Deep Loss

Posted on Sat Feb 14th, 2026 @ 3:51am by Lieutenant Commander Devon Hunt

820 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: The Return
Location: Sickbay

Devon released the hand of his now deceased wife who layed in the bio. Anya had succumbed to her injuries just moments before hand. There was absolutely nothing the medical staff could have done to save her. At the moment, sickbay was still in a state of chaos with the medical team already moving on to the next emergency. His wife wasn't the only loss in the room. Stepping away from his wife, the Commander slowly moved towards the lobby where his children Jasmine and Anthony waited for news of their mother. How would he tell his children that their mother was no longer with them? That he had failed to protect her?

Moving closer to them, he could see their faces in the distance. How would he go on without the love of his life? The very person, other than his children that made life worth living. Along with his sadness was a wave of anger, followed by a sense of regret. Could he have done more? Not only for his wife, but for all of those on Starbase 234. Logically, Devon knew there was nothing he could have done. But he still felt absolutely horrible.

Arriving to his lobby, he could see his children breaking down in tears. The look on his face, clearly gave away the fate of their mother. Reaching out his embraced both of his children in his arms. Doing his best, he restrained from crying with them. He would stay strong for his children. His tears would be left to himself. "I'm so sorry about your mother."

"Daddy, what are we going to do now?" Jasmine asked.

Devon had no clue how to answer that question. The first thing on his mind was to prioritize his children. But he was a Starfleet Officer and the Federation was currently at war. Abandoning his post now, wouldn't be in the best interest of anyone. "Going to get you and your brother somewhere safe."

Anthony pulled away from him and looked up. "Where exactly is safe?"

"Earth...Will be safe," the father replied. "I will get you to your grandparents. You two will have nothing to worry about."

"Are you not coming with us?" his daughter inquired.

His daughter was way too smart and was good at catching every detail that came out of anyone's mouth. Being born into a Starfleet family his family had been accustomed to him having to leave on dangerous missions at times. But this was different. The kids had at least one parent to remain with when he left. Now he was a single parent and they needed him. "I have a duty to help ensure that you both stay safe. And I can best do that by doing my job. Which requires me to deal with Iconians."

"How does that keep us safe?" Anthony questioned.

"These Heralds won't just stop with Starbase 234," Devon answered. "I'm not trying to scare you. But you both were there, and I am not going to lie to you. They will come for the rest of the Alpha and Beta Quadrants. That is why I have to help fight."

Processing the information, Anthony didn't like the answer but understood it. "Does that mean Uncle Jerome and Aunt Talon will be in the fighting as well?"

"Yes, they will be. Along with many of our cousins who are serving in Starfleet. Starfleet was in the middle of having civilians leave ships, stations and starbases. So, your cousins Perea, Othello and Marie are likely on their way to your grandparents on Earth as well."

The thought of seeing their cousins made both children feel a little better. But the look they gave their father was one of worry and fear. Jasmine worried that if they left without him, then they would likely never see their father again. Throughout her life, he had been invincible and nothing short of her hero. For the first time though, the man before her was Human. And the reality was that he could have died and still might die.

"Come on," Devon spoke. "Need for you two to get checked out by medical. Once we get you cleared, then we grab some food and then some much needed rest."

Walking the children into the infirmary, there were plenty of wounded lying around. The more serious injuries were in a dedicated section in a room to the left. Less severe were off to the right. And to the back was where those who lost their lives were being taken in body bags.

Finding a spot in the corner, he sat down on the floor with his children. With the children on each side of him, he allowed them to lean on him with the hopes that they might be able to get in a little rest before someone could get to them for a check up.

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Lt. Commander Devon Hunt
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
Starbase 234

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