With the Mercy in distress because of another attack from whoever was on Charon base, and with so many systems out, Captain Halsey needed information. He had ordered Izi to make her way off the bridge, do recon, and find a way to report back. Izi had initially objected, as her first duty was to guard her captain, but with other officers on the bridge, he would be safe. Being Andorian and able to successfully travel in darkened corridors, she was the one to send.

Izi had to climb down a ladder in the turbolift shaft, ending up on deck 5. She felt that was the best place to begin, as there were crew quarters and recreation room 1. With a phaser on her hip, a tricorder and flashlight in her hands, and an emergency first aid kit slung over her shoulder she paused to listen, her antennae moving slowly.

The usual ambient sounds of the ship weren’t there, leaving Izi feeling an eerie silence that felt tangible, like a blanket draped over her shoulders. Dim emergency lighting cast twisted shadows that reminded her of creatures and monsters from spooky ghost stories. Shaking off the jitters tumbling in her stomach, she was about to activate her tricorder, when she heard moaning coming from behind her.

Spinning around, her flashlight showed a person sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall. Moving to the injured man, Izi knelt beside him. There was a cut on his forehead, with blood slowly dripping down his nose and chin.

“I’m Lieutenant Iziraa.”

“I’m Joe. I guess I took a bad step.”

“I’m not a doctor, but from what I can tell, you don’t have any serious injuries.” Izi opened a sterile gauze pack from her kit, placing it on his forehead. She grabbed his hand and pressed it to the pad. “Hold it there until the bleeding stops, then try to reach sickbay. The lifts are out, so you’ll need to be creative.”

Joe looked at Izi, his face asking a wordless question.

“I need to go. The captain sent me to assess the damage to the ship. I’m sure you’ll be fine.” Izi smiled, hoping that would make him feel better.

“Okay,” said Joe.

Izi felt bad leaving, but she had to get moving. There was still so much she needed to do.