"You're leaving so soon?" asked a worried Carol Kalvin. "I mean, you've barely had a chance to visit Dublin."
"Yes, Mother," said Carol's son, Michael Kalvin, one of the members of the graduating class of 2384. "I don't want to be late for my first assignment," he added as he continued packing his bags."
"Now, dear," Carol held her son by the shoulder and sat him down, "I don't even know the name of the ship you've been assigned to."
"It's not a ship. It's a station; Starbase 901."
"What will you be doing?"
"I'm an ops officer. I'll be doing whatever they want me to do."
"I mean your mission. What will you be doing?" She added, "Will it be dangerous?"
Michael got angry and stood up. "Why do you worry so much? God!"
Carol stood up. "Because you give me a reason to!"
All sound stopped for just a moment.
"I have to go," Michael said as he continued packing.
"Mike," Carol began, "I'm sorry. I only meant..."
"I know what you meant."
"It's just that... well... with your situation, I..."
Mike finished packing and slammed his valise shut. "My situation?" He stood up and looked at his mother in the eye. "Is that the new euphemism we're using?"
Carol looked at her feet. She quietly repeated her question. "Will it be dangerous?"
Mike grabbed his valise. "I don't know. They haven't told us about our mission yet."
Carol watched as Mike headed for the door. She called him just as he was leaving, "Please don't do anything that would hurt us all."
Mike looked at her from the door. He faked a smile. "I promise." Then, he left.
Carol sat down and sighed.
Earthdate: March 8, 2384
Location: Starbase 901
The door to the newly appointed Senior Ops Officer's quarters startled Mike, who was deeply drenched in his thoughts. He entered his room with his duffel bag filled with clothing and PADDs. He had brought no remembrance of home. Home brought only memories of despair for him.
Mike put his bag on the floor and surveyed the room. He hadn't expected such a large room as a newly graduated ensign. Amazing what a few good grades will get ya.
Mike twirled around and landed on his back on the bed. He just rested. The next item on his agenda was a meeting with his CO. he was dreading it. He had already made a fool of himself on his arrival, mumbling idiocies like he did. The CO would no doubt hand him his assignment during the meeting. Hopefully, he wouldn't have to endure that too long.
While he awaited the CO's orders, Mike laid on his bed, not sleeping, simply thinking. He had been doing that a lot in the last few years.
Here's to a new beginning, thought Mike. A new hell to call my own.