meeting Denise

Posted on Mon Jan 9th, 2023 @ 9:13am by Lieutenant Sky Jansen-Carey & Commander Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels

Mission: Traitor amongst us?
Location: Quarters

Denise had been busy all day settling her husband in sickbay and then arranging the few belongings they had been able to take with them in tiny quarters. Knowing space was at an optimum Denise had insisted on taking the smallest private cabin available. she did not want to be a bother to the people on the ship. in between she had gone to see her son to see how he was getting on and having a chat with Mellor. She had held off on seeing Nicky until she had had a chance to talk to Sky. By the time she got round to that it was evening and she decided that she would take her chances and see if the chief counsellor had time for her now instead of waiting till the next day. She was still so full of adrenaline that she would not rest or sleep for a while yet.

So not much later she found herself outside Sky's quarters hitting the chime.

Sky was sitting feet up with a bowl of snacks next to her when the chime rang, both Talsi and Xavier were still working so she called whoever was calling to enter, offering a warm smile as the door opened.

Denise was very much aware that there was history here even though they had never met in person. She had been asked to evaulate Sky's fitness for duty not that long ago. She hoped the young woman would not hold that against her. "Sky." She returned the smile. "I was hoping you would have a few minutes for me but I can also come by your office tomorrow."

“No need” Sky waved Denise over to a seat. “Please make yourself at home. We won’t be interrupted, Talsi and Xavier and both busy. How are you?”

"As good as can be expected." She said honestly. "Way too much stress lately. I have come as a courtesy call to assure you that I am not working at the moment. I will only be working with Nicky and I will interfere in no way with your running of your department."

“I didn’t think you would” Sky offered a polite smile. ““There are days when I just want to curl up somewhere and let the universe go by.”

"Then why don't you do that for a day or two?" The older woman said. "You look like you need it. And with Kayleigh here you have help in your department. And I can always help if you ask for it. How are you feeling?"

Sky shrugged her shoulders. “Like I almost lost my best friend, I know I shouldn’t worry and stress myself out but right now it’s how I feel.” She shook her head. “I’m on reduced duties anyway, Rutherford’s orders. If my stress levels go up too far he’ll remove me from duty anyway.”

"We don't want it to come that far do we?" She raised her eyebrows. "I had 6 babies myself, I know a little bit about it. You should be in bed now nice and warm. I am sure your friend will come around. It is never as bleak as it looks right now."

Sky nodded. “I know you’re right, raging hormones don’t help when you’re pregnant do they?” She offered a more relaxed smile. “Besides we’re not supposed to be talking about me, you came to see me so why don’t we talk about what brought you here?”

"A courtesy call." Denise smiled. "So you won't feel intimidated by having me on board but use me if you need. And to make sure there are no hard feelings that I had to evaluate your for duty." As always her professional mask was well in place. Nobody would guess she was tired and worried to death about her husband and son and all those close friends on earth.

Sky nodded. “There’s no hard feelings, you were only doing your job. I’m just glad that I passed my evaluation. I don’t, however think that’s the only reason you came. The recent events must have been hard for you?”

"I thought you were resting." Denise smiled. "And not many people ever ask me how I am doing. I appreciate it." She thought for a few seconds. "I am not going to lie, it is tough and it is lonely right now. But I have to be strong for a whole lot of people at the moment who lean on me. I will take time for myself later."

“Just don’t drive yourself into the floor in the process okay?” Sky offered a smile. “We both need time to rest and relax.”

"I have a habit of doing that when I know that everyone else is ok." She gave Sky a look. "And I have a feeling you know exactly what I mean."

Sky nodded. “Ohh I do at that” she smiled warmly. “I guess being the fiancée of the ship’s Captain makes me feel like I need to keep plowing on through. I don’t want to cause any issues for Xavier.”

"It's not always easy is it? Being married to a fellow officer. I was in your position when I married Wain. We did not always serve together but once the kids kept on coming we tried to."

Sky smiled. “It’s not an ordinary relationship for us, with him already being married to Talsi. I never expected to become part of a three person relationship, but I love them both. We’re a big happy family.”

"I am glad to hear it and I look forward to getting to know your husband better and meeting your co-wife. I still do not see a poli-amorous family that often."

“I don’t think anyone has.” Sky grinned. “I was originally going to have a child for Xavier and Tal, but due to the genetics of Tal’s baby I miscarried.” She paused. “This baby is 100% mine and Xavier’s but he assured me Tal will see our daughter as her daughter too.”

"That can't have been easy for you. How are you holding up now?" Denise asked gently.

“Not so good to be honest, but I’m trying to move on.” Sky offered a melancholy smile. “It’s a lingering worry in my mind, I’d be devastated if anything happened to my daughter.”

"And that is exactly why you shouldn't dwell on it. But that is so much easier said than done. Is Tony helping you?"

“I don’t want to put too much on her right now, I have spoken to Kayleigh about it. She’s our new Assistant Chief Counsellor.”

"She will love that." Denise had to smile and shake her head. "But my daughter is a good therapist, I am happy you will be talking to her. But your are always welcome to unload on me as well."

Sky nodded. “I know, Kayleigh was quick to remind me that I can talk to you, as well as her. To be honest it feels strange being Chief Counsellor, yet talking to someone who works for my department. Better that than not working at all though.”

"I agree. And to be honest she can seperate it really well. Don't be alarmed if Kay will not try to befriend you though. She tries to keep patients and friends separate. She is new to serving as a counsellor on ships though and it may be hard for her. She is the social animal in the family, well with her dad and oldest brother. The rest of us are introverts."

Sky nodded. “I understand, I guess I can’t blame her for wanting to keep patients and friends separate it is complicated.”

"I know. It is very complicated and lonely on ship duty. I am glad you have a family here that can support you. It makes a big difference."

“It does indeed” Sky nodded in agreement. “I’d be lost without their support.”

With a smile Denise came to her feet. "I will let you know how I get on with Nick. And if you need my help with more patients do let me know. I would like to ask you to work with my son Tasin. He pretends to be a tough guy but he is actually more vulnerable."

Sky nodded. “Of course I will, I’m happy to help Tasin. I’ll do everything I can to help him through this.”

"Thank you, that is a load off my mind." she admitted. "I had better go back to see how Wain is settling in and then have a first chat with Nicky."

Sky smiled. “Of course, I’m glad you dropped by. Please feel free to come by whenever you need to.”

"I will keep that in mind." Denise said smiling, then left Sky alone.

{OFF}