Entering sickbay, Izi stopped for a moment to look for Lori.  Seeing her sitting on a biobed, staring at herself in a mirror, Izi waited before approaching.

“Hey, Iz,” said Lori, not looking away from the mirror.  Her voice was sullen.

“Hey, Lor,” said Izi, moving to her friend’s side.  “How are you doing?”

“I suppose the captain filled you in?”  Lori was still looking at her reflection.

“Yes.”

There were a few moments of an awkward silence.

“Look at me,” said Izi.  “I wasn’t here the first time you went undercover.”

Lori faced Iziraa, setting the mirror next to her on the bed.

Izi made a show of studying Lori.  “You look hot with all black eyes.”  She smiled.

Lori smirked.  “I look hot all the time.”

“Oo baby,” said Izi.

Both women laughed.

“So how are you doing?” said Izi.

Before Lori replied, the EMH joined them.  “Are you satisfied, Doctor?”

“Yes.  You did good work,” said Lori.

“Of course I did,  If you need me to fill in a page in a coloring book, I can do that, too,” said the EMH.

“Computer, deactivate EMH.” said Lori.  “Classified mission, so my nurse couldn’t be involved.”

Izi understood.  “So, how are you?”  It was the third time she asked.

“I have mixed feelings.  I really don’t want to do this, but there’s also something thrilling about undercover work,” said Lori.

“I can see that,” said Izi.

“The first mission was dangerous.  I suppose there’s risk here as well, but the more I think about it, I’m going to be spending a few days at a luxury resort,” said Lori.

“As a powerful drug lord with her handsome lover.”

Lori’s eyes went wide as she gasped.  “I can’t believe you said that.”  She smiled.

Izi smiled.

Lori let out a sputtering giggle that morphed into a hearty laugh.

When Lori was finished, her face turned more serious than Izi had ever seen.

“How am I supposed to do this, Iz?  I don’t think the captain or SFI realize how difficult this is.”

“What do you mean?”

“Klunt is powerful and influential.  Even if he believes me, how can we get to the vault below his casino?  I can only imagine the layers of security he has.  This is ridiculous.”

Deep down, Izi knew Lori was right.  “You and Commander Allen will get the file because there’s no other option.”

Sickbay fell silent again, the two women the only occupants.

Lori squeezed Iziraa’s hand.  “Thanks, Izi.”

Science Lab

“I’m sorry to disturb you, Haia.  Do you have a few minutes?”

“No.”

Hok frowned.  “Can you make the time?”

“Linear or tenseless?”

“What?” said Hok, his frown growing deeper.

“Science humor,” deadpanned Haia.  She turned off her computer and sat down, motioning for Hok to also sit.  “What do you want?”

Haia was a child prodigy genius and filled with quirks, most of them making her socially awkward.  She didn’t really have friends on board, which she seemed to not mind.  Hok appreciated that she was easy to understand.

“Captain Kirby briefed you on our assignment?” said Hok.

Haia frowned.  “Why do people ask questions when they already know the answers?”

“I’m sorry.  I need your help.”

“Obviously.”

Hok rolled his eyes and sighed.  “Originally, I was supposed to be part of the undercover team, but I couldn’t because, well…”

“It would be bad for you to go back into Ferengi space,” said Haia.

“Exactly.”  Hok was relieved he didn’t need to tell more than that.

“What do you need me to do?” said Haia.

“Do you get along with your grandmother?”

Haia frowned.  “I’ve never gone to her for anything.  All my accomplishments are my own.”

“That’s admirable, but there’s more to this than just me,” said Hok.  “Will you help?”

Ready Room

“The runabout is prepped.  We can transfer it to the Eagle when you’re ready.  Is there anything else you need, Captain?” said Commander Perry.

“No, that will be all,” said Matt.

Perry nodded.  “You have my number.  Keep me updated.”

“I will,” said Matt.

Perry tapped his comm badge calling his ship for a beam out.

When he was gone, Matt leaned back in his chair.  Briefings had been given.  Duties were assigned.  Now it was time to get the job done.