Posted by Lieutenant Mwezi (Weapons Officer) in Pre Sim - Mwezi’s Quarters

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Brigette Marshall (Chief Engineer (CE)) in Pre Sim - Mwezi’s Quarters

SNIP

“They did some regen, but it still takes time to get back to normal. Regen can only do so much before it starts doing more harm than good,” Mwezi explained. “I have to go back in tomorrow to get some hair regrowth started, so I don’t have a bald back like you humans.”

He let out a wry grin, then sighed. His U.R.I., the device he kept on his wrist, beeped a few times. Mwezi tapped it with his nose. Galdori text appeared in the air, scrolling past. It was a pretty script, rather flowing.

He looked curiously at the words, then chuffed slightly. “It seems I have a message from Daro. Kula’s brother.” He wondered what the man had to say. Another tap, and the message began to play. The holographic form of a Laleri rose over the watch and spoke, a language Bridie didn’t know but might recognize from when Mwezi spoke without his translator activated.

<Hello, Me'zi. I hope this message finds you in good health. You know I am not the sort for small talk, so I will get right to the point. I am sending this message to inform you that there has been an incident on the station. Kula and her research team have been reported missing, presumed dead. We do not know what this means… but I wanted you to know. Lune's blessings upon you. Stay safe.>

Mwezi stared at his wrist, in shock. “Kula…” he whispered, his ears pulling back.

Mwezi, CTO

Bridie’s hand went to the other man’s arm as if to steady him. “Zi… what is it? What is Kula and what’s wrong?” She had moved to her knees to be closer to him. Something was amiss and she wasn’t going to leave till she knew and tried to help.

Bridie
CE

Mwezi glanced over to the picture frame above his dining table, a set of photographs of himself and several other natives of his world. A photo of him and his Gladori Starfleet Academy classmates in front of a massive curved waterfall. Him and his parents. A much younger Mwezi with another young Laleri. Several other photos. And in the center, a photo of a tan and peach-furred Laleri.

Mwezi had shown Bridie these photos before. When she’d been on her way to her date with Kane several days before. It had been a busy several days since. Days. Weeks? Mwezi had lost track of the time.

His gaze locked onto the photo of Kula in the center. His beloved. His promised. “She was to be my mate… I hers. That was, her brother. She…” He couldn’t say it. Mwezi pulled in a shaky breath. “Killed by an experiment gone wrong…”

Mwezi, CTO

Bridie looked up at the pics. As she did, she recalled the woman he spoke of and recalled his fondness for her. As he choked and spoke of her death, Bridie moved forward to hold his hand and rest her forehead on his temple. Softly she whispered. “Oh, gods, Zi… I’m so sorry. I’d hug you but I don’t want to hurt you more.” She closed her eyes and sighed. “Go ahead and cry. I won’t tell anyone.” It was meant to be reassuring and teasing, but also an admission that things like this weren’t something to keep bottled up. I’m here as long as you want me to be.”

Bridie
CE

Mwezi choked on the tears, but after a few moments began to sob. It was hard to cry with the bandages on his back, but despite the twinges of pain running down his spine, he continued to cry. It was a quiet cry, tears running down his face as he took shaky breaths in and let out small keens. He almost started to howl but stopped himself.

Mwezi, CTO

Bridie held him the best she could while he mourned. She felt the choked back howl. Thinking he was merely holding back a cry of anguish, she whispered softly against his cheek. “It’s all right, let it out, Zi… I’m right here. I’ve got you…” her soft words murmured over and over in reassurance he wasn’t alone as she gently wiped the tears with her hand and stroked his arms and head. Her own eyes welling with tears slightly in sympathy.

Bridie
CE

He was quiet for several moments before he looked to Bridie. “… I think I’d like to be alone for a while…”

Mwezi, CTO

Bridie caressed his arm a moment longer. “As you wish. But please, call for me anytime. You are a dear friend, Mwezi. And not just because I owe you my life. I’ll always be here for you.” She kissed the top of his head, made sure the water was close at hand and rose up to go.

At the door, she glanced back. “Call, Zi… I’ll always come.” She moved to the door and exited. Pausing outside to make sure he was going to be all right. In other words, waiting to hear furniture break.

Bridie
CE