Tough Decision

Posted on Tue Aug 18th, 2026 @ 6:15am by Lieutenant Commander Devon Hunt

1,052 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Flight Of The Valkyries
Location: Hunt Quarters

Devon Hunt dragged his weary body back to his quarters after spending the day bouncing around from security, the torpedo bay, and checking out the phaser arrays. The Tokyo had survived the encounter with the Iconians, but far from leaving unscathed. In a few hours, they would be arriving at Starbase Forty-Three, where the Tokyo would be out of action for the next nine weeks. The Commander felt as if there was still so much fight left in him. But in truth, he needed this time off in order to handle some needed family business.

His late wife Anya, like so many who were lost due to the Heralds, lay in the ship's morgue. She deserved a proper burial among family. Hunt would use this time to transport her body to Earth. The Akagi was lost in the battle with a good portion of its crew. Everyone of its crew that were lost will be remembered as heroes. But that could have easily been the crew of the Tokyo. What kind of father would he be if he allowed them to stay on this ship. Knowing the Tokyo would be right back on the front lines of this war.

Before leaving his office, he had contacted his parents, letting them know to expect him and the children in a few days. The only thing to do now was to drop the news on them. Last thing, those children would want to hear was he was sending them away. Especially Jasmine, who he knew deep down in his heart felt as if she had to someone look after him and Anthony. Now that her mother was gone. But as the actual parent, Devon would have to remind her that it was actually his duty to look after her.

Reaching his quarters, he stepped in and was greeted by a pleasant smell. The kids were definitely preparing dinner. With everything going on, he had forgotten that they would be making dinner tonight. It smelled like Enchiladas indeed. Entering the dining room area, he could see them placing the dinner plates on the table. "I see that I made it home right on time."

"Right on time to eat and not help," Jasmine teased her father.

"Just allowing you two to handle things on Tuesday," Devon responded as he pulled out the seat at the head of the table.

Both children took a seat to his right and left. Staring briefly at the empty seat on the opposite end of the table. Devon composed himself. Being together was a happy occasion, and he would not allow sadness and grief to be at the table tonight. "What did you two get into today?"

"Mostly played video games," Anthony answered. "Oh yeah, and I did some work assignments as well."

Looking across the table at her little brother, staring momentarily. "Whether any of his work is current is a whole different line of questioning."

"Of course its right, I'm the smart one."

Father and daughter couldn't help but laugh simultaneously. Anthony had a few talents. But anything involving school work was a struggle for him. Out of his two children, he did not expect him to graduate with honors.

"That wasn't that funny," he countered. "My grades have gotten a lot better."

Holding up his hands, he reached over, patting his son the shoulder. "You're right, and I apologize. Your grades have shown improvement."

Anthony stuck his tongue out at his sister.

"Stop that," Jasmine demanded.

"Calm down the both of you," the father ordered. "There's something that I seriously need to speak with you both about."

Both children stopped and automatically focused their attention on their father. The tone in voice became serious. And when they heard that tone, it usually meant the fun and games were over. The last time, they got the serious tone was right before Devon had told them he would be gone for a few days on a mission that he couldn't speak about.

"Tokyo is going to be out of action for a couple of weeks, which gives us time to take some shoreleave. Going to take that time to take your mother to Earth and give her a proper funeral. Going to give us time to catch up with your grandparents and cousins as well."

Anthony smiled. Clearly he was excited about getting to see his cousins and grandparents. Jasmine stared at her father curiously as if she was trying to somehow mentally pull some information out of him. "Daddy, is that all?"

Leaning back in his seat, he took a bite out of his food. It probably would be best to give them all the news while all already on Earth. But the way his child looked at him. He simply couldn't hold the secret. "The overall plan is to leave you both with your grandparents."

"But what about you?" the girl questioned. "We're a family, and we have to stick together."

"And I am also a Starfleet Officer," Devon reminded them. "If you two remain on this ship, I will be unable to do my job effectively. Go be with your grandparents and cousins. Be safe, and I can focus on winning this war."

Thinking about what was just told, Anthony felt it was useless to argue and was ready to eat this point. Picking up an Enchilada, he shoved it into his mouth. The recent battle had been extremely scary and he was still having nightmares about the Heralds.

Jasmine wanted to argue but could tell that her father's mind was made up. The look on his face said that the decision was made and couldn't be swayed. She looked over to her brother who was no help whatsoever. "May I be excused?"

"Sure, go ahead."

Watching the child leave the table, Devon was reminded that regardless of how mature she tried to come off. She was still his little girl. Just trying to grow up fast. His son on the other hand, was the opposite, which he was honestly grateful for. All their lives had been turned upside down due to this war. But he needed for them to remain children. And the best way to ensure that was to get them off the Toyko.

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Lt. Commander Devon Hunt
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Tokyo

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