Unexpected promotion

Posted on Thu Oct 29th, 2026 @ 12:21pm by Lieutenant Commander Sky Carey & Captain Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels

Mission: The Next Watch
Location: Ready Room

Thankfully not all tasks at the moment were distastful. And Toni felt very blessed that she could finally handle Sky's very earned promotion today. She had asked her friend to come by her office and had not given a reason. Now she sat back behind her desk and waited.

Sky walked along the corridor having left her children with their father, for Xavier to enjoy daddy time, she walked to Toni’s office. Pausing by the door she did the usual straightening of her uniform before pressing the chime. She waited until she heard Toni call her to enter then walked inside. “You wanted to see me Captain?” She smiled warmly.

"Yes, counsellor please come in." Toni came to her feet and this time did not ask Sky to sit down as she usually did. "Please come to attention."

Sky was somewhat surprised but did as she was asked. Straightening up she stood to attention waiting to see whether this was something good, or if she’d done something wrong.

With a big smile Toni produced a very small box and handed it over to Sky. "Congratulations, Lt commander. Well deserved."

Sky stood completely gobsmacked for a minute as she looked at the box before opening it. “I…err, thank you Captain!” She gave Toni a big smile. “Would you help me with these please?”

"Of course it will be my absolute pleasure." She helped Sky take off the old pips and replace them with the new ones. "That certainly looks much better on you."

Sky’s smile said what she couldn’t, she never imagined a promotion was coming her way. “I never imagined this, not in my wildest dreams!”

"Really? You were long overdue a promotion. Xavier did not dare do it when he was captain, so it was one of the first things he asked me to do."

Sky nodded. “That’s fair enough, I wouldn’t want it to appear that he was showing favouritism towards me even though I know Xavier wouldn't do that.”

"No he wouldn't." She thought a little guilty, like she would not promote Kay. "But tell me how are you holding up with the news about Betazed?”

Sky shrugged her shoulders. “To be honest I’m not sure. I thought my parents were still off world, but now it’s looking like they may actually be there. I can’t find out any actual details for certain. That, and the fact that other Betazoids onboard are now looking to me to bring them news I can’t even get. It’s anything but easy.”

"That is heavy." Toni said softly. "How are you managing, as you will be counselling them as well with their grief and fear while you have enough on your own shoulders."

“Helping others helps me to take my mind off of things for a little while, but we all have the same problem. I know Starfleet is doing its best to get what information is available, but without actually seeing our families we don’t really know how they are, or what’s going on.” Sky sighed. “I wish I had news I could give to people.”

"I will keep you updated as soon as I hear anything and I am at liberty to share. At the moment I don't know any more than you do."

Sky nodded. “I know, all we get is what the Dominion decide to share at present. We’ll just have to hope for the best.”

Toni was not going to offer platitudes that everything would be ok, they had both seen too much to still believe in that. "I can offer a hug." she said.

Sky couldn’t help but smile at that. “Who am I to say no to that. Besides you’re not just my CO, and my friend, you’re the sister I never had.”

"Awww. " Toni said feeling touched. "Then I have got two sisters on board now. Kay has always been my annoying little sister." She gave Sky a fierce hug.

Sky grinned as she returned the hug before letting go again. “When I first came onboard I never imagined myself gaining the family I have now, there’s nowhere else I’m ever going to want to be.”

"Good! I hope we will be able to serve alongside each other for a long time. My parents were so lucky that they served with their best friends for so many years. Through good times and bad."

“I was glad you were all there for me after my worst time, I wouldn’t have made it through that without all of you.” Sky added with a smile. “It’s all been worth it now I have these new pips to show for it.” She grinned. “Not that I’m planning on racing my way through the ranks.”

"Be careful!" Toni warned. "That is what I said not that long ago and look at me now."

Sky grinned. “You’ve earned this Toni, after everything you, and your family, have been through you’ve well and truly earned the promotion. This is your ship now, and you still have Xavier here to guide you if it’s needed.”

"Even after one mission it is still pretty new to me. And it is both a blessing and a curse to have him here. I am glad I can ask for advice but scared shitless I will do something wrong."

“That’s how we learn is it not?” Sky asked. “It’s learning from mistakes that matters.”

"Yeah, but there is a difference to making mistakes as an ensign and as a captain. It is bloody scary."

Sky nodded. “That’s true, I’m not sure how I’d cope if I was left in charge of the bridge in an emergency.” She gave a wry smile.

"I am sure you would do well." Toni said with a grin. "Now why don't you go home early and celebrate with your partners. Although Xavier knows about it already of course."

“Of course” Sky smiled warmly. “I will do just that, thank you Toni. This has been a wonderful surprise.”

"Don't mention it. It was entirely my pleasure. Now shoo!" She smiled.

Sky grinned as she got up and headed on her way, the big grin on her face said it all.