Hok stepped into Commander Allen’s office in main security on deck 4.  He immediately sensed something unusual had happened, especially since Doctor Weaver was also there.  He couldn’t think of anything he had done wrong, so his curiosity was piqued.  Allen motioned for him to sit.

“I’ll get right to why I asked you here,” said Allen.  “We received a subspace communique from Ferenginar from a man named Glosh.  Your mother wakened from her coma.”

At first, Hok wasn’t sure what he just heard.  It was like someone whispering in the wind.  You thought you heard what they said, but you probably really didn’t.

“Hok?” said Weaver.

“She’s awake?  Moogie is awake?”  Hok’s words were barely a whisper.  It was like someone else was saying them.

“Yes and she’s been asking to see you.” said Weaver.

Hok was a whirlwind of emotion.  His stomach churned in disbelief.  His lobes tingled.  He wanted to leap for joy and do a dance.  He was also afraid.  His father and brother died under mysterious circumstances not long after joining the Orion Syndicate.  Enforcers roughed him up, demanding he return the item.  When he didn’t because he didn’t have it or know what it was, his mother fell into a deep coma doctors couldn’t explain.  That was nine years ago and she was awake.

“Hok, are you all right,” said Weaver.  Her voice was soft and her eyes were lit with concern.

Hok was still processing what he’d been told, so he didn’t respond.

“Leave time has already been authorized for you,” said Allen.  “The captain said you can take one of the shuttles.”

Hok nodded.  “Yes, sir.  Thank you, sir.”

Hok had left his home world to hide from the Syndicate.  Now he could be walking back into danger.

=====

“What can I do for you?”

Hok went to see Iziraa in her quarters.  “Did you hear about my news from home?”

“I did,” said Iziraa.

“I’m going back to Ferenginar to see my mother.  Will you come with me?”

Iziraa tilted her head, a surprised expression on her face.  “Why?”

“I need someone to watch my back, someone I trust.”

Iziraa’s antennae moved slightly forward.  “I don’t understand.”

Hok sighed.  “I need someone to watch my back, someone I trust.”

Iziraa frowned.  “Hok.”  Her voice was demanding.

There was an awkward silence.

“If I’m going to do this, you’ve got to tell me everything,” said Iziraa.  “Everyone knows you’re a man of secrets.  Ferengi don’t just walk away from earning profit to join Starfleet.  Whatever happened in your past, if I’m going to risk my safety, you’re letting me in.”

Hok knew she was right.  He was trusting her to keep him safe after all, so why not tell her about the Syndicate?  “Captain Kirby is letting me take one of the shuttles.  If he says you can go with me, I’ll tell you everything.”

Iziraa nodded.  “Once we get there, if they say I can’t wear clothes, I’m shooting you.”

Hok knew Iziraa was joking.  She was, wasn’t she?