I’m home

Posted on Tue Oct 13th, 2026 @ 9:40am by Commodore Xavier Carey & Lieutenant Sky Carey

Mission: The Next Watch
Location: Quarters
Timeline: Current

Xavier walked into the quarters as he placed his stuff on the ground. His deconstruction had gone successfully, and based on current scans... his neck muscles and those of the crew, weren't as severely affected as the thought was. Hearing some stirring in the next room, he walked over and peaked in.

"Everything alright?" Xavier asked

Sky wasn’t sure if she’d heard movement simply putting it down to Tal moving around, hearing Xavier’s voice made her mouth drop open in shock. “You’re back!!!” She rushed over to him giving him the biggest hug before she studied his facial features. “It really is you!”

"Thought you would read me before I got here."

“I normally would have, but I was keeping myself closed off for a little while. I like the background voices, but there are times I don’t want the emotions that come with them.” She didn’t offer further explanation. “Anyway you’re back and that’s what matters!” She gave him a loving kiss.

"That is what matters." He agreed as he returned the kids. "How were they?"

“A little unsettled to start with they’re too young to have their senses yet, but I think they realised that daddy was gone. Tal was a great help you can tell she’s done it all before.” Sky smiled. “I’m just glad you’re home!”

"She has, but Shal'Ti, grew up really fast. In human appearance he’s full grown. In Human age he’s 6."

“That’s quite the difference” Sky gave him a fascinated look. “So how did the mission go? I expect you’re glad to be back aboard your own ship now?”

"It was a whirlwind. I literally didn’t know how to keep up. This... is more my speed. Love Shal to death... but I wasn't... prepared for everything being so fast."

Sky nodded. “I bet. You didn’t answer my question.”

"It went well... we all got a few bumps and bruises, but everyone is back. Starfleet security will be here to escort our VIPs to location unknown. Gil Molek has requested to remain onboard, its up to the Captain."

“I do believe that’s you now you’re back.” Sky smiled. “Toni has done a great job while you’ve been away, but I think she’ll be glad to hand over the reigns.”

"The ship is still hers, her rank was not a temporary one." Xavier replied as he walked over to a crib. "What starfleet does with me after here. Unsure.

“What!?” Sky gave her husband a shocked look. “As much as this is our home, I’m not staying here without you! If they reassign you I’m going as well.”

"I've got a briefing on the trip in a few hours. Classified, until then I don't know anything.”

Sky nodded. “Right so we get to worry about it until then.” She sat down. “Sorry I’m letting Thais overshadow your return, I am glad you’re back. The reason I had myself shut off was because I didn’t want to feel this ship without you on it.”

"Our jobs dont always guarantee that we will be put together." Xavier replied. "But ill endeavour to keep us together."

“We’ll be together regardless, even if I have to quit my position to do it.” Sky added firmly. “I can always take on a civilian role.”

"I will never ask that of you. You know that."

“I didn’t say you would” Sky offered a smile. “That’s what I’m saying I’d do. I’m your wife, and that’s what matters to me. I go wherever you go.”

"We will come to that when we do." Xavier replied "Right now I’m home."

Sky nodded giving him a big smile. “Which means you have plenty of time to come and join us without any interruptions.”

"Absolutely."

“I was just about to start feeds, I have expressed ready to give so you can feed the same time as me.” Sky smiled as she gave Xavier the choice of whether he wanted to feed his son or daughter.

Picking up his daughter he took the bottle and walked over to the chair.

Sky smiled as she picked up her son, then walked over to the sofa to sit down to feed him. “I’ve actually managed to master breast feeding while you’ve been away. Practice makes perfect as the saying goes.”

"Thats good." Xavier replied. "Did they give you any other issue while I was gone?”

“The night routine was a little frazzling, but Tal helped me out thankfully.” Sky smiled. “You’re being away has given Tal & I some bonding time at least.”

"Well that is good. I know Tal loves, attention."

Sky smiled. “That she does, but she means as much to me as you do not that I ever thought I’d find myself married to a man who already had a wife!” She grinned. “I love it.”

"Should be used to it by now."

“Of course I am” Sky grinned as she gently cradled their son as he fed.

"Once they are fed, I think I’m going to crash it’s been a long week."

Sky nodded. “I’m not surprised, do you want me to join you or would you prefer some peace and quiet for a little while?”

"I will never say no to you, you know that."

Sky nodded. “In that case when I’ve settled them down to sleep I’ll come and cuddle up. Any chance for a nap and time with you is good for me.”

"I won't disagree with that." He replied as Chloe finished her bottle. Placing her on her stomach to burp.

Sky smiled. “Chloe is definitely the faster feeder, though it helps if her brother doesn’t fall asleep during his feed.” She motioned to Connor who was dozing.

"Wanna switch, ill change and put him down."

“Sure” Sky nodded as she gently moved Connor and covered herself up, then swapped over to Chloe to finish winding her.

It took him mere minutes to complete the change and put him down, before he returned to the couch.

Sky wasn’t far behind as she finished getting Chloe off to bed as well. Once she was sure they were going to sleep she returned to Xavier. “I think they’re settled alright for now, let’s go and get some sleep.” She held out her hand for Xavier to take it.

Smiling, he took her hand, and he walked up the 'branches' he used to get to their bedroom.