Iziraa’s Quarters

“I’m sorry, but Doctor Weaver isn’t available.”

“This is important.”  Izi had been getting the runaround for nearly ten minutes as she was transferred from person to person.  Finally reaching someone that had information, the refusal to let Izi reach out to her close friend was maddening.

“I understand, Lieutenant, but I can’t help you.”

There was an awkward moment as Izi pondered her next words.

“Will you please tell Lori…”

“Lieutenant.”

“I just want her to know I miss her and hope she’s coming back soon.”

“I’ll see what I can do.”  The comm channel closed.

Izi sighed, rubbing her forehead, both antennae drooping.  The news from Keval that it was time to go home for the marriage bond had hit her like a stampeding herd of alneesh.  She loved her bond mates, but she also loved her life in Starfleet.  Going home now wasn’t what she had planned for her life.  Not knowing what to do, she tried reaching Lori.  Since that wasn’t possible, who else was there with whom she could talk?

Ultimately, Izi had to see Captain Kirby, but before doing that, she needed to call Keval.

=======

“Izi!  It’s wonderful to see your beautiful face!”

Izi felt her cheeks warm as they turned purple.  Keval always knew what to say.

“Have you called to say you’re coming home?”  Keval’s antennae bounced.

“I called to talk.”

Keval’s antennae stopped moving.  “Oh?”  His tone was flat.

“I wanted to ask about the shelthreth.  Why now?”

“I don’t understand.”  It was clear the joy Keval had in seeing Izi was no longer there.

“This really isn’t a good time for me.  I’m chief of security on a starship now.  We just had to deal with the rogue Breen.  I’m needed here.”

“And your family doesn’t need you?  What about your duty and loyalty to your clan?”  Keval definitely wasn’t pleased.

“I know, Ch’te.  I’m just asking if we can delay it for awhile.”

“I know how important it is for you to serve.  Zaya was in the Guard after all, but it was always understood that we would marry once Zaya came home.”

“Understood, not written in ice,” said Izi.

Keval hmphed.  “This isn’t a decision I can make alone.  The four of us need to talk.”

“Contact me when the three of you are together,” said Izi.

“No, Sh’za.  We need to be in one place.  You need to come home regardless of what you decide to do.”

Izi smirked.

“It’s not a trick.  This isn’t something to discuss over subspace comms.  There’s a lot at stake.”

Izi sighed, her shoulders slumping.  “I’ll speak to my captain.”

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Izi was studying Captain Kirby’s face after what she had told him about her call from Keval.  He was a good man, principled and always looking after his people.  She expected him to tell her to go be with her family, but was that what she truly wanted.

“Once we rendezvous with the Luna Light and they deliver their cargo, we’re scheduled to go back to SB 93.  We can take you to Andoria first,” said Kirby.  “Commander Allen can cover as chief of security until you come back.”

Until she came back?  Did Kirby not understand it was possible she wouldn’t?

“I know this was unexpected, Lieutenant, but whatever you decide, we’re with you and you always have a place here,” said Kirby.

“Thank you, sir.  I appreciate that.”  Izi felt better, but there was still a big decision to make.