Friendly discussion

Posted on Mon Jan 19th, 2026 @ 8:32am by Lieutenant Sky Carey & Captain Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels

Mission: Those who are left behind
Location: Counsellor’s Office

"Sky!" Toni ran after her friend. "I swear I did not know. I did not want this." She tried to keep her tears back in public as she felt so bad for her friend who stood a chance to loose her husband.

Sky had already talked with Xavier, not that it was making her feel much better. Hearing Toni’s voice she turned to look. “You don’t need to apologise Toni, this wasn't your decision.” She paused. “I didn’t have chance to say Congratulations on your promotion.”

"How are you?" She looked at her friend intently. "Can you stop Xavier from doing this? I will gladly give the rank back if he stays. "

Sky shook her head as they carried on slowly walking towards her intended destination, her office. “He's going, but he says he’ll come back. Not that it makes me feel any better. We just had the twins Toni, now he's doing this because he says it will give them a better future! It won’t if Xavier doesn’t come back!”

"Oh Sky, I wish he had talked to me first. He shouldn't be doing this." She was glad when they reached the office as she felt neither of them could keep a straight face for much longer.

Walking into her office Sky walked across to the sofa and sat down. “It just worries me that none of us truly know what Xavier is walking into. I swore if he doesn’t return I’ll go find him, and that’s exactly what I’ll do!”

"No! Think of your kids! If the worst comes to pass I will go. But we have to make sure it doesn't happen. He has to stay safe."

Sky shook her head. “No Toni, Xavier is set on this and if we interfere he’ll never forgive either of us.”

She stared at the ground. "I don't know if I am ready, Sky. The last weeks have been utter hell, I am exhausted.... I did not see this coming at all. I thought my career was over."

Sky nodded. “If anyone can do this you can Toni. You're one of the strongest people I know, besides this ship and crew need you, I need you!”

"I will be there for you and the kids. Of course I will. As a friend and if you need it as a therapist."

“I know you will Toni, but you’re Captain now you have more to worry about than just me.” Sky offered a brief smile. “I’ll cope, I have to and I still have Talsi. I guess she’s used to Xavier taking the risks.”

Toni blushed. "I guess I forgot about her. We interact so little these days while you and I... I will never forget my friends, whatever I do, you know that."

Sky nodded feeling a little better. “Of course I do, and I will be right at side ready to be your sounding board and advisor when it’s needed.”

"Yes that will be great. I won't be seeing you as my therapist anymore. I have already made an appointment with Lt Morrison. I am going to follow the advice that Dr Voss gave."

Sky smiled. “That’s a good idea, I have to do the same. It was Voss’ opinion that I should seek Counselling as well. I guess we’re both having to please Starfleet one way or another.”

"And he is right. It will just be so bloody hard to step back." Toni grimaced.

“I know it is, but you won’t have time to worry about it with being Captain” Sky offered a smile. “That sounds good, calling you Captain. I’m glad they moved you up.”

"It sounds so weird." Toni was laughing again. "It will be a while before I respond to it instantly."

Sky smiled. “I’ll give you a nudge so you know it’s you that people are talking to.”

"They will think me insane." But Toni was much more relaxed now.

“I’ll make it discreet” Sky grinned feeling somewhat better. “Thank you for this Toni, I needed to stop wallowing in my own worry.”

"We will keep each other strong, without counselling of course." Toni chuckled. "Just friendly talks when the other needs it."

Sky nodded. “Sounds good to me Toni. I have some apologising to do to Xavier before he goes, he needs to know that I support him.”

"I hope you did not yell too much. I was planning of having my own go as well." Toni admitted.

“No, I just pushed him away more or less.” Sky sighed. “Talking to Tal made me realise that I should be supporting him, not arguing about it.”

"I really want to do both. He should have come to us first before deciding to do this." Toni grumbled.

“I guess Xavier didn’t have much choice, if you want to talk to him I’d do it soon.” Sky offered.

"I will, don't worry I will do it right after I leave you." Toni said with determination.

Sky nodded. “Tell him I want to see him before he goes, I need to.” She offered Toni a smile.

"I will." Toni smiled at her friend and with that left her.

Turning to her desk Sky sighed as she sat down to go over her appointment list, she hated everything about Xavier’s assignment but there was nothing she could do about it except be a dutiful wife.

{OFF}