Stardate 77625.7

“Lieutenant junior grade Iz’i’raa sh’Solom’aa. Your Starfleet file is impressive so far. I can see a bright future for you.”

“Mm hm.” Izi’s arms were crossed over her chest, a scowl and frown on her face. Her antennae leaned slightly forward. She rehashed in her mind something Captain Halsey said.

“Crew of the USS Mercy. You are, as of now, on a two-week rest from duties. Each of you has been assigned a meeting with Starfleet Counseling in your time away.”

Izi was on the bridge when Halsey said that and she almost groaned outwardly.

The Andorian counselor, Lieutenant Commander Ma’la’ra zh’Denzu, studied Izi, her antennae moving in tiny circles. She was a zhen female, about age sixty, with a face that showed experience and wisdom.

“Lieutenant, may I call you Iziraa? This isn’t an inquisition,” said Denzu.

“You may and I know,” said Izi, holding her ‘I don’t want to be here’ position.

“I’m here for your health and well being,” said Denzu. “We all have our duties. How about you cooperate so you can enjoy your time off?”

Typical zhen, thought Izi. “Fine.” She relaxed her posture, placing her hands in her lap, her antennae returning to their normal movement.

“In your report, I see that you experienced the feeling like someone was touching your antennae,” said Denzu. “The first time was while you were part of the team investigating the Colorado. The second was when you were back on the Mercy after the computer entity hacked the ship. How did that make you feel?”

Izi rolled her eyes. “How do you think it made me feel?”

“We’re not here to talk about me.”

Izi sighed. “It was a violation. You know that. I wanted to hit whoever it was.”

“Hit?”

“Pummel into unconsciousness.” Izi’s antennae were beginning to lean back, as though she was guarding them from harm.

“Since you were ultimately unable to do that, what happened next?”

“I continued in my duties, performing as required,” said Izi.

“In those duties, you helped people. How’s your ankle?”

“Yes, I helped people and my ankle is fine. Sickbay treated me and there’s no pain. I’m Andorian. What I experienced was nothing and I shouldn’t be here.”

Denzu tapped something into her computer. “What did you think about the destruction of the death entity, Ruby sacrificing herself, and the people that were wired into the computer?”

“When the computer was destroyed, I was glad. What it did was evil,” said Izi. “What Ruby did was noble. If Humans had a Wall of Heroes, she would be honored there. The people that were wired in?” Izi shrugged.

“A shrug?” said Denzu.

“I didn’t know them and ending the computer released them and gave them peace.”

Denzu nodded, making another entry on her computer.

“Do you have plans while you’re here on Earth?”

“I was thinking of going snowboarding. It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to enjoy the cold. I’m also going to visit my academy roommate’s family. I spent the Christmas holidays with them when we were on winter break.”

Denzu nodded. “Sounds fun. I visit the colder regions here as often as my duties allow.”

“Is there anything else you need?” Izi had become comfortable, but she still wanted to leave.

“No, that’s all,” said Denzu.

“Did I pass?”

“This isn’t about passing or failing,” said Denzu. “It’s about you and how you’re going forward after what happened. Though you are right about something. Iz’i’raa sh’Solom’aa, you are Andorian.”

Izi smiled.