Posted by Lieutenant Commander Bethany Kovra Gadi (Chief of Security) in Rest and Relaxation?

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Aasrel Izei (Chief Medical Officer) in Rest and Relaxation?

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Bethany Kovra Gadi (Chief of Security) in Rest and Relaxation?
Posted by… suppressed (81) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
“I’m very glad I am getting to share this with him and meet you all.” It was the only thing Bethany could allow herself to feel right now. The rest was too complicated and connected to things she couldn’t deal with yet.

The older Betazoid woman smiled. “He said he was going to take you sightseeing. I’m sure you’re looking forward to it. Betazed is beautiful.”

Betazed was a beautiful planet with wild weather. Bethany would go with him, but there was nothing she wanted to see. There were no memories here that she wanted to breathe life back into. She was saved from having to reply by Luna.

Bethany looked down as she felt little paws scrabbling at her shoe. She picked Luna up, who started sniffing and stretching towards the food on the counter. “Alright, come on.” She looked at the women, “Excuse me, I’m going to show her where her food is.” Bethany took Luna back down the hall to Aasrel’s room where they had set up her crate.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

The other women nodded. Soon they were taking food from the kitchen and putting it in the dining room. “Dinner’s done everyone!”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany gave Luna a small pat on the head and closed the door on the crate. Luna was usually very behaved, but the house was big. She washed up and went back toward the kitchen and dinning room and joined everyone at the table.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Everyone gathered around the table and took their seats. Mr and Mrs Izei sat next to each other, then Masas and Vexi, with Aazod sitting by Vexi. Across from them, Bethany, Aasrel, and Keyana. There was a lot of food on the table, mostly Betazoid, but also, Bethany’s favourite earth dish, Aasrel had sent the recipe.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany’s brows went up at the distinctive Appalacian dish sitting on the table. It was an old dish that was rarely seen anymore. Except for families that had lived there for generations. She was surprised to see it. She had only mentioned it once in passing to Aasrel., “Cornbread salad?” She would have to remember not to mention it to Lachlan. He was very proud of his cornbread salad. The idea sent a bubble of amusement through her. “Thank you, Mrs Izei.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Aasrel said it was your favourite. I hope you like it, I did my best. The ingredients weren’t easy to import.” Mrs Izei replied. She smiled, “I wanted to make something you’d like, but I encourage you to try what else is here, too. Aasrel has loved that,” she pointed to a dish Aasrel had made Bethany replicate before, “since he was very little.”

~ Izei, CMO

“Oh, I intend to. Aasrel has raved about your cooking. I’m not going to miss out on trying any of it.” And she did. Bethany tried everything. Even if she didn’t like it, she ate what she took. Things she had never had before, she truly enjoyed. One dish triggered memories she didn’t want to deal with, but she praised it all giving an honest and polite opinion if asked. The cornbread salad was nothing like Uncle Lachlan’s, but it was still good, and she gave truthful and honest compliments to Mrs. Izei about it.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Has he? I’m glad to hear it.” She seemed happy about the praise as Bethany tried everything. Aasrel ate plenty, and so did everyone else. There were still some leftovers that Mrs Izei and Keyana started putting away at the end of the meal. Aasrel leaned on Bethany and took her hand. “I’m glad you liked most of it.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany laced her fingers with his. “I did. Your mother is an excellent cook. You’ll have to settle for something less spectacular if you hang out with me, Doc,” she teased. She looked at him while he leaned against her. It had been a long day, and they had been in the shuttle for most of it. He hadn’t done any of his exercises yet.

Aasrel looked tired. He smiled though, “I think you’re worth less than stellar cooking.”

Bethany put on her best southern accent, “Why, Mr. Izei, what a delightful thing to say. People might start to tall if they hear you say such things.”

“Co-aur (Uncle)! We have to finish. We might beat Bezi this time,” Aazod said running up to get his attention.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Her thoughts that he hadn’t done his exercises reminded him and he scowled. He looked down at his nephew, “Let’s finish quickly, and then I have to do something else.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nudged him, “Take your time. The other thing can wait, hmm.” Aazod didn’t notice the qualification, he just grabbed Aasrel’s hand and dragged him back to the living room.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

The game took another half hour or so. When it was over, Aasrel returned to Bethany. “That kid has way too much energy.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany laughed suddenly. “All children have energy.” Aasrel’s mother came in with Vexi and Keyana. “That they do. I had the three of you at one time. I could never keep up and was always tired.” She grinned, “But I wouldn’t change a moment of it.”

