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Posted on Wed Jun 24th, 2020 @ 3:45am by Captain Nycolas Temple & Emilie Temple
Edited on on Fri Jul 10th, 2020 @ 5:59pm

Mission: The Evils Within
Location: Deck 2 - Senior Crew Quarters
Timeline: After "Onwards"

ON:

Nyx took a slight detour on his way back from the Cargo Bay to the Bridge, heading first to his quarters to check on Emilie, Katrine, and the baby. He always felt a deep sense of regret when the ship was in the midst of danger, knowing that his family were also on board. Though he knew that this crew was far more talented and capable than any crew he had ever worked with, and that they have managed to navigate incredibly difficult situations before, he still worried about his family when the ship was in peril. The journey through Hesiod Green's atmosphere was no smooth sailing, but they made it through thanks to Lieutenant Fick's skilful work. Of course, Nyx still wanted to check up on his family just for his own peace of mind.

Entering the Temple quarters, Nyx was surprised to see a uniquely calm scene. The baby was asleep in a bassinet in the living zone, while Katrine was colouring on the floor, and Emilie was busy preparing lunch.

"Hey everyone." Nyx whispered as he entered.

Emilie was surprised to see her husband and almost dropped the label she was using, "Oh! Nyx. Is everything alright?"

"That's what I came to ask you." He smiled in response as he crossed the distance into the kitchen and gave Emilie a kiss on the cheek.

"Daddy! Look!" Katrine shouted as she stood up, causing both parents to give a firm "SShhh!" in response. Katrine looked back guilty to the baby and the three of them waiting to see if he stirred. After a moment of continued silence, Katrine relaxed and walked over to her parents, picture in hand. "I drew the baby!"

Nyx looked down to see Katrine holding out a PADD showing a pinkish blob with stick arms and legs and a flock of wild brown hair. Nyx studied the picture for a moment, grinning, "It looks amazing, sweetie."

"It's a present for him." Katrine explained, tucking one leg behind the other and swaying nervously. "Do you think he'll like it?"

"He'll love it." Nyx nodded, "We'll put it on the wall by his crib, shall we?"

"Yes!" Katrine cried, fist pumping the air. The sudden movement almost caused her to fall over. "I wanted to put a name on it but... he's just the baby."

Emilie and Nyx shared a knowing look. While they had a short list of names, neither of them could quite decide on what to call their son. He just didn't look like any of they names they had - although at only a few days old, he didn't look like anything except a new born baby. The medical crew had been hounding them for a name for the official records, and Nyx was starting to fear he would just end up being called "The Baby" for the rest of his life. He'd imagine attending his son's Starfleet Academy graduation and hearing "The Baby Temple" being called out to the audience, and just watching everyone's faces. The horror.

"We should really make a decision." Emilie commented, as she turned back to making lunch.

"Yes, we should." Nyx added with his tongue firmly in cheek.

"I'll put this on his wall!" Katrine declared, before running out of the room and down the corridor into the bedrooms. Thankfully, her bounding steps still did not wake up the baby, despite her best efforts to be as noisy as a four year old could be.

"So everything's alright here then?" Nyx asked Emilie, as he moved closer to her and rubbed her back. "The atmosphere was horrible to get through."

"Well, the baby did cry for a while at first," Emilie admitted with a sigh, "Just when we were in the worst of it. But Katrine actually managed to calm him down, pulled faces, entertained him. She was a big help."

"Oh yeah?" Nyx said with a proud smile, "Looks like she's adopting the big sister role quite well."

"Yes, thankfully," Emilie nodded, but then a small look of concern passed her face. She started to speak, then stopped.

"What is it?" Nyx asked carefully.

"Nothing." Emilie sighed again, "It's just, I'm so proud of our little girl and her resilience. She didn't get upset once when the Pandora was landing, and was even helping the baby through it. But.... I don't know..."

"But a four year old shouldn't be this used to constant distress?" Nyx said the words for her.

Emilie bit her lip and nodded, "I worry what it's doing to her, psychologically."

"We could have really used the break on Carnwennan Station. Or back on earth." Nyx agreed. "Just some time on solid ground, where there wasn't something happening all the time; and we weren't moving from one mission straight to the next."

"Right, from the Indigo Sky to Paradise. Then the baby's sudden arrival and now this place?" Emilie looked to the doorway to see if Katrine was around, "It's a lot for a little girl. No matter how strong she may seem."

"I'll see if Lieutenant Kaleri has some suggestions," Nyx offered, following his wife's gaze across the room, "Some activities to help her cope and process what's happening, until we can find some time off to relax. Otherwise, perhaps Doctor Alves or Shae will have some ideas?"

Emilie nodded, "Yes, let's try it."

Nyx gave her a kiss on the cheek before quietly sauntering over to the bassinet. His son was swaddled in blankets, sound asleep. He knelt down on the floor and just watched the baby for some time, taking in his serene, little face. Having the family here was a risk, and Emilie was right to be concerned for their mental welfare, but Nyx did enjoy these moments of the family being together. Their quarters, though not a house by any standards, had become their home. If they had to endure hardships and stress, at least they had each other. The kids had their parents, and the parents had their partner to share the responsibilities, support, and love. Despite the worry it caused, every one of the family was glad to be here under the one roof.

"Do you have time to eat?" Emilie called out gently, as she began plating up the meal.

"No," Nyx said dejectedly, "I should really get back to the Bridge. I just wanted to come in and check on you all."

Emilie smiled, "Thank you, but you need to go be Captain again."

Nyx stood and walked back over to the kitchen, where he held Emilie in his arms and gave her a long, deep kiss. Resting his forehead against hers, he whispered, "Thank you."

"Always." She replied.

Soon after, Nyx made his way back to the Bridge. Knowing his family were alright had given him the energy to continue on with this mission and - most importantl - see it finished as soon as possible.

OFF