He took off his overcoat and rested it on his chair. It had been a long day. A really day, his long time common law husband came in the door, Ian.

“Nice of you to join me.” he said coldly.

They have been facing trouble lately, he wanted to return to Mars, whereas, Nico wanted to stay and explore his career. After today, the attacks, he felt this was not going to go well.

“I had a long day love, I am sorry.” Nico apologized. He really was growing tired of this. They were both unhappy and both didn’t want to be with each other anymore, it had been 20 years. They had grown out of love. Ian had followed him from service station to station, it wasn’t like when they were both in Intelligence. It was harder now.

“Nico, I can’t do this anymore. I can’t sit here and be held behind a door. I can’t sit here and worry about you. I love you, but I can’t put myself through this on every occasion there is a Red Alert.” Ian placed his arms on his waist.

“I love you too.” Nico said throwing himself into an armchair. “No, no, I get. Why didn’t you apply to be a civi-science officer? Your Training from Vulcan is more than sufficient.”

“Nico, I am tired. I don’t want to be in Service to anyone, but my husband. I want to retire.” Ian said as tears filled his eyes.

“I don’t. I want to live with purpose.” Nico murmured.

“Living happily is not purpose enough?” Ian asked.

“I gave up so much for you, I gave up my career in intel for you because you felt it was too dangerous for us to pursue, I went comms, and now it is too much. Now you are asking me to retire? When do I get what I want? When is it going to become the compromise that it is supposed to be? When is it supposed to be my turn to get what I want? So far its been what you want, and now I am standing up for me. I am not backing down, if you want me, I come with Starfleet.” Nico protested. He was growing tired. He wasn’t sure what was talking but he could see Ian’s reaction.

“Nico, do you hear yourself? You sound like a Dominion Soldier! Are you sane?” Ian protested.

“I entered service during the Dominion War, don’t forget. I saw my time at the front lines, I saw many comrades die. Don’t you dare compare me to those monsters.” Nico said throwing himself out of his chair. “I will be damned. I am a soldier. I am a Starfleet Officer. I may not be front lines anymore, but I remain trained as such, and you are too. You have a choice to make.” he said making his way to the replicator.

“Is this it? I want our safety and you want to end it?” Ian said.

“I want to end it. I am done.” Nico said coldly, holding back tears. “You can go back to Mars which you wish, and I will continue with my Career.”

“Is that what you really want?” Ian asked.

“It’s what you want.” Nico replied quickly.