Starbase 93 – Pizza Shop

“Can you believe it?  An Alita!  I can hardly wait to see the sickbay.”  Nurse Renee Parker had been chattering about their new ship.

“Your pizza is getting cold,” said Haia Ohtani.

“I’m too excited to eat.  Aren’t you excited, too?” said Renee.

Haia shrugged.  “The ship will arrive tomorrow.  I’ll get excited then.”

Doctor Lori Weaver chuckled.  “I’m looking forward to it as well.  With a crew of 650, it will be more than the two of us and the EMH.  I’ll actually have a medical staff.”

Renee high-fived the CMO.

“Before Roger, Commander Allen, officially left, he told me about the new XO and chief engineer,” said Lori.  “Lieutenant Commander Ren Trell and Commander Sorek.”

“Sorek?  A Vulcan?” said Izi.

“Yes.  You know him?” said Lori.

“He was my XO when I was on the Mercy.”  Izi thought about that time.  They had to defeat a sentient, telepathic computer on a science base and deal with rendering medical aid to a colony that was attacked.  The local school principal committed suicide over the guilt of abandoning the children.  Izi had tried to stop him, but couldn’t.  That was a rough one she had to put behind her.

“What’s he like?” said Lori.

“Tough, but fair.  A good officer.”  When going after the sentient computer, Sorek wouldn’t let Izi on the away team.  Telepaths were vulnerable to its attacks.  She was also at risk because her sensitive antennae experienced a presence.  No matter how much she insisted, the commander held his ground.

“That’s good to hear,” said Lori.  “Aside from missing Roger and Nick, I’m looking forward to this.”

A short time passed while the ladies continued eating their meals.  Renee was studying Izi.  Though she talked about Commander Sorek, Izi was uncharacteristically quiet.

“Why so blue, Izi?”  Renee smiled.

Izi glowered.  Doc Weaver rolled her eyes.  Haia’s expression was plain, like she didn’t get the pun, or care.

“Oh, come on.  That was hilarious.”  Renee looked at the others again.  Their expressions were unchanged.  “Troglodytes.”

Izi sighed deeply.  “Everything is changing.  Nick was transferred.  Commander Allen accepted a promotion and his own command.  We’re getting a new ship and a new task force.  Changes.”

The others fell silent over Iziraa’s unexpected and unusual reaction.

“Are you sure that’s what’s bothering you?” said Lori in a soft voice.

“What do you mean?” said Izi.

“What else happened?” said Lori.

Tense silence.

“Izi.”  Lori discerned why her friend was upset, but needed Izi to say it.

“Kurtox.”

Lori knew Izi had no choice but to leave Kurtox behind on Aldavi, but hadn’t realized how much it affected her.  Not leaving anyone behind was a foundational principle of the security people.  It was why she confronted Captain Kirby for not wanting Nick to go after Mara.  Lori chided herself inwardly for not recognizing this sooner.

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” said Lori, placing her hand on Izi’s.

“I know, but it still hurts,” said Izi.  “It’s my duty to honor his sacrifice.”

“And you will.”  They were all surprised Haia was the one that said that.

Renee raised her half-full glass of root beer.  “To Nick.  To Kurtox.”

Four glasses clinked together.

Renee smiled.  “To looking for love.”