Solid Ground

Posted on 10 Feb 2026 @ 10:07pm by Lieutenant Commander Joey Geisler & Commodore Harvey Geisler

2,537 words; about a 13 minute read

Mission: Epitaph
Location: Bajor
Timeline: August 2390

The time for shore leave had finally arrived. Weeks of debriefings, medical examinations, and counseling sessions had preceded this moment, which had also arrived with conditions. The Geisler family had to be escorted and monitored throughout the entire trip. Tourism opportunities would be limited to small groups that could be easily managed. The use of transporters would be forbidden.

To anyone else, this would have screamed invasion of privacy. For Harvey Geisler, it was a necessary evil. It had been all too easy to capture and impersonate two high ranking officers in the fringe sectors of the Gamma Quadrant. To Starfleet, this was an unfortunate repeat of an aspect of the Dominion War where average persons were easily (albeit temporarily) replaced by Changeling infiltrators commissioned to destabilize and cause chaos. If close personal protection was the price of having a family vacation, Harvey would gladly pay it. Especially if it had the chance of easing Joey's fragile state of mind.

When the runabout landed outside the subtropical resort, Harvey tried to be the first one out the door with half of the four-person team to assess the area. He'd been forced to wait inside the ship with the rest of the family as the assessment began. He stood at the door, his children and Joey still comfortable inside the cabin, and impatiently waited his chance to get out.

Joey sat in the aft seat of the runabout, Alison tucked against one side of her and Jameson against the other. The twins had been content when they first landed, but the novelty of the moment had worn off quickly. Now they shifted and squirmed, little legs kicking against hers as they tried to peer past her toward the door.

She let out a quiet breath through her nose—not quite a sigh, but close. A security officer stationed inside with them pretended not to notice her growing impatience, his eyes fixed dutifully on their padd. One of a few babysitters Starfleet deemed necessary. That’s what it felt like, even if she knew better. Even if she understood exactly why Starfleet had insisted on this level of protection. After everything that had happened, she couldn’t blame them for being cautious. She just wished it didn’t make her feel like she was being handled.

“All right, you two,” she murmured to the twins as they wriggled again. “I get it. You’re tired of sitting still. So am I.”

Carefully, she scooped them both into her arms and rose from her seat. The security officer tensed—just a fraction—but relaxed again when she merely stepped toward the open doorway and moved to stand next to Harvey. The warm, humid air from outside brushing her face as she looked out over the lush subtropical landscape. Palms swayed in the breeze. Sunlight glinted off distant water. For the first time in weeks, something inside her loosened.

She glanced at her husband, a small, genuine smile tugging at her lips. “You know,” she said softly, adjusting Alison on her hip, “I’m really looking forward to this vacation.”

Was it really a vacation though? Harvey's mind. A vacation meant not having to worry about anything, living in the moment, and just enjoying the company one intended to share. But every moment would have someone watching close by. No matter how simple or how intimate that moment would be, there would always be a pair of eyes or ears.

"I am too," he admitted, offering a smile that was equally forced and genuine. He certainly was happy to get away from duty for a while, and he was damn sure there would be some new memories made during this time, ones that would hopefully push away those dark moments both Joey and Harvey had experienced together.

For better or for worse. Those were the vows he had taken, and those would be the vows he would stand by.

"Tomorrow, I was able to secure a pontoon boat to go out onto the lake," he said, trying not to glance towards the security team sweeping their bungalow at the resort. "The waters are calm here, so it's the perfect place to take the twins swimming."

Joey shifted both twins a little higher in her arms, and as she did, Alison immediately stretched a hand toward her father—tiny fingers opening and closing in that unmistakable pick me up gesture. The sight softened Joey’s expression, and she angled herself so Harvey could lean in if he wanted to take their daughter.

Her gaze flicked briefly toward the security team, and for a moment, the familiar tightness pressed at her ribs. Being watched. Being monitored. Being handled. It should have bothered her more than it did. A few weeks ago, it would have. But now… after everything… she found herself choosing a different perspective.

