A Quiet Night in the Igloo...

Posted on Mon Apr 3rd, 2023 @ 7:29am by Captain Mattias Richardson [Reece] & Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Miran Lalor [Lalor] HRH & Tristi Richardson

Mission: Season 6: Episode 2: Survival
Location: Popsicle One, Cave Camp, Richardson Tent
Timeline: MD2 late evening
1065 words - 2.1 OF Standard Post Measure

Mattias entered through the exterior flaps, removing his coat and boots in the small "mud room", before continuing inside. Though they had lost a few items from their cabin on the Elysium, when the hull breached, enough was saved and salvaged, that their temporary home could have been in any medieval story.

There were flameless torches attached to the tent posts, a small firepit in the living area and furs draped everywhere. It was a personal touch of Phoenix's that Mattias had always enjoyed. It helped him feel more like he was a king of some far off world.

Phoenix came out of the small section where the twins slept and smiled when she saw him. "Hello darling. "

Mattias' face lit up when his eyes landed on his beautiful wife. "My love! How are you and the twins doing?" He moved to wrap his arms around Phoenix, then kissed her deeply.

When the kiss ended she smiled. "They are good. As am I." She leaned into him. "They are asleep, today wore them out. I think Tristi took them to the Common tent."

Mattias enjoyed the closeness of Phoenix. He felt energized just by her proximity. "I'm glad to hear that, sweetheart!"

After a few more moments, he slowly relaxed his hold and the pair moved to the small couch, in front of the firepit. "And how are Tristi and Miran doing? I haven't seen them much since we got here." Since the camp had been set up, Mattias had been going up to the Elysium every chance he could, as he helped everywhere he could to continue the repairs. To say that he was starting to get tired and overdrawn, would be an understatement.

"Miran went up to the ship on debris detail. Tristi has been with the kids in the Common area, helping them out." Phoenix replied softly. "Miran is avoiding the Cadet tent."

"Because of Triston?" He had heard of how the young man had seemed to have decided to go after another woman, and ignore Miran. It was something that he had felt needed discussing, between men. However he hadn't had a free moment to do so.

Phoenix nodded. "I think the new girlfriend is the main reason."

Mattias sighed softly, shaking his head. "We men folk can be very ignorant, especially when we are younger, to the pain we can cause the women you like us." He looked down into Phoenix's beautiful eyes. "I could go talk to him, if you don't think it'll cause an issue?"

"I am not sure. I have been holding off because of past history, and if they are not meant to be then they are not meant to be." Phoenix said softly.

Mattias made a face, considering what Phoenix just said. Then, he nodded slowly, resignation in his tone. "Yeah, you're right. I just hope she can get over her crush for him and find someone else that'll help her smile."

Phoenix nodded. "We shall see. She has been stepping up a lot these past few months, and even though she does not want to go into Starfleet, I am seeing her mature a lot."

Mattias nodded. "Yeah, I've noticed it as well. If she continues on the path she is forging now, I can see her going far and doing great things."

Phee nodded as she snuggled closer. "She was applying to art school... guess thats on hold now."

Mattias wrapped his arms around his wife and held her close. "Perhaps," he replied softly. "However, while we are here, she will see things that no one else at any art school would have. If she can translate it down to her art, every school will be clambering for her to join their ranks."

"True. She had a lot of inspiration from the Andromeda Galaxy. And she was a lot younger then." Phee rested her head on his chest. "I worry for them Matt. Miran, Tristi, the Twins. This is not the life I want them to have."

Mattias lowered his face down and gently kissed the top of Phoenix's head. "I know, baby," he replied softly. "Me either. However, if there is a silver lining here, it's that we are all together. While I'm sure your mother and brother are going to be concerned, imagine the heartache you'd have, if the twins weren't with you. You were hating just the few months we were undercover, remember. While this certainly isn't ideal, at least you can hold them ever night?" His tone was one of compassion and love. He just hoped his words came out correctly.

She nodded against his chest. "I know," she said softly. "Without you and them I would be lost."

Embracing his love a little tighter, Mattias replied. "We stay together, no matter what. We would be just as lost without you, my Queen."

She smiled though he would not see it "We should get some rest. I have an early departure tomorrow."

He nodded into her thick hair. "I'm scheduled to head up in two days." He relaxed his hold, to allow her to get up.

She slid from his lap and stood before holding out her hand to him. "Come on, morning here comes too soon."

Taking Phoenix's hand happily, Mattias stood and allowed her to pull him to their double bed. As space was at a premium, they couldn't fit anything larger in the tent.

Phoenix kicked off her socks and changed into her sleep pants and shirt. Then she folded her clothes neatly and climbed into bed..

Mattias followed suit, stripping down to his boxers, then sliding under the covers and cuddling behind Phoenix, as he pulled the furs up over them both, then wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close to his body.

Phoenix snuggled close and closed her eyes. She could hear Tristi and Miran moving around in their sleeping area and the twins were sound asleep in theirs so she was content that her family was safe.

As they lay there in the dim light, Mattias gently kissed the side of Phoenix's neck.

Smiling in the darkness, she said "Sleep Matt,"

Mattias chuckled softly, but behaved. "Yes, my Queen." He then snuggled back down behind her.

Phoenix drifted off to sleep in his arms.

A few moments later, Mattias did the sane, his last conscious thoughts were of his family.

~OFF~