“Come on Aazod. Bath, teeth, pajamas.” Aazod got up and threw his arms around Aasrel. Then his grand parents, aunt, and father before disappearing with his mother.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel gave Bethany a look. “No kids.” He said and grinned. Then he sighed softly, “Alright, let’s do the stretches.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany’s eyes went up and down him and she gave him a wicked grin. “Too bad. But if that is how you feel, you’re the doctor. I would think you know how to prevent that.”

Aasrel grinned and elbowed her. “I do what’s necessary to prevent it. But I’m not going to say never in the future, in all seriousness.”

Bethany fanned herself with her hand, as if she was suddenly hot,m but refrained from any further outrageous teasing. She couldn’t hear what Mrs. Izei and Keyana were saying to each other, but their posture and facial expressions said it all.

Bethany set her hands to her thighs and stood up. “Alright, I’ll follow you.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel led her back to his room and then he sat on the floor.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany sat down on the floor across from him, stretched to the side and opened Luna’s crate. Then as she reached for his hands to help him stretch she shook her head and teasingly chided him. “Do you see what you’ve done with that comment, Rel. I bet they are in there thinking we’re getting married. Tsk tsk.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel gave her a playfully serious look, “What, we’re not?” He asked. He took her hands and lay his leg out straight as he started doing his stretches.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany didn’t say a word. She was shocked speechless. He could tell she was stunned. It was like her brain and her heart couldn’t process and sync up what he said with what she felt but hadn’t admitted. She wasn’t put off, and it wasn’t that Bethany wasn’t completely serious about him. It was that Bethany had learned to never take anything for more than a day, to never even allow herself to want something like that for herself.

She grew up knowing she wasn’t wanted, and being here seemed to make that reality all the more stark. Her life on Betazed had been a fairytale. She was Bezi’s little princess. She was safe and protected and loved. It had all been a lie though. Who would want the broken useless little girl that even a father didn’t want?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel took her hand. “Bethany, I know we’re not ready to have that conversation seriously, but there’s no reason to doubt it’ll happen. I want to be with you. You. Forever.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany grinned at him. It was a cover. Aasrel knew her too well, and Bethany knew that he did. “Forever is a long time, Doc. Eventually, you’ll realize how boring I am. But until then I’m all yours.” She winked, but the love and longing was palpable. “Come on, let’s finish. Then you can soak. If there isn’t a tub, I’ll get out the heating pad.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Boring?” Aasrel smiled at her. “I could think of no less fitting word.” He worked on his stretches as he spoke, “There’s no tub. Hot pad it is.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany pulled him further into the stretch and then leaned in and kissed him. “You’re amazing.” They went through the exercises and then Bethany got up and dug through her bag for the muscle rub and the anti-inflammatory hypo. She sat down next to him and massaged the rub into his leg and shoulder. “Do you want to sit in here with the pad or go out there with your family?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“I am?” He asked. Aasrel sighed softly as she massaged in the gel. It was very soothing. “Well… If we go out there, I can’t do this.” And then he pulled her into him and gave her a nice, long kiss.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany smiled in delight against his lips, even as they tumbled backwards against the pillows. She shifted so they were laying on their sides, facing each other. She enjoyed the closeness, and didn’t care that his family probably knew what they were doing. She sighed, holding herself close to him. “I’m selfish. I would never deny you being able to do that.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel tucked his head in against her. “How about we split the time? A little longer in here, so I can rest with you, and then we go and spend time with them.”

~ Izei, CMO

“Whatever you want, Rel.” She kissed him again and sat up. She dug out the heating pads and wrapped them around his leg and shoulder. Then she laid back beside him, cuddled close to him. “Are you happy to be home?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

He rested against her and closed his eyes. “Of course I am. It’s just… Almost weird being back here.” He shrugged slightly. “I guess it’s kind of what I was worried about, with not being myself, but I’m not sure.”

