Home Fires

Posted on Thu Feb 27th, 2020 @ 9:05pm by Commander Tressa Brislan-Antilles & Lieutenant JG Rachael "Ripcord" Yamaguchi-Cullen

Mission: Mission 26: Points of Divergence
Location: Various Locations - USS Roanoke
Timeline: 1900Hrs - February 17th, 2391

It was dinner time as Rachael Yamaguchi was dozing on the sofa, she was exhausted and it showed, she was close to completing her first trimester.

Rachael knew that Xavier and Kaylee were worried about her. Tressa was still out at work and they were wondering about dinner.

"Its okay guys... I'm alright.." Rachael said telepathically.

"Can we make dinner?" Xavier asked. Kaylee laid her head on Rachael's shoulder.

"Sure... surprise me okay?" The teen smiled, commenting aloud for the first time in over ten minutes. "Just let me rest a moment... please?"

The children passed a look before they went into the kitchen. A moment later they tapped a program into the replicator and walked quietly back over to the couch.

'Is she asleep?' the boy asked his sister.

'No' Rachael responded as she gently slid an arm around Kaylee's frame. 'Being pregnant does weird things... I get tired a lot easier' Rachael however didn't open her eyes.

'Does it make you feel sick?' Even Kaylee's mental voice betrayed her concern.

Rachael blinked her dark eyes open. 'In the mornings. Yes.' Rachael thought. 'Don't worry... Its nothing you guys need to worry about.... but in about five to six months... I'll have my own child to raise.'

'Will you still play with us?' the boy asked.

'Of course...' Rachael responded in silence. 'Pregnancy was NOT something I had planned..... If you two end up with someone... Go see medical so you can't face my situation so early... I'm fourteen and I'm too young for this'

'End up with someone? Like who?' Kaylee asked.

'When you meet him... you'll know sweetie... Until that time... don't worry about it... you're both too young for such things..'

The children exchanged a quizzical look then let it go. "We made chicken soup!" Xavier blurted out, breaking the silence. Kaylee giggled.

"Nice..." Rachael commented aloud. "Soon... You two will be making food for banquets... and everyone will address you as 'Chef' and they'll say it with respect... nobody messes with a Chef.. ever." Rachael sounded exhausted. "Man this sucks...."

"We'll bring it to you," Kaylee said. "You don't have to get up." She turned and ran into the kitchen as the boy pulled the coffee table closer to the couch.

Rachael closed her eyes, savoring the peace and quiet. In truth she didn't mind Tressa's kids looking after her for a change as she found it deeply touching.

Moments later Kaylee carefully carried a bowl of steaming soup over to the table. Xavier watched her as she slowly placed it on the table.

"She needs a spoon," the girl whispered loudly. Her brother nodded and ran into the kitchen.

Rachael meanwhile was almost falling asleep, she was exhausted after several weeks of drills and training, school was in there too which wasn't helping matters any.

The children brought out their own bowls and sat on the floor in front of the couch.

'Should we wake her?'

'I think so, she said she was hungry.'

Kaylee gently touched Rachael's arm. "Do you want to eat now?" she asked softly.

Rachael's eyes blinked open. "Mmm... Sure.." she responded quietly. "Its been a long few weeks...." she commented. "school and training.."

"Training?" Xavier asked, he was already halfway through his bowl.

"Yeah.. Flight training." Rachael responded. "It can be exhausting..." the teen explained softly. "Hows school going for you guys?"

"I like when we get to make things in art class," Kaylee said. She pointed to a small painted vase on a side table. "I made that, and I painted the flowers!"

Rachael regarded the vase. "Nice!." she grinnd at the young child. "You did a great job with your vase. I like it..." she smiled as she turned her attention back to the two children in her care as she sipped her soup. "Mmm.... nothing like chicken soup.." Rachael smiled. "When is your mom due home...?" the teen inquired, almost slurring her words. "On second thought... I'll pass out here." exhaustion clearly taking its toll on the teenager.

"Should we call the doctor?" Kaylee asked.

Rachael had finished her food as she placed the bowl on the coffee table before her. "Don't worry guys, I'm just tired.."

"Aunt Tressa will be home by 1900, she's never late. You can sleep here if you want!"

A smile appeared on Rachael's face. "I think your mom would be displeased... if I slept on her sofa while I'm supposed to be babysitting you two." she looked at the clock. "Its about fifteen minutes to nineteen hundred."

"We're old enough to be on our own, well almost old enough," Kaylee said as her brother stuffed a huge spoonful of soup into his mouth and grinned. "You're gross, Xav!" The boy shrugged as he gulped it down.

"No... you're not." Rachael responded. "Not old enough to be on your own..." she paused as she regarded Kaylee and her brother. "we can practice your skills..." she smiled. "Xavier... stop that." Rachael said gently. "You're being a pig and you, my young friend know better..." there was no harshness in Rachael's words. "and yes... I know I sound like my mother."

The boy snorted, taking a smaller spoonful.

"I like your mother, she always gives us a treat!" Kaylee said brightly.

'Thats because you guys always do what she tells you to do.' Rachael thought in silence. 'Plus you never give her any cause to get annoyed.' Rachael closed her eyes as she felt Kaylee curl up next to her. "Mmmm..." Rachael smiled. 'I think I found a comfy pillow..' Rachael thought.

The little girl relaxed and closed her eyes, feeling Rachael's contented warmth spread over her. A moment later she felt Aunt Tressa nearby, just before she walked through the door.

"Hello everyone," the counselor said as she entered the room. Xavier waved as he scooped another spoonful of soup into his mouth. "That looks good!"

"We made dinner, there's some for you too," Kaylee said as Tressa kissed her cheek in greeting.

"I see, and you've worn poor Rachael out!" she responded with a laugh.

"Not true." Rachael responded with her eyes still closed. "School and Training did that... and being pregnant does not help.." she explained. "These two... have been babysitting me.... minus Xavier's table manners.." she then opened her eyes as she gave the young boy in her care a reproving look. "Always in a rush..."

"Been stuffing your face again?" the counselor asked, looking at the boy. He looked chagrined. "I have an idea to help with that, but for now I'm going to enjoy my dinner. Rachael, you are welcome to sleep in the guest room tonight, I can message your mother for you. You do look worn out, sweetheart."

"Thanks Tressa." Rachael responded. "I'm going to cut back on... everything," she responded. "I do not need Phoenix yelling at me for this." she responded with a smile.

"You don't need anyone yelling at you period," the counselor said with a laugh.

"I'd prefer not to have people yelling in my presence... especially when I'm hanging out with Pufftail and Silversides.." she then smiled. "Shonax impregnated her.... which means Mom and I will soon have a pile of cats in the house.."

"This ship has more cats than people, they'll be coming in for counseling next!" Tressa said, chuckling.