“At least,” she murmured, turning her eyes back to Harvey, “we know nothing’s getting anywhere near us without someone noticing.” The words weren’t bitter—just honest, with a quiet thread of gratitude woven through. “After what happened… I’ll take the extra eyes even if it means a little less privacy.” For her, it also meant that those who weren't in her small group of trusted people wouldn't be able to get too close to her.

Her smile grew a touch more genuine as she glanced out toward the lake he’d mentioned, Rico and Pequeno now joining them at the door. “A pontoon boat sounds perfect. The twins and dogs will love it. And honestly?” She nudged her shoulder lightly against his. “So will I.”

Alison was easily and eagerly transferred into her father's arms. She bounced and danced as he drew her close, prompting Harvey to offer a soft laugh in response to her actions. The simple action was enough to take his mind off of the security team performing their inspection.

"I'm glad," Harvey replied honestly. Selfishly, it had been a while since he'd seen his wife in a swimsuit. Just the thought of it brought back memories of both Bora Bora and the holographic lake party from a year or so ago aboard the Black Hawk. He caught himself before his mind could really drift down memory lane and disengage with his loved ones close by.

"And tonight," he said with a smile, "a nice three-course dinner catered in. It'd certainly be more romantic if we had a sitter, but our holonanny has a few fun things planned for the kids in the same room. We'll have fine dining and entertainment."

Joey couldn’t help the warm smile that spread across her face as she watched Alison practically dance in Harvey’s arms. The sight alone eased another layer of tension from her shoulders. Being off the ship—away from the corridors, the memories, the constant hum of duty—felt like taking a full breath for the first time in weeks.

“You,” she said, shifting Jameson as he bounced enthusiastically against her hip, “are full of pleasant surprises.” Her tone carried a lightness she hadn’t felt in far too long, and she let it linger.

Rico and Pequeno had settled themselves like loyal sentinels—one on each side of their humans—ears perked, bodies alert but patient. They were waiting for the signal that it was safe to explore, but for now they stayed close, mirroring the family’s anticipation.

Joey glanced toward the bungalow again, but this time the presence of the security team didn’t twist her stomach. She refused to let what happened steal this from them. Not this moment. Not this place. Not this chance to feel normal again.

“A boat trip tomorrow and fine dining tonight,” she said, meeting Harvey’s eyes with a soft, appreciative look. “I think we’re going to manage just fine. And honestly… just being on solid ground, away from everything, is something I think we all need.”

Jameson gave an excited little squeal, kicking his feet as if he understood every word. Joey laughed softly, a sound that almost took her by surprise, and kissed the top of his head. “See? Even he agrees.”

At that moment a face peeked inside the shuttlecraft. "Coast is clear, Commodore," reported the lieutenant. "Transporter blockers are in place, and our perimeter is secure. I'll escort you and the family to the residence."

"Great," Harvey muttered, adjusting Alison in his arms. "All right, Lieutenant, lead the way."

Joey shifted Jameson on her hip and offered the Lieutenant a polite nod. “Thank you,” she said, her voice warm but steady. Whatever her feelings about the constantly being watched, she wasn’t about to take it out on the people assigned to keep them safe. This wasn't their fault.

With that, she stepped down onto solid ground, the change in footing almost startling after so long since the last time. The air was warmer here, richer, carrying the scent of greenery and sun‑warmed stone. Jameson let out a delighted little squeal, kicking his legs as if he wanted to launch himself straight into the scenery.

Rico and Pequeno bounded out right behind her, their paws hitting the ground with barely contained excitement. Both dogs paused only long enough to glance back at their humans—waiting for permission, waiting for the signal that they could explore—before their noses lifted to take in the new smells.

Joey took a slow breath, letting the atmosphere settle around her. For the first time in a long while, she felt something close to ease. Not perfect, not complete, but real. She glanced back at Harvey and their daughter with a smile. A genuine smile that displayed just how much this meant to her. Her free hand came up and she gestured to the dogs that it was okay to go explore. They took off happily, and it proved that they were as ready to start this small, hard‑won slice of normalcy as she was.