~ Izei, CMO

“You’re not a child anymore. Even without those things, you’ve changed. Look at this last mission we were on. It changed you, it changed a lot in your life. And it’s not something that you can every tell them about. No matter your brother or father’s clearance. You have to keep a secret from them. It’s hard and it’s weird. You are no longer the protected child. The family dynamic has changed, even if they don’t know it, you do.” Bethany hugged him tightly. She understood, she really did. She went through the same thing the first time she went home. She still did. This next time would be wor… Aasrel could feel it, that something was beating at the back of her mind, against the block T’Jal placed. Bethany pressed her face into his chest and her hands bunched in his shirt. She blanked her mind, thinking nothing, letting it ebb away. She wasn’t ready to face what was there.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel hugged her tightly, laying his head on her. “We’ll manage. Both of us. Let’s just try to enjoy our time together.” He said. He let his muscles relax as the hot pads worked. “I’ll be there with you when we go to Earth.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded against him. “I know. I want to go,” where she hadn’t before. “I miss my uncles, I want to see them. I want them to hug me, chide me, tease me, and berate me for not eating enough and not getting out in the sunshine.” There was strain and tears to her voice. Fear and an edge of grief. Not because of the suppressed memories, but because she really hadn’t thought she would make it home again because she’d been so sick, and before Aasrel no one really did anything. Riley had started to, but he’d left. She hadn’t thought she would ever see her uncles again, and she couldn’t even send them a message.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“And we’re going to go, and they will do those things,” Aasrel said softly, smiling. He kept hugging her and he kissed her cheek gently. “How are you liking it here?”

~ Izei, CMO

Her cheeks flushed warmly where he kissed her. Her head tilted softly into the contact. “Your family is very nice. I’m glad I got to come with you.” She pressed closer, “I don’t know otherwise, about being on Betazed. I never wanted to come back here, Rel. There are memories and feelings bubbling that I’ve forgotten or ignored. I’m glad I’m with you, but…” she shrugged uable to put words to it.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel hugged her and sighed softly. “I was hoping bring you here, there’d be pleasant memories and you’d like it…” He said honestly, “but while I’m disappointed, I’m not upset.” He kissed her gently. “I’m just glad to have you.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany shook her head, her face nuzzled into his shoulder. “Some are pleasant, really. They just… make everything else hurt more.” Her father had loved her, or at least he seemed to. What had she done to change that?

“I like being here with you. I do, and we’ll make new memories.” She leaned back to look at him. “Not much looks familiar, and that’s sad. Mostly what I remember is vague, except for the occupation. That’s vivid. I’m sure the longer we are here, the more I’ll remember.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled. “Well, then the question is, do you still want to see things you might have seen before or do you want to see new things?”

~ Izei, CMO

Her teeth worried at her lower lip. “Maybe we could start with new things? I want to see the lake with you, but I get a really sick feeling in my stomach over it.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Okay,” Aasrel said easily. “I have quite a few ideas of things we can see. Both tourist attractions and places I’ve been.”

~ Izei, CMO

“Okay.” Bethany curled into him, her head tucked under his chin. “I’m sorry I’m struggling with this. It’s making it hard for you. I don’t want you to miss out in using your telepathy and just being yourself. I’ll manage. Your family is pretty expressive. I’m sure I can get the gist of what is going on.” Her eyes closed against his warmth. “Your sister said it wasn’t like you, that you had always been very proud of your telepathy and how strong you were. You still should be. Don’t let me ruin that.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“You’re not. Don’t let anything make you think you are.” Aasrel hugged her tightly. “A mind meld isn’t a magic fix. It helped, a lot, but it doesn’t erase what happened or the trauma that came with it.” He sighed softly, “The meld didn’t change me back, Bethany. I’m still not who I used to be. It just muted the pain and shame that fact makes me feel.”

