The room was quiet, filled only with the hum of the Academy’s central cooling system and the distant sounds of graduation celebrations. Orlando Radcliffe was packing up the last few belongings from the dorm he’d shared with Tom Hawkins for nearly two years. They’d known each other since their first year, but it was during their third year, after sharing this dorm, that they’d grown closer than either of them had anticipated. Late nights, shared ambitions, and endless conversations had somehow turned into stolen glances and lingering touches. By now, they knew each other so well that even a slight change in tone or expression spoke volumes. 

Radcliffe lingered over his things, feeling a pang of bittersweet nostalgia. He hadn’t heard Hawkins slip into the room behind him or the soft footsteps approaching until a familiar pair of arms wrapped around his waist. He felt himself relax into the embrace, a quiet smile pulling at his lips.

“Hey, Starshine,” Hawkins murmured in his ear, using the nickname he’d given Orlando during a late-night study session when they were both struggling to memorise endless star charts. It had stuck, and he used it whenever they were alone, a private endearment that reminded them of their long nights and whispered hopes.

Radcliffe closed his eyes, savouring the warmth and familiarity of Hawkins’s touch, letting out a soft sigh as Hawkins kissed his cheek and let his lips trail gently down to his neck.

“Tommy,” Radcliffe whispered, turning slowly in Hawkins’s arms to face him. “You’re sneaky.”

Hawkins grinned, brushing a stray lock of hair out of Radcliffe’s face. “Only for you, my Starshine.” The words felt comfortable on his lips, an echo of all the moments they’d stolen together when no one else was around to see. They’d created a world of their own in this dorm, a world where Hawkins could call him his Starshine, and they could indulge in being soppy and foolishly affectionate without fear of judgment. 

Radcliffe leaned in, their foreheads touching, both of them lost in the quiet moment. It had been easy to fall into this closeness, even easier to fall in love, and now it was almost too hard to let it go. They both knew this was the end of their Academy days and with the new responsibilities awaiting them on Deep Space Nineteen, their relationship would face new challenges.

Their lips met in a lingering kiss, a silent promise to each other that they wouldn’t let the coming changes erode what they had built. As they pulled apart, Radcliffe sighed, his gaze a mix of fondness and sorrow.

“Are we really leaving all of this behind?” he murmured, brushing his thumb against Hawkins’s cheek.

Hawkins smiled, though there was a similar ache in his eyes. “It’s just the next chapter, Starshine. You and me, right?” He squeezed his boyfriend’s hands.

But before either of them could respond, there was a knock on the door. They jumped apart just in time for a tall figure to enter—Commander Stella McPherson, her sharp gaze appraising them as she entered the room. She had been their instructor and mentor, a commanding presence who had kept a close eye on their progress from the start. She had pushed them through every part of their training, making them work harder in all aspects, from academics to physical exercise. 

“Cadets,” she said, folding her arms, though her voice held a hint of warmth. “Or, rather, Ensigns. I wanted to come by before you left.”

Hawkins and Radcliffe straightened, the playful energy between them replaced with quiet respect for the woman who had taught them so much.

McPherson’s eyes softened as she looked them over. “It’s been a privilege to watch you both thrive here at Mellstoxx,” she said, her tone unexpectedly kind. “You’ve more than earned your assignments. Hawkins, you will be one of the sharpest communication officers and Radcliffe…” She paused, giving him a proud nod. “Your piloting skills will be a credit to the fleet.”

Radcliffe felt his chest swell with pride, but his hand drifted to brush Hawkins’s once more. 

McPherson took a step closer, passing each of them a PADD. “But before you both head out to the Kovar system, I have one last challenge.” She smirked, eyes glinting with the same spark they’d seen during countless training exercises. “Think of it as a final test to ensure you’re ready for the responsibilities that come with those uniforms.”

Radcliffe glanced down at the PADD; his curiosity piqued as Hawkins did.

The commander lingered for a moment, studying them both with a look that held understanding and, perhaps, even a touch of pride. She nodded once more and turned to leave, her footsteps echoing down the hall.

Alone again, Hawkins turned to Radcliffe, holding up his PADD. “One last test, huh?” he mused, scanning the data on the screen.

Radcliffe chuckled, brushing his shoulder against Hawkins’s as he looked at his own. “Seems she isn’t ready to let us go quite yet.” His smile was soft, the earlier longing returning as their eyes met. “I did wonder if we would be giving extra training.”

