I need to talk

Posted on Tue Apr 29th, 2025 @ 12:20am by Commander Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels & Lieutenant Sky Jansen-Carey

Mission: Those who are left behind
Timeline: Colonies and their Clusters

Toni had spent an almost sleepless night after Price came on board. In the current situation it was something she just could not tolerate to go on for too long. There was nothing for it so she would have to go and see if Sky was back to work yet.

Before her shift she went to the Carey quarters and rang the door chime.

Sky was sitting enjoying catching up on the latest reports and requests for counselling appointments, with the twins down to sleep after a feed she had the time to herself. Getting up to answer the door she gave Toni a worried look. “Toni whatever is it?” She motioned her friend to enter and grab a seat.

"Are you back at work? Because I need to schedule a session with you, as soon as you have time."

Sky took a seat and gave her friend a smile. “For you I’m always available. I want to be back at work, but Xavier keeps reminding me that I still have maternity leave time left.”

"I don't want to bother you if you still need time to heal. Remember you are my patient as well." She managed a smile as she did sit down.

“I feel fine, as long as I don’t spend all the time on my feet” Sky grinned. “So, what has you so upset?”

"Intel." Toni sighed. "I don't know how much you know about my family history?"

“Just what you’ve told me, and what’s in your personnel file” Sky smiled. “You know me I prefer to get my information first hand.”

"My dad hates intel, doesn't trust them at all. He has built his own intel service from the ground up, Melor works for dad when he is not on loan here. Kay's eldest brother runs it. I can't get a handle on our new chief. He is rude and arrogant and he brought up my worst side big time." She sighed. "I don't like that. I need to be sure of myself not on edge because of him."

“Question is are you letting your personal feelings get in the way of your judgement?” Sky gave Tony a curious look. “I know you, you don’t usually make snap judgements about people. Has your father’s opinion clouded your own judgment where our new Intel Chief is concerned?”

"I could be. I don't know, Sky. I am trying to keep an open mind when I see him but he just rubs me the wrong way. He is so arrogant. You know I have tried very hard to keep my career separate from what dad does. But right now I can't be sure."

Sky nodded. “How’s about we give this guy a chance? As First Officer you’re going to have to deal with him whether you like it or not. In the meantime it’ll give me a chance to get to know him, annd observe him in action when I’m able.”

"I am trying, I really am." Toni promised. "Hell we need a new intel chief, Melor needs to get back to his old job. I got on with Diane. I don't know why he is rubbing me the wrong way so horribly."

“I know it’s not easy Toni, if it turns out the problem is with our intel chief then I can talk to him about it.” Sky offered. “In the meantime any venting you have to do, you can do here.”

"Thanks." Toni leaned back in the seat. "I usually pride myself that I can get along with almost anyone. But how are you doing? And the babies?"

“The twins are fine, I’m starting to get a handle on a routine with them now” Sky smiled at her achievements. “As for me, I’m still supposed to be on maternity leave, but I’m itching to get back to work.”

"I can see that. But don't rush back either, other moms have told me this time is special and you don't want to miss first moments." Toni smiled.

“That’s true” Sky smiled and nodded. “Actually I might end up temporarily leaving the ship if we get dragged deeper into the war. Xavier has already said that if it becomes necessary he’ll send the children off ship. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place trying to decide whether I’d go with them, or whether to let family care for them. I know it’s not something I need to worry about now, but I have to consider it.”

"I understand. You are a serving officer. I would not envy you that decision." Toni said honestly.

“I can’t say I like it either” Sky sighed. “Anyway no point dwelling on what if’s, if I do I’ll go insane!” She offered a wry smile.

"Well you are still my patient as well." Toni said. "I am always here if you need to talk about it." So much easier to let someone else do the talking.”

Sky nodded. “Don't get me started or I might never stop!” She smiled a wry smile. “Besides you came to see me, not visa versa.”

"Guilty, you caught me." She grinned. "But I think just coming here and telling you about it is already helping. I know what I need to try and do now."

“And that is?” Sky gave Toni a curious look waiting to see what she planned to do.

"Like we talked about. Giving him the benefit of the doubt and trying not to lose my temper anymore." She smiled.

Sky nodded. “Perfect” she smiled warmly. “Any problems after that let me know.”

"Will do." Toni gave her friend a hug and left.