~ Izei, CMO

“I know it doesn’t. But you wanted this, you wanted your telepathy back, and you have it, so use it. Don’t let my… difficulty with it, stop you from taking what you want. The only way to get your life back from trauma is to keep moving forward. To grab it and take it. The only way to heal is to face it. Right now you need time and distance so you can heal. So one step at a time.” She pulled back and looked at him, very serious. “You are not the same person you were. That can’t be changed, and the clock moved backwards. But I know you haven’t been able to find out who you are now. One way to do that is to look at who you were, and decide what you can keep. No matter who you are now is still shaped by your memories and your past. No,” she held a finger to his lips and grinned, “you aren’t that person anymore, but it won’t damage you to remember.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel’s eyes teared up as he grinned against her finger. Then he leaned in and hugged her again. “So you’re saying I should still be proud of the telepathy I fought to get back.” It was a serious statement but he was grinning a little bit. The grin faded though, “I don’t know. I want to, but… Maybe if I try using it more?”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany tapped his nose twice playfully. “Exactly. Maybe it won’t be the same, but you won’t know until you do.” She let out a soft breath. “It’s natural and a big part of how you define yourself. There is no reason for you to not use it or not be proud. Just because my situation was not so idyllic, you don’t have to live in my world. My child like skill isn’t even a substitute for what you can do. You need more people to connect with.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“I just don’t want you to be miserable while we’re here. This is your trip too and if everyone is using telepathy, well, I don’t want you to feel excluded.” Aasrel said, taking her hand and squeezing it. “As proud of my telepathy as I might be or have been, I love you. I want you to enjoy this trip.”

~ Izei, CMO

“I love you too.” She gave him a quick peck. “I can still hear them if they are including me. And we both know I have to get used to it sooner or later.” She squeezed his hand back. “I will enjoy it. I’m here with you. I promise if it’s too much I will tell you. Besides, you’ll know. Okay?”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel nodded and hugged her again. “Okay. Are we ready to go back out there?” He asked, pulling back just enough to see her face. The soft light of his room reflected off the mechanical flecks of his prosthetic eye, making them glint slightly as his gaze moved back and forth slightly, taking in her features.

~ Izei, CMO

She loved his eyes. They were completely unique, and when he looked at her like that, she felt seen. Inside, where no one else bothered to look. It made her feel flushed and giddy. “I am if you are.” She sat up slowly, her hand trailing over him. Her fingers laced with his prosthetic one, on purpose. I love you, Rel.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled and took her hand in his as her fingers laced with his. I love you, too. With his words came the emotions associated with them, washing over her. He stood, still holding her hand, and led her back out to the family room.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany flushed, her response was equally heady but her projection was still stuttered, perhaps more so. Nervousness and uncertainty and knowing that the other telepaths would know how unskilled she was and be able to ‘hear’ and ‘feel’. For all Bethany’s outrageousness, in this she was self-conscious and unsure, even if she wasn’t aware of it.

She followed him back into the family room, which was audibly silent. His mother looked at them and Bethany nodded herbhead slightly with a smile. The woman hadn’t said a thing to her, but Bethany could tell from her body language. She looked at her son. Aasrel, tell us what you have planned for your visit. What do you want to do?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I want to take Bethany sightseeing. Aasrel replied, It’s part of the reason we decided to take a vacation. Speaking telepathically came naturally, easily to him, though he was surprisingly out of practice considering he’d been practicing with Bethany. He squeezed Bethany’s hand and smiled, trying to reassure her.

~ Izei, CMO

You should visit the Plaza of Contemplation and YloTrap. Amick Hall is beautiful, his mother said. His father shook his head, Perhaps not. He looked at Bethany, knowing she had been on Betazoid until then, “It was built to honor those who died in the resistance.”

His mother looked apologetic, Maybe there is somewhere she remembers that she would like to see again.

Bethany smiled at his father, “Actually I would like to see the Hall. Some of the people we hid in Jalara jungle with didn’t survive. I’ve never seen the capital either.” Bethany looked at Mrs Izei, “Mostly I remember the occupation and the jungle. I was young, I’d never find the way back to where we were hiding.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Masas gave Bethany a sad smile. I could. It was a scary time, but I was very young too.

Aasrel nodded, I’ll take her there. There’s a lake she might want to see, we’ll see when we want to go.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded in agreement with Masas. They could all feel the fear those memories raised, the panic, the stress, the uncertainty. “It was scary. We were the lucky few, a lot of people were not.” Bethany really wasn’t sure she wanted to go back to the Lake El’nar. The memories of the Jem’hadar breaking into their home and her father sending them away were vivid still when they surfaced. They seemed to be doing that a lot lately. “Mostly everything is new to me. I don’t remember much from before that.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Then you are in for a treat. Betazed is beautiful. Masas smiled, I really do hope you like your time here.

