Meeting the Ship's Counselor

Posted on Wed Nov 11th, 2026 @ 6:04am by Lieutenant Commander Sky Carey & Lieutenant Commander Brent Castle

Mission: The Next Watch
Location: Castle's Office
Timeline: Current

Brent was still reviewing/ learning the resolution crew when a name caught his attention Sky Carey. Curious, he opened the file and began reading. She was the ship's chief counselor but more importantly she was also the commodore's wife. As he would be working closely with the commodore he would undoubtedly also being seeing her quite a lot so it made sense to meet and get to know her as well.

He sent a message to her requesting a meeting with her at her earliest convenience.

Sky was going over her planner sorting appointments when the message came through, she could only assume Brent was a member of Xavier’s team. Deciding now was as good as any, she put her PaDDs away and headed to see him. Reaching his office a few minutes later she pressed the chime.

Inside the office Brent heard the door chime. "Enter!" He called out as he waited to see who came through his door even as he stood to greet the visitor, whom ever it might be.

“Commander Castle” Sky smiled warmly as she entered and approached the desk. “I’m Sky Carey, you requested to speak with me?”

Brent came around his desk a broad smile on his face. "Counselor, it is a pleasure to meet you Please have a seat would you like anything from the replicator?"

“Thank you.” She took a seat. “Nothing for me thanks I just came from my office, and I’ve had plenty to drink while I was there.” Sky smiled warmly.

As you wish." Brent replied as he took a seat behind his desk. "I wanted to meet you for in addition to being the Commodore's wife you are also the chief counselor and as such, we will be working closely together in regard to crew morale, mood, expectations. That sort of thing."

Sky nodded. “That’s very true, it’s good to see that Xavier has a member of staff who’s so organised. This is a big change for all of us.”

"I just find things go smoother when one is organized. Certainly there is less confusion in what needs to be and in what order." Brent replied.

Sky nodded. “That’s very true. So what can I do for you Commander? I’ll be honest it’s going to be strange having officers onboard who aren’t specifically here to as ship’s crew. Plus you’ll be under Xavier’s Command instead of Toni’s…sorry Captain Stoffel’s.”

"Perhaps to begin with but after a short period of adjustment, no one will even notice. Yes, that is correct. I am your husband's chief of staff so I answer to him and not Captain Stoffels.

“Well you’ll obviously be seeing a lot of both Talsi and myself, we’re both married to Xavier.” Sky smiled knowing that might surprise Brent.

Brent opened his mouth, then closed as Sky made her announcement. A look of genuine surprise on his face. After several seconds of silence he managed to get the following out, "Excuse me Counselor but would you mind repeating what you just said."

Sky grinned. “I know it’s pretty unusual, if you check your files you’ll see Talsi Carey listed as well were both Mrs Carey. Talsi was married to Xavier first, and I’m the more recent.”

"I'll say. However as long as you all are comfortable with it that is all that matters." Brent replied honestly.

“Very true” Sky smiled. “Have you had a chance to meet Captain Stoffels as yet?”

Brent nodded and smiled. "I have. It was a short meeting as she had a previous appointment. I plan on following up with another meeting in a few days."

“That’s probably a good idea.” Sky nodded. “Toni is pretty busy with ship’s business right now, especially with the change in command structure.”

"A change in the command structure?" He questioned. "What change?"

“Sorry I meant the change with Xavier becoming task force commander, and Toni becoming full time Captain of the Resolution.” Sky answered. “We all expected Xavier to be retaking command of the ship.”

Brent nodded, "Oh I see. You had me worried for a moment. I thought I had missed something important concerning the ship. I do have question about an earlier topic you said Talsi is also married to the commodore but I don't remember seeing her name on the crew manifest."

“Yes, Tal has recently moved to flight control. You can’t really miss her she’s extremely tall and blue.” Sky smiled.

Brent rechecked the ship's manifest, "Ah. here it is. It had gotten moved to side menu but it is now backed where it belongs. Thank you for your assistance. I appreciate it."

“My pleasure Commander. If there’s anything I can do to be of assistance while you settle in please let me know.”

"I definitely will." Brent assured her. "Have you been on the Resolution long?" He inquired.

“I came aboard in 2372, but it feels a lot longer than it’s actually been what with meeting and marrying Xavier, and recently having twins.” Sky smiled.

Brent shook his head. "Ship's Chief Counselor, Married to the Commodore and a mother to twins. I think your plate is definitely full. Where do you find the time to handle it all?"

“To be honest I’m still working out the whole work day thing between caring for the twins, and getting my schedule up and running again.”

"You definitely have your hands full to be sure. Have you considered getting a nanny to help with the twins?" Brent asked.

Sky nodded. “That, or a good babysitter for work hours. We have other families onboard, so that’s a possibility, or they could go to the ship’s nursery. I’m still considering which option at the moment.”

"You could combine the two. Babysitter if you and the commodore are going out or be busy for just a few hours and the nursery when you are both busy for longer periods of time." Brent explained.

“Very true” Sky smiled warmly. “Are you a family man yourself?”

"I don't have a family of my own yet but I come from a fairly large family. Have a brother and sister along with mom and dad and lots of aunts and uncles." Brent replied.

Sky nodded. “I thought you sounded like a man who either had children, or had come from a multi child family” she smiled warmly.

Brent chuckled, "You have me pegged correctly Counselor. brother and sister are both younger. We were close as kids and we're still close. Wouldn't trade them for the world. Sell em maybe but not trade them." He said jokingly.

Sky couldn’t help but grin. “You must join us for dinner one night Commander, it would give Xavier chance to get to know you better.”

"I'd like that very much. Just name the time and the date and I will be there," Brent replied with enthusiasm.

“Wonderful” Sky smiled warmly. “I’ll talk with Xavier and Talsi then get back to you.”

"Sounds good to me. There is no rush as I am not going anywhere. I'm already looking forward to meeting Talsi as well as having dinner with company. Eating by yourself stinks." Brent replied.

“Indeed it does, except when you want time to yourself” Sky smiled warmly. “It’s been nice getting to know you Brent.”

"You are most kind to say so however the honor is mine. It has been wonderful to meet as well has learn a little about you as well Sky." Brent returned honestly.

“Thank you” Sky offered a warm smile as she stood ready to leave. “I’ll be in touch.” With that she headed on her way.

"Great. I'll be waiting." Brent replied as Sky moved to leave. This had been a most productive meeting.