include telepaths or empaths.  I understand why, but people are saying they heard I can't go either,” said Izi.

“What people would that be?” said Sorek.

“You know.  People that know things.”

“I see.”  Sorek knew rumors and conjecture were parts of life on a ship, but most of the time, things were not true or even exaggerated.  Iziraa was getting her information through this so-called grapevine and he supposed it make perfect sense to her.

“It is true.  No telepaths or Andorians will be going to Charon.”

Izi's antennae drooped.  “But why, sir?  I know I had an experience, but nothing bad happened.”

“This time, Lieutenant.  As we got closer to the base, you saw what happened with Petty Officer Torell.  We cannot be certain something worse won't happen to you.”

“You can't be certain anything will.”

“Logic dictates we don't take that chance.”

“Sir, with respect, being in Starfleet is taking chances, especially working in security.”

“That is true,” said Sorek.  “But taking chances, or risks, is a natural part of Starfleet.  So is protecting personnel when the chance is too risky.  I appreciate your commitment to your duty, but for this mission, you will be serving on the bridge.”

It was all Izi could do to keep from demanding the commander change his mind, but she knew there would be consequences to that.  “There's nothing I can say to convince you to let me go with the team?”

“The decision has been made.”

“Yes, sir.”  A few moments passed.  “I'm due on the bridge soon.  May I be excused, sir?”

“Yes, but before you go, there is something important I need you to do.”