~ Izei, CMO

“Betazed is very different from home. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it. I haven’t had leave in a long time.” The sounds of Aazod trying to bargain about bed time. “What about you, Masas? What are your plans for your visit?” Bethany asked him.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

He smiled and chuckled. Spend time with Vexi, and that little munchkin. I don’t get enough time with them. Aasrel too, he nodded towards his brother, That’s why I took vacation now. It’s rare for both of us to be home.

~ Izei, CMO

“I’m glad it worked out that you were both able to be here.” The pure joy that came from Aasrel when he found out his older brother was home and been like a tidal wave. Even now, it was easy to hear the adoration in Aasrel’s voice for his older brother. “Service is rewarding, but it does have its drawbacks.” It was at that moment, there was a delighted squeal from down the hall. “Kezi!” Laughter and running and then more squeals. Bethany glanced down the hall as Aazod giggled as his mother obviously tickled him. Luna, who had been quietly moving around, sat straight up on her hind legs, ears stiff and forward, nose twitching at the sudden noise. Then she hurried down the hall toward the source. Bethany grinned, that rabbit is too much like me, she thought. Most rabbits were timid and ran from anything that wasn’t calm and safe. Luna just waded in like it was the best thing in the world.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

There was a chuckle from Keyana. I agree, you and that animal are a good match. She said and smiled.

“I’ve always loved rabbits. I raised them when I was a kid.” Luna was a good companion. Bethany couldn’t describe how much it meant to have her back.

Aasrel grinned at Bethany and his brother. I’m glad the two of you seem to get along so well.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany looked at Aasrel. Her expression was disbelief and disgruntlement, but her eyes danced with mischief. “What do ya mean, we’re getting along? How did that happen?” Her mirthfulness was easily felt.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled and shook his head. It was a worry of mine, however slight, that you may not like someone. He shrugged, I’m a worrywart.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany could have teased him, but she didn’t. “After all the things you’ve told me about your family, that wasn’t possible.” In truth there were times she wished she’d had what he did. She did, with her uncles, but it wasn’t quite the same. “Besides your worry saved my life. I’m not complaining.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel squeezed her hand and smiled. Your worry saved mine, many times. The memory of Vaec at that station flashed through his mind. His surgery and the brain bleed. Other things, too. Masas laughed lightly. I think it’s funny you were worried about her liking us, but not us liking her. You were that confident.

Aasrel shrugged, Of course. She’s Bethany. What’s not to like?

~ Izei, CMO

His parents were watching the exchange with amusement. Bethany sighed dramatically, “He’s good for the ego, but I’ll never live up to how he describes me.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel elbowed her, I’m a Betazoid, I tell the truth. There’s nothing for you to live up to, because that’s just how you are.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany’s brows raised and she gave him an amused look and elbowed him back. “Truth is subjective, Rel.” She seriously doubted some of the things she’d had to do on the last mission would stand up to his glowing praise of her personality. “I know you believe it though. You just wait till you meet my uncles.” She laughed.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Missions were different. Aasrel understood that, so did Masas. I look forward to it. Aasrel said.

Ooh, uncles? How many? Keyana asked her.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany looked forward to it as well. “Three. My mother’s older brothers. Lachlan, Kian, and Cayden. They raised me. It’s just us.” That wasn’t true though. Well it also wasn’t. Good thing Bethany knew how to compartmentalize her thoughts. “My mom was the baby.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Keyana grinned, I can relate to that. She looked at her two older brothers, They always treated me like the baby, too. In a good way, of course.

~ Izei, CMO

“My mom adored her brothers. I never heard her complain about them. They never left her when she got sick. It was hard to watch them. They were very close.” She smiled and laughed softly, “Oh but the tales they told about each other.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I have some tales about Aasrel, said Masas, grinning. He took glee in the opportunity to mess with Aasrel, tease him a little.

Masas, please no, PLEASE, Aasrel said and shook his head. There were a few things Masas could be thinking of, and Aasrel wanted to talk about none of them.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany sat up a little straighter, “Oh, this has to be good. I’ve never heard that tone in his voice, ever.” She looked at Aasrel, “Besides no matter how much I beg my uncles will tell.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Well, he was in the Academy, and there was this professor we both had… Masas began. Aasrel hid his face in his hands, radiating embarrassment. Masas, no, why?

