Checking In

Posted on Wed Feb 18th, 2026 @ 2:02pm by Commander Kyle Reece & Civilian Harper o’Leary & Civilian Skylah McBride [Lalor]

Mission: Season 6: Episode 6: Conglomerate
Location: USS Elysium, Promenade Deck
Timeline: MD 3 / 1345 hours (Backpost)
1007 words - 2 OF Standard Post Measure

After speaking to Liam and Samaire, Kyle checked with the computer as to the whereabouts of Harper. He saw that she was in her shop, probably still cleaning up after the firefight that had taken place there.

After ensuring that everything in Security was in the capable hand of his staff, Kyle told them that he was going to take a few hours rest. He then added alpha, as soon as each of their specific tasks were finished, they were to do the same. He then left the Security office's and made his way up to the promenade.

A few minutes later, he was stepping past the work crews, who were sealing various breaches and repairing weapon damage, and finally reached Harper's shop. Stepping inside, he didn't see any one at first, so he called out. "Hello? Harper? Sky? Anyone here?"

"In back!" came the call.

In the back, Skylah was sitting on a chair, mixing potpourri in a bowl while Harper poured melted and scented wax into moulds.

Moving to the rear of the shop, Kyle smiled when he saw his little niece. His smile grew brighter when he saw Harper. "It figures you two would be back at work, so soon after the attack." He stepped over to Skylah and gently kissed the top of her head. When he looked at Harper, it was clear that he wanted to do more than that to her, but couldn't with his niece there.

"Hi Uncle Kyle," Skylah said as she focused on the potpourri.

Harper put down the now empty decanter and pushed her hair back from her face. "Hey," she said to him. "You look tired, Kyle."

Kyle nodded slowly, then glanced at Skylah briefly before looking back at Harper, then tilting his head to her private office in the rear of the shop, the silent question on his face that he wanted to speak to her in private.

Harper smiled and gave a soft instruction to Skylah who barely nodded as she continued her tasks. Harper led the way to the private office.

Once they were in the office and the doors slid shut, Kyle quickly wrapped his long arms around Harper's petite frame. For several seconds, he just held her close, protectively. When he finally spoke, it was in a whisper. "I was so scared for you and the baby!"

Harper leaned into him and closed her eyes. "The civilian bunkers were secure. Though we could hear the howls." She said softly.

Kyle held on to Harper for a few more long beats, then loosened his hold enough to look down into her eyes. "I dont know what I'd do if something happened to you or any of our kids. I...I know we said to keep things on a friend level but...im not sure i can anymore, Harper. I am growing to love you." As soon as he said it, he knew that he had crossed am invisible line and put his heart out on the chopping block again. What happened next was all in Harper's hands.

Their friends with benefits life had been great and they had been growing closer as the months progressed. "Well, then thats a good thing." She smiled. "Because my feelings are the same."

At first, Kyle didnt say anything. Then, a smile started to fill his features, banishing the pained feeling he had been having. He embraced Harper again, then kissed her lips gently.

Harper kissed him back and then drew back slowly. "We will need to discuss the fact that we have to work out how to merge our families."

Kyle inhaled a deep, relieved breath, then nodded as it exhaled through his nostrils. "Of course. Whatever we decide to do, the children must be considered first." Ge reached up and gently tucked a loose strand of Harper's hair back behind her left ear.

She smiled. They both had adopted traumatised children from the accident. "Maybe your sister-in-law can help us? They need to have their own space.. maybe two cabins side by side?"

Kyle considered the idea, then nodded in agreement. "I'm sure the Commodore would consider the issue. We just need to ensure we have all the facts to present to her and Sam." He let out a soft sigh, thinking that they only had room available because of the fact of having so many lost shipmates during their journey through Circinus.

"I am sure Phoenix will be fine." Harper was one of the few Civilians who called the Commodore by her first name.

Harper's confidence caused a warm grin to cross Kyle's face. "I'm sure she will be too. I just want to do this all by the book, to do what's best for our kids."

Harper nodded. "They need to be able to have their say and own space."

"Agreed, " Kyle responded as he grinned softly. "They need to be comfortable in there home, wherever that is."

"And if we get home?" she asked softly. "Do you have a place on Earth or somewhere?"

He let out a breath, then shook his head. "No, I don't. I've been living on starships and Starbases for nearly twenty-five years now." He inhaled, then asked, "How about you?"

Harper nodded. "I have a house in Savannah Georgia. It's big enough." She smiled. "I took my ex husband for everything he had."

Kyle grinned. "I've been to Atlanta once before, but never Savannah." He gave Harper another gentle kiss, then added, "His loss is our gain." He pulled her in for another gentle, but loving embrace. Perhaps now, the Fates would allow him to be happy and live the life he had always wanted?

From the front room, Skylah called out "Can I come in now?" She was bored.

Kyle chuckled softly, then kissed Harper again, before reluctantly releasing her and moving to stand next to her. "That will be a type of interruption we will need to get used to." He gave her a playful wink before they let his niece back in.

~OFF~