Hawkins squinted his eyes at Radcliffe. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve heard this before: those they consider the best graduates for extra special training. This is it! We will be given special consideration for something big!” Radcliffe said with excitement. “Who would have thought it?”

“Yeah, who would have?” Hawkins said with a smile before jumping onto Radcliffe and giving him another kiss that lingered much longer than the last one. 

Stardate: 78917

Deep Space 19, Kovar System

Deep Space 19’s wardroom atmosphere was intimate and charged, with only a select group of delegates and officers in attendance for the historic signing of the agreement between the Federation and the Romulan Free State. The polished table gleamed under the soft light, reflecting the anticipation that buzzed among the small gathering. This event marked a significant milestone: the formal recognition of the mining operations on the Remus fragment that had drifted into the Kovar system.

Hawkins felt the moment’s weight. The agreement allowed Reman refugees to transform the fragment into a new home while providing the Romulan Free State with access to its resources. This collaboration was a fragile hope in a landscape often marred by distrust and lingering resentment. As he moved among the delegates, Hawkins took a moment to appreciate the shared optimism, even as he wondered how long it would last.

“Ah, there you are,” a familiar voice called, breaking through his thoughts. Doctor Parin approached, holding two glasses of Romulan Kali-fal. His smile was warm, and he offered one glass to Hawkins. They clinked their glasses together, the sound resonating in the hushed room.

“To new beginnings,” Parin said, siping the vibrant, aromatic drink. Hawkins mirrored the gesture, savouring the complex flavours as they mingled in his mouth.

“Are you heading back to the Reman settlement to oversee the medical facilities’ final touches?” Hawkins asked, leaning against the polished railing that overlooked the assembly below.

“Just next week,” Parin confirmed, nodding with enthusiasm. “We’re almost finished with the construction, and I want to ensure everything is up to standard. It’s a critical part of their transition.” He took another sip, his eyes sparkling with optimism.

Hawkins admired his friend’s dedication. “That’s great. I’m sure they’ll appreciate your efforts.”

As he sipped his drink, Parin glanced around the room and suddenly frowned. “Do you know who’s with Admiral Jaret and Captain Horin over there?” He nodded discreetly toward a figure standing at a distance, their back turned to them.

Hawkins squinted, shaking his head. “No, I can’t quite see from here—”

Before he could finish, the figure turned around. Hawkins’s heart dropped as he recognised the familiar face of Captain Stella McPherson. A rush of memories flooded back—long nights in the Academy, her stern but fair mentorship, and the undeniable connection he had felt toward her. He had thought he left all that behind when he graduated, but the past had a way of creeping back when least expected.

He instinctively took a big gulp of his drink, the fiery liquid burning down his throat.

Parin noticed and raised an eyebrow. “You okay?” he asked, concern etching his features.

“Yeah, I’m fine, Jowain; I just need to step outside for a minute,” Hawkins replied, stumbling through his words, his voice tight. He set the glass down on a nearby table and pushed through the crowd, his heart racing as he made his way toward the exit.

Once he reached the corridor, he leaned against the wall, taking a deep breath to steady himself. The last thing he had expected tonight was to see McPherson. Just as he began collecting his thoughts, she appeared, stepping out of the crowd like a shadow.

“Tom,” she called, her tone both authoritative and warm. “Why did you leave the party so quickly?”

Before he could formulate a response, she closed the distance between them, her presence commanding. “I know it’s been some time since we last spoke, but I have a new assignment for you,” she said, her voice low and serious.

“What kind of assignment?” Hawkins asked, the urgency in her tone sending a ripple of anxiety through him.

“You know the type of work I bring you,” she replied, her gaze unwavering. “I need someone with your skills, and it might be a chance to bring Orlando back.”

Hearing that news made Hawkins’ heart race several times over. He nodded as his mind raced. 

“Understood,” he managed to say, the weight of her words settling on him.

“Good,” McPherson said, her expression softening momentarily. “You’re still the best communicator I know, Tom. I trust you.” With that, she turned and walked away, leaving him standing in the corridor, his heart pounding in time with the swirling uncertainties of the galaxy around him. And what did she mean by bringing Orlando back? He didn’t want to step back into that type of work again. But did he have a choice?

Probably not.