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany was fascinated. Aasrel was never embarrassed. Even when she was most outrageous. He gave back as good as she dished it out. “Oh come on. We all have that one professor… or in my case 3, that we made some avoidable error with. It can’t be that bad?” She linked her hand into his elbow even as he hid his face in his hands.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

It wasn’t just avoidable, it was.... Ugh, Aasrel leaned into her, but he kept his face in his hands. Masas grinned, it wasn’t as bad as what he did in the Academy, but as the oldest sibling, that secret would die with him. I bet this is WHY he’s never embarrassed. Masas was as good of a telepathy as Aasrel, reading thoughts came too easily to him.

~ Izei, CMO

It was odd, Bethany had been aware of their spoken thoughts, she assumed because they were including her, but she picked up Masas’ thought about no one knowing his. It was like a distant whisper that you just happened to be standing at the right spot to catch. She could probably find out what it was. “Come on, we all do embarrassing things. Especially when we are young but think we are adults.” She bumped his shoulder with his. “If it’s really that bad, let’s talk about something else.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

No, it’s fine, Aasrel said, but he still covered his face, radiating embarrassment. As long as I get payback on Earth.

~ Izei, CMO

“Oh, I can give you one right now. It doesn’t have to do with a professor, but it was at school.” Bethany’s cheeks were red and it was obviously embarrassing. Like most things she just accepted it. “It was right after we went to Earth and in our physical education class we were learning to swim. Well I knew how to swim and I was eager to show off to my class. So I rushed through the locker room to change and ran to the pool and dived in. Only to break the surface to the teachers screaming and rushing the other kids out of the pool and all the male teachers were gone.” Bethany shrugged and went red again. “It was a bit of culture shock to find out what a bathing suit was. We don’t use them on Betazed. Everyone was very scandalized, I had to go see the principal and my parents were called. People still give me looks and whisper about it.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Everyone seemed surprised. Just because you didn’t wear a bathing suit? Aasrel asked. …Huh. I didn’t think Earth would really be like that, but I guess so.

~ Izei, CMO

“Oh yes. Don’t let Humans fool you. They are very physically modest. Any who say they aren’t like the risk and defiance of it. Where I grew up is even more so. They are much more conventional than most places. Modesty is valued. The teachers were shocked at my understanding and nonchalance of the differences in the genders. I was given a passing grade for swimming and exempt from attending after that.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Everyone laughed lightly and Aasrel shook his head. Humans have strange priorities sometimes. He said and elbowed her. You do not seem very modest.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany shrugged, “A matter of perspective. Modesty is really about being careful who you share intimacy with, and intimacy is much more than what everyone’s physical body looks like naturally. The deepest intimacy has nothing to do with the physical.” She smirked, “Besides my seeming lack of modesty is a good tool for the work I do.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

What kind of work do you do? Asked Keyana, curiously but naively. Aasrel shrugged, Security stuff.

~ Izei, CMO

“I’m Chief of Security on the Asimov.” Bethany explained. “A lack of modesty can come in handy. I’m not afraid to get in the ring with officers twice my size, different gender, old or young. When we practice, I don’t care if the accidently feel something they shouldn’t. I make a big deal then the next time, when it matters, they might hesitate. I want them to be confident to do what needs to be done when it matters.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Keyana smiled, That’s really interesting. Masas gave her a look, You better teach Aasrel to handle himself, we’re counting on his coming home. He was mostly joking. Mostly. Aasrel shook his head. I’m fine, Masas, you don’t need to embarrass me.

~ Izei, CMO

“I think it is. Of course, the goal is to never need to use violence, but we train in case we have no choice.” Bethany met Masas gaze, “Oh, I already have. I think you’d be surprised at how capable he is.” Aasrel had scared her, and she wasn’t going to let him get hurt, no matter what.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Capable? Aasrel said disbelievingly. I think there’s ONE of your security officers I can beat in a match. He shook his head and Masas laughed. It can’t be that bad.

~ Izei, CMO

“It’s not,” Bethany said with conviction. “Everyone in my department has been doing this for years. We have no new graduates. They were trained in this day in and out for four years. A lot did similar training before they entered the Academy. You might not beat them in a direct match, but the average person out there - you’ll more than hold your own. Besides, fighting is my job, you just patch up the bruises,” and she grinned at him.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

The protectiveness she felt for him set his family at ease. Aasrel elbowed her and grinned, I have to be able to follow you so I can patch the bruises.

~ Izei, CMO