What to expect when he returns

Posted on Mon Sep 21st, 2026 @ 11:52pm by Captain Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels & Lieutenant Talsi Carey & Lieutenant Sky Carey

Mission: We are sick of this.
Location: Ready room
Timeline: Current

Tal and Sky walked up to the Captains ready room on the bridge, Tal had discussed things with Sky, and due to the fact that the Captain, was at one point Xaviers therapist dealing with the first round of this those many years ago. They figure she may know something, about what transpired or how this would affect him when he returned.

"Come in." Toni said and was surprised to see Tal and Sky there together. "Have a seat. What can I do for you?"

"Hope we aren't intruding, but we want to know about Xaviers past."

¬Right¬ Toni thought. Not your nice afternoon chat. "I trust you have asked him about it yourselves."

Sky nodded. “I did, but I didn’t want to delve too deep for fear of dragging up trauma.” Sky answered.

"Sky, you more than anyone know that I can't talk about it. Patient - doctor confidentiality. I am really sorry." She hoped her friends would understand.

“I know that, but you can talk to a fellow therapist.” Sky added with a wry smile. “I don’t see Tal here if you don’t.”

"You knew him the first time he went through this. Do you think this will cause an issue with him, requiring the same extent of therapy he needed before." Tal replied

For once Toni was glad Talsi was there. She seemed to understand her dilemma better than Sky. "Sky even with a colleague I don't share everything. Only with my supervisor and if there is a need." She turned to Talsi. "I will not lie to you. Yes there may be problems after the mission. But that may go for all of them. And I honestly don't expect the problems to be as severe as the first time I met Xavier. For one he has a much better support system now, back then he had nearly nobody to support him. And that alone makes a big difference."

“It does indeed” Sky nodded. “Forgive me for asking Wharton I did, right now I’m more wife than I am Chief Counsellor.” She gave Tony an apologetic look. “We’ll be here for Xavier when he gets back.”

"That is the most important thing he will need. And of course I will be there as well, in whatever capacity he needs." Toni promised.


"Are you able to be his counsellor, seeing as you were his first officer?" Tal inquired.

She had to think for a while. "It has many pro's and con's. It will be up to you all to make that decision. It is usually not advisable to have patients who are friends or family but I know his history very well and I may know better than anyone what he may need. Again he may be totally fine when he comes back. Years of therapy and family love have made him a lot stronger."

“Agreed” Sky nodded. “I just hope he won’t be away for an extended period of time.”

"Me too. For all of them." It was bound to be a hard mission.

“Of course” Sky nodded. “I’m glad Xavier isn’t alone on this mission.”

"Me too. For a while I was afraid he would go alone. Melor has a pretty clear head on his shoulders, he will be a great help." She assured the others.

“They all do.” Sky added with a smile. “I just hope Xavier keeps a level head and doesn’t decide to play Lone Ranger.”

Toni hoped so as well. She had had a word with Melor before he left and she only hoped it was enough.

"Lone ranger?" Tal inquired

"It's an earth thing." Toni explained. "Twentieth century movies."

Sky smiled. “Sorry you know me and my love of old Earth movies and shows.”

"I know. Your knowledge is impressive." Toni finally gave a real relaxed smile.

“That’s because I love to sit and watch movies. Movie night is a thing for me.” Sky grinned.

"I wish I had time to join you more often but this captain's job is a bitch." Toni smiled.

"Even the Captain has time off. Xavier has always made time for us. How about you come over once all of this is complete." Tal replied. "Don't worry, it will be clothing mandatory."

"Once this is all complete sounds great. Right now I really need all my attention and energy to learn this new job under not the best of circumstances." With these two she could at least be honest.

“Well you know where to find me if you need to vent” Sky added with a smile. “You’ll do fine though I think.”

"Thank you, I may take you up on that. This is something I did not think would happen for many many years."

“Imagine how I feel” Sky sighed. “I never thought Xavier would leave us so soon after the twins birth, to go off and do something like this. I know his reasoning but I can’t say I like it.”

"Can the two of you talk about it?" Toni asked looking between Sky and Tal. "About your feelings around this?"

Sky nodded. “We’ve talked, and will continue to do so. If I don’t talk I’ll explode!” She offered a wry smile. “My hormones are still all over the place so talking is a must.”

"you know where to find me if you need me." Toni said softly. "I always make time for those kind of talks."

“I know you do Toni, thank you” Sky offered a warm smile. “Besides you have to come visit the twins when you get time.”

"I promise I will when I have time."

"Good." Tal replied as she turned to the door. "You ready Sky?"

Sky nodded. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”