There was no denying that their surroundings were beautiful, at least that's what Harvey thought as they walked from the landing pad over to the villa. The only distraction from the landscape and the view were the very Starfleet-looking transport inhibitors that had been erected hours before. The low-level energy field would keep anyone from being transported in or out through the duration of the excursion, and it would also prevent solid sensor readings.

He chuckled softly to himself, grateful that no one would be able to watch too close as the Geislers got comfortable.

"Commodore," spoke a lieutenant who had approached the family. He stepped in line with the group and continued without permission, "As a reminder, we'll maintain patrols every couple of hours. My team and I will be stationed in the groundskeeping quarters not too far from the villa. You are free to come and go throughout the province as you please and totally unrestricted, as long as you let us know where you are going."

"You act as though I'm on some kind of house arrest," Harvey muttered as Alison grabbed a clump of his hair.

The lieutenant offered his best sympathetic smile, which could have easily have been mistaken for a fiendish grin. "Absolutely not, Commodore. Starfleet just doesn't want to chance losing a flag officer. Again."

A flag officer who held a field commission, not one that was earned... thought Harvey. He'd accepted the boxed pip during the state of an emergency, and now it felt more restrictive than a pair of handcuffs even in its temporary nature. Assuming it was temporary...

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Harvey stated. "Now if there's nothing more, I am trying to have a vacation."

The Lieutenant nodded, peeling away from the group as they reached the open front door of the villa.

Joey stepped through the open doorway with Jameson balanced on her hip, the cool shade of the villa wrapping around her after the warm walk from the landing pad. The moment she crossed the threshold, her eyes swept the living space—and her breath caught just a little.

The living room opened up in a wide, airy layout, clearly designed to frame the lake beyond the tall windows. Soft, sandy‑colored flooring mimicked sun‑bleached driftwood, and the furniture followed the same natural palette—creams, muted blues, and gentle greens that echoed the shoreline outside. A low, woven rug sat beneath a pair of deep, cushioned chairs and a long sofa, all angled toward a stone‑faced fireplace that looked more decorative than functional in this climate. Light linen curtains billowed slightly in the cross‑breeze, carrying in the scent of water and warm vegetation. It felt calm. Inviting. Safe.

“It’s beautiful,” she said, a genuine smile warming her voice.

Jameson wiggled with renewed determination, his little hands pushing against her as if the entire villa were calling his name. Joey laughed softly and crouched to set him down. The moment his feet hit the floor, he toddled forward with excited little hops, eager to explore every corner.

Rico and Pequeno trotted in right behind her, tails high, noses already working overtime as they took in the new scents. They stayed close—just in case—but their excitement was unmistakable.

Joey straightened and looked back at Harvey, her smile lingering. “I think this is going to be good for us all."

"I think so too," Harvey murmured, also taken aback by their surroundings. Alison slipped through Harvey's arms, though it wasn't so much as an accidental slip as he'd already been kneeling so she could escape. When he stood back up, he reached out to wrap an arm around Joey's waist and pull her to his side.

"Here's to a well-deserved vacation," he told her with a smile. If he'd had a glass of champagne, he would have risen it to honor the occasion.

His wife watched their children tumble into motion the moment the space around them felt safe enough to claim. Alison darted after her brother with a delighted squeal, and Jameson—still unsteady but determined—toddled across the rug with both dogs flanking him like overexcited bodyguards. Rico’s tail wagged in a wide arc, and Pequeno’s nose was already pressed to every new scent the villa had to offer.

The sight pulled a soft, contented breath from her. She wasn’t naïve—she knew she was still working through everything that had happened, still piecing herself back together in places no one could see. But standing here, wrapped in Harvey’s arm, watching their little chaos unfold in a place that wasn’t a starship… she felt steadier than she had in a long time.

“I agree,” she murmured, leaning into his side as the warmth of his arm settled around her waist. Her smile deepened as Jameson plopped onto his bottom, laughed, then scrambled back up to chase after Pequeno. The dogs barked once—playfully, not loudly—and the twins shrieked with joy.

Joey let the moment sink in. “Here’s to a well‑deserved vacation,” she echoed softly, turning her head just enough to brush a kiss against his cheek.

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