Morgan saw Iota off with a wide smile, his mask fully melted to expose his face. "You'll always be welcome here, Iota. We'll miss you." He could respect a Tangler leaving on their own, especially if it was to pursue some dream or goal. He had a feeling she'd be back eventually too, making the farewell much less painful. "Good luck, and make sure to do your best." The samoyed's tail wagged and he closed his eyes.

malphas liked iota. she was pretty innocent and undeserving of his unbridled wrath, so he avoided cussing her out. she had been promoted alongside him, and both of them loved nayru. nayru. it all came back to the strange divine tabby cat who had inspired him to push to become a medic, and now she was gone. at first, he thought iota was a stupid lesbian who should just tell nayru how she felt, but now that would never happen. they bonded over their love in someone who was no more, but iota fell behind in her studies. he was promoted, and iota stayed a nurse. that was fine- one day he hoped for the day they could work alongside each other again. he missed seeing her ditsy smile.

when he had encountered her sick in her greenhouse, he thought he'd have a chance to see her more often, but he had been so busy, and he had thought iota could handle herself- she was a nurse, after all. he heard her call to somebody unknown and he wanted to talk to her, catch up on old times, maybe ask her to train with him. he padded up alongside morgan, trusting the large dog, then heard what he had to say.

"wait- you can't leave!" the medic cried out. nayru was leaving? he needed her. oh god, he hated to admit it, but he needed her. he didn't get along very well with mira or abathur like he did with iota. his sadness was lessened as it was just a temporary absence, but that's what he thought nayru would do too. except she never came back. what if iota did the same? he paused, realizing it was cruel to make her feel bad for leaving. it was her choice.

"just- he paused, taking a deep, shaky breath. he had morgan and vigenere here. he wasn't alone in his suffering. "please stay safe. and for god's fucking sake, come back." he pleaded, before closing his mouth. that's all he wanted. for her to be back, one day. if he had that hope... then he'd be okay.