Next Journey

Posted on Thu Apr 16th, 2026 @ 12:28am by Commander Kenneth Hunt

903 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: New Horizons
Location: USS Helvetia

Commander Kenneth Hunt exited the transport that had brought the newest crew arrivals on the Helvetia. Currently the ship was berthed at Utopia Planetia undergoing its lastest preparations. The last couple of weeks, he had spent on Earth on an extended vacation with his wife Kimora, and their children, Alonzo and Drayton. Before leaving for vacation, he had put his name out there for several Executive Officer positions. But was pleasantly surprised he received orders towards the end of the vacation. Whether those orders would extend to his wife was still in the air. The USS Demert was a Galaxy class ship which was definitely family-friendly. But an Intrepid class II was the exact opposite. If his wife received transfer orders, then the plan was to leave the kids with his parents on Earth. His parents were way too eager to take on the children.

Family was very important to Kenneth, but all his years led to this moment. Taking this assignment to step fully into a command role was the opportunity of a lifetime. And when the time was right, he would earn a command of his own. But that would be years down the line and right now he would focus on the task ahead of him. Stepping off the transport, the hustle of officers, enlisted and civilian personnel working to get the Helvetia prepared for its launch was underway. Kenneth was half tempted to get involved but resisted the urge. Getting settled in was his primary goal, followed by reporting to Captain McKeon.

After receiving his quarters assignment from the quartermaster, Hunt flung his duffel bag over his shoulder and proceeded to the turbolift. "Deck three," he requested. Mentally putting together a checklist, medical for an initial in processing check up. This would be followed up with a stop at security. Given that he started his career in security, there was a serious expectation that he required from security. Kenneth made a mental note not to go too hard on the Chief of Security. Everyone had their own way of running their departments. As long as the job got done, he was good.

The turbolift came to a stop, the doors open and continued down to the corridor where the senior officers resided. Arriving at his quarters which was next door to the Captain's, he sighed. Entering the access code, he stepped into the place. "Home sweet home," he thought to himself. The place had all the bare essentials, nothing that actually made the place a home. Just a typical first officer's quarters. He definitely had work to do. Opening his duffel, he pulled out a digital frame placing on as desk. Turning it on, it displayed photos of his children, several of his wife individually, a couple of them together, and then a bunch with all of them together. Viewing the photos, Kenneth found himself already missing them.

It took about an hour for everything to get unpacked and situated. Kenneth even had time to get in a meal and had the chance to get in a call with the wife and kids right before they went to bed. Now, he simply stared at his wife across the viewer.

Smiling back at him, Kimora was simply curious. "How does it feel?"

"Feeling anxious," he admitted. "I am closer than I have ever been to accomplishing my dreams and goals. Yet, there's the feeling of possibly losing it all."

"I'm not a counselor, but I would say that's a natural feeling. And not just when it comes to a career."

Kenneth couldn't help but to smile. "I was feeling that way regarding the kids and you as well. There's the feeling to losing you, due to me accepting this assignment."

"You're worrying way too much," Kimora assured him. "You're not going to lose us. This time apart is temporary and part of the plan."

"Thank you for being so supportive. Whatever would I do with you?"

Kimora winked at her husband. "Let's hope that you never have to find out. I have a habit of making you look good."

Laughing, Hunt shook his head. "You just keep telling yourself that. Fairly certain that helps you sleep well through the night."

"I sleep very well, Commander."

"Guess, I shouldn't be too surprised by the statement," he gave in. "I need to get ready to head out and meet with the Captain. Not sure if he's even aware of my arrival. But it's good practice to report in as soon as possible."

"Always trying to make a good first impression," she teased.

"Whatever impression I need to be remembered or start things going on a good start. Have you heard anything regarding orders?"

"Nothing yet, but I'm not stressing over it. I'm enjoying the time off and getting a chance to visit family. The boys are loving being spoiled by both of our parents. And they are enjoying having them around. Which has been giving me some time to myself."

"Enjoy the free time while you can," the First Officer responded. "I'm on my way out now. Will let you know how it goes. Love you."

"Love you too."

With that said, the viewer faded to black. Putting on his uniform top, he looked himself over in the mirror. Everything was straight and in place. Giving himself the mental green light, Kenneth exited the quarters.

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Commander Kenneth Hunt
Executive Officer
USS Helvetia

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