Izi was in the corridor outside Hok’s quarters, but she hadn’t pressed the chime.  She wasn’t normally one to display her emotions, which caused her hesitation.  Members of the crew passing by chuckled or gave her odd looks, but none of that mattered.  Taking a deep breath, she rang the bell.

The door slid open.

“Hey, Hok.”

The Ferengi security officer looked at Izi, an amused expression on his face.  “You can come in.  You don’t need to stand out there.”

“Mm?  Oh!”  Izi stepped inside and the door closed behind her.  She glanced around the room.  “You’re packed and ready to go.”

“I’m almost finished.  My travel arrangements came through.  I’m leaving in two hours.”

Izi respected Hok’s decision, but that didn’t mean she liked it.  “I can’t talk you out of it?”

‘No.  This is something I need to do.  I’ve got to know for sure.”

Izi nodded.  She had made the decision to remain in Starfleet rather than go back home to be with her bond mates.  Maybe she expected Hok to make a similar choice.  “What about getting back your business license?”

“The captain wrote a letter of recommendation.  It seems I’m an awesome guy.”  Hok chuckled.  “Of course, it will probably take the last of my latinum in taxes and fees.”

Izi frowned at the memory of what Ferengi customs put her through.  “I do respect your decision, but I meant everything I said on the shuttle.  You’re a good Starfleet officer and an asset to this ship.”

“Thanks, Lieutenant.  I appreciate you saying that.”

Silence.

“Is it okay if I bring up something personal?” said Izi.

“You’re asking?”  Hok laughed.

Izi ignored that.  “What are you going to do with the Ay-tim?”

Hok sighed and took a few seconds before answering.  “For now, I’m taking it with me, but I think I’ll end up vaporizing it with a phaser.”

Izi regretted asking, as she could hear the emotion in Hok’s voice and see the sadness on his face.  “Hok I….”

“It’s okay, Lieutenant.  It’s the way things worked out.”

“Yeah,” said Izi.  “I should go.  I need to get back to the bridge and you have more packing to do.”

“Okay, Lieutenant.”

Izi nodded and turned to leave.

“Iziraa, wait.”

Izi didn’t expect Hok to stop her or call her by name.  She faced him, her antennae moving in slow circles.

“On the shuttle, when I said I don’t want to be a Starfleet officer, that was how I felt when I joined,” said Hok.  “I was also hurt and angry.  Being in Starfleet has actually been, well, not a bad thing.”

Izi was glad to hear Hok say that.  Being in Starfleet was special, unique, and an amazing thing to do.  People not part of it couldn’t truly understand.  “It was an honor serving with you, Ensign.  Be well, Hok.  May you never want for latinum.”  With a quick wave, Izi walked out.