The Future

Posted on Sat Dec 21st, 2024 @ 9:15pm by Captain Andre Hunt

1,066 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Drydock
Location: Hunt's Apartment- San Francisco, CA; Earth

Andre had spent a good portion of the day his apartment catching up with his son Tyler and playing video games. The two had caught up on quite a bit, since over the last year they had only communicated via video calls. The father was amazed just how much Tyler had grown over the past year. Fourteen years old and 5'8" and still growing. The youth shared his intent to apply fir Starfleet Academy.

"I know that mom isn't going to approve," Ty tried to explain. "But eventually she'll agree with my decision."

Andre couldn't help but to burst out laughing. "That's doesn't sound like your mother at all. We got divorced over me joining Starfleet. And now you feel like she would completely understand your decision?"

The teen looked out the apartment window which overlooked downtown San Francisco. The view below wasn't anywhere near as busy as New York where he lived with his mother and stepfather. "Mom has her problems to deal with if we're going to be honest."

Typically, Andre made it a point to stay out of his ex-wife's business. Which involved near asking his son about her, unless it was a simple how are things going at home. But the tone and look on Ty's face said something wasn't right. "Everything alright? Nothing that I need to be concerned with?"

"Emmanuel and I are good," the young man assured his father. "Him and mom on the other hand always fight. It's been going on the last few months with the arguing."

"And how do you handle it?"

Tyler shrugged. "I simply get up and leave the house when things get too loud. Kind of wish I can go with you. Starfleet should invest in ships big enough for families to come along."

The father chuckled a bit. "That might just be a reality by the time you get a command of your own." Thinking briefly, he just assumed that Tyler wanted to command a ship. In all honesty, besides wanting to attend the Academy his never pinned down what he wanted to do in Starfleet. "Do you know what you want to do in Starfleet?"

"I want to start my career as an Armory Officer on a starship," Ty explained. "Then after a few years, move up into Special Investigations at Starfleet Headquarters. Did a tour there a few months ago and I like what they do."

"Can see there won't be a future helmsman following in my footsteps," Andre joked. "Perhaps my next child will completely follow in my footsteps."

"You don't have time for the child you have now," Ty countered.

"Ouch. Alright you got me there. But honestly I am proud that you have serious goals and are working to obtain them. But don't forget to actually have fun. High school is more than just education, but friends and experiences as well."

"After seeing the pictures, videos and hearing about your experiences in space. High school just doesn't seem to compare."

The Captain sighed. "Its more than just good experiences. Your mother is right about the fact that it can be dangerous. Always someone around the corner wanting to shoot at you or take what's yours. Then there is the diplomacy aspect."

"Sounds like you really don't like it," the teen brought up.

"It's not that at all. But being a Starfleet Officer is more than just fun experiences. At times you're just trying to survive. Lost my parents and all my siblings to the Xindi. And to this day I have never seen a Xindi in person. Earth was at war with the Romulans for years before that conflict came to an end. The Klingons are unpredictable on how they feel about us, which nine out of ten times ain't good. The point is this job is a lot of work."

"So, you get work hard and play harder," Ty joked. Clearly the young man was trying to lighten the mood.

Andre couldn't help but to laugh at his son. He just wished his parents were still alive to see their grandchild. Both of them would have adored Tyler and would laugh at Andre trying to deal with a kid that was very much like himself growing up. There were still some differences between father and son, which probably had a lot to do with the fact that Tyler was an only child, while he was the oldest of four children. Andre grew up with both parents in the home, while the child came from a divorced household. Not to mention having a father who was gone most of the time. Andre's own father was typically always home by dinner. "I would say harder than working, but yes I do play hard when time allows."

"I knew it. So, when do I get to visit the Meridian."

"We're going in the morning," the father announced. "You get to spend the day with me walking through the ship, checking in with the various departments regarding our next assignment."

Tyler was clearly excited about the visit, but there was also a bit of sadness on his face. "Two years is a long time."

Hunt placed a hand on his shoulders. "Yes, it is son. But Starfleet wants us out there actually actively exploring. The Federation Council is interested in expansion beyond our current boarders. Expansion means more resources and even new places to settle. And even the possibility of meeting new civilizations."

"Aren't you worried about more people trying to kill us?"

"To be honest," Andre answered. "That is very much a possibility. But as we seen with the Andorians, Tellarite and Vulcans things have worked out for the best. Along with the newer worlds who joined the Federation in recent years. Who is to say that we don't find other who might be interested in joining as well.

Tyler raised a curious eyebrow. "So, part of your mission is recruitment?"

The Captain stared at his son briefly. "I wouldn't call it recruitment. More like diplomacy."

Squinting his eyes, Tyler gave his father a confused look. "So, you're a diplomat as well?"

"Not a diplomat, but training in diplomacy and performing acts is part of the job as well. Let's grab something to eat and I will tell you about the time, I had play diplomat to the Klingons.

=================
Captain Andre Hunt
Commanding Officer
USS Meridian

Tyler Hunt
Son

 

RSS Feed