A Big Ask

Posted on Fri Oct 16th, 2026 @ 4:10am by Lieutenant Kally Kellerman & Ensign Azrael Vaux

1,430 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Interim 3: Subspace Drift
Location: Izzy's Quarters

Kally stopped in front of Azreal's door and rang the chime, fidgeting with her hands nervously, hoping he wasn't occupied.

The door slid open after only a handful of seconds and Azrael’s eyes opened as he saw who it was, “Good evening, Kally, this is a surprise… What can I do you for?” It was his normal way of greeting people, out of order for the humour of it.

Kally paused. "Hey, Izzy. Can I come in?"

“Oh, sure, yes, come in.” Izzy stepped out of the way, heading back over to the chair he’d been sitting in and tossing the PADD in a gently way onto the low table, “Make yourself at home.

She stepped inside and rubbed her hands. "So...did you have plans during the refit?"

“I was thinking about heading back to Trillius Prime, maybe see some of my old friends there, family, visit some of the places I was at when I was young.”

"Would you be willing to make a last minute-change?" she said, looking at him hopefully.

Something in her eyes caused him to stop fiddling with the Ozwali Good Luck Statue on his cabinet. “I could, why, is something wrong?”

"It's...Katie," she said. "She's been really down lately, and Cally's coming to Gault with us, and while the three of us could absolutely have a good time, I don't want her feeling like a third wheel. I've done that to her too many times as it is. I was wondering if you could tag along and just, maybe, keep her company? Lift her spirits?"

He pointed to the couch and gave her a quizzical look before sitting down himself, "Something wrong that I clearly don't know about... What about the Senior Chief? I thought he and Katie were a thing, I wouldn't think he wouldn't take the opportunity to join the three of you on the trip, unless he's being kept here to keep an eye on the ship?"

"That's the thing," Kally said, slowly as she sat down next to him. "They're not a thing anymore. Bunch of us have been checking in on her and him making sure they're okay, but I know going to home is going to be a long trip and I'd love her to have someone else to hang out with and show around with us."

"I didn't have anything really set up anyways." Azrael said with a nod, "Hadn't even made any sorts of travel plans, so it's not even a matter of changing them. When do I need to be ready by, and is there any particular reason I need to know as to why it'll be me? Or are we being up front with everything? I don't want Katie to think you're trying to set up me up with her on the rebound."

"She'd think that more if I brought someone I wasn't sleeping with," Kally said. "The truth is, there are maybe four guys on board I would trust with a job like this, and you're one of them, and I'm coming to you first, because you're my top pick."

"Because I'm single, I know how to control myself and... It'll be less awkward than some of the others?" Izzy asked her with a slight laugh, "Besides, I'm the type of guy you can take home, tell them I'm just a friend and have them believe you, right?"

"That's part of it," Kally said. "Alex fits the criterion too, but I know he's on his way to Earth, and nothing's deterring him from that. And I still think you would be the best one to join us just because of the kind of man you are." She gave him a small smile. "And I know you'll survive the experience."

"I'll make sure to give as good as I get with your parents, whom I've never heard really any stories about..." He laughed, "What do I need to know about them?"

Kally thought for a moment. "Papa is quiet but observant. If you think you're not being noticed, you are. Mother is sweet, but she's sharp. We had to work hard to keep our private lives private growing up. They're a bit quiet, but have good sense of humor. Papa works hard in the fields or in his workshop, then relaxes with mother every night. After dinner is usually time to sit with a drink and talk. Oh, and I hope you enjoy puzzles. He's a master. Makes exquisite puzzle boxes, not to mention the rest of the house."

Azrael nodded, "So definitely don't bring any of my special toys, good to know." He winked at Kally. "To be honest, I'll see if I can't entertain Katie with a couple trips into town, get her involved in helping me pick out a few outfits, show me around, try to get things back to normal with her. I've been thinking of trying to get into a new hobby as well, maybe have her help me with that as well?"

"Those things would be great," Kally said with relief. She looked back up at him with one of her more usual sly smiles. "But there's no way you're leaving your toys here. I'm bringing mine, you're bringing yours, that's that."

He snorted with laughter, "And if your parents found out what I was bringing along?"

"It's not like they are so nosey as to inspect our bags," Kally said, laughing. "Given the boys we've snuck into our room and gotten away with, I'm relatively sure they won't worry about what the one we're openly bringing is carrying." She winked. "And if necessary, we'll pack them in one of my bags."

"If they're not going to wonder, then I'll bring them myself." Izzy smiled, "But if I have to tie all three of you up at one time, there's only one of me to go around, unless... You think that you all will get the drop on me and try to turn the tables?"

"Don't think we haven't discussed it," Kally said with mock defiance, then smirked. "But it's not your birthday yet."

"And no doubt you're going to cheat and use my medical record to remind yourself of it." He chuckled, "But that's all right, I'll submit willingly... Even if I come to regret it in the future." He shook his head slowly, "So, when was it you said we need to leave?"

"First of all, when have you ever regretted something I've done for you," Kally said indignantly, then gave him an apologetic smile. "And...tomorrow...sorry," she said. "We've got the runabout ready and packed, this just kinda popped into my brain at the last second."

"So long as I have more than fifteen minutes, I'll be ready." He grinned, "With you, I never know unless I ask.... Does Katie know yet?"

"I didn't want to say anything until I'd spoken with you, on the off chance you couldn't go," she said. "So I'll be letting her know you're 'tagging along' after we're done."

"Let her know that I'll be a gentleman about everything, You know I won't push for anything, but... The reputation of the Kellerman twins has become legendary. I'll be whatever she needs me to be."

Kally smiled at him. "Just be you, Izzy, and that'll do." She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

He stood again, reaching out to Kally to help her up, "I can be me, that's the easy part. And you know what? I think it'll be interesting to see a new world, one that's not filled with life that we have to wonder if it's going to kill us, that is."

Kally gave a snort of laughter. "Yeah, at least Gault is a nice, boring place," she said, putting an arm around his waist. "Hopefully it won't be too dull for you." She grinned and leaned up to kiss his cheek again.

"If it does..." He gave her a sharp spank on the ass without warning, "That's why I'm bringing my toys, so that I can make sure to keep things exciting if needed."

Kally let out a squeal and a jump and bit her lip, reaching down and giving his rear a playful pinch as well before slipping away. "Well then, we'll see you in the shuttlebay tomorrow at 1030 hours."

"If you aren't there on time, we'll leave you behind!" Azrael promised Kally, "So make sure you and Cally aren't late!"

"Yes, Sir, Kally said, snapping a salute before skipping down the corridor.

 

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