“Captain’s personal log stardate seven-eight-three-three-two point eight. A moment I have dreaded for almost seventeen years has now arrived. Henri and Theo are leaving to pursue their dreams elsewhere. Though I am excited for them as they start this new exciting chapter in their lives, I am gutted to be saying goodbye to them.”

Entering the transporter room with his entire family in tow, James was surprised to see many familiar faces waiting for them. His entire senior staff, along with a number of others who had seen his sons grow up into the young men they were now. Grateful and proud, James thanked them all by smiling and placing his right hand on his chest where his heart was. He was touched by the gesture for them all to give his sons a final send-off.

He turned around to see Henri and Theo smiling at the turnout; James matched their smiles and saw Karyn, his wife, holding back the tears as she held on to Alfie’s arm for dear life. Handing over their carry-on bags, James gave each of his departing sons a strong hug and wished them all the best. It was hard to say goodbye to them. He had relied on his son a lot in the recent year or so. Henri’s wicked sense of humour when they would play a game of basketball or spring ball together, and he would let his son win. Theo’s way of entertaining him with either a song he had learnt or showing off something creative he had made. 

“Now promise me both, the moment you get to Cestus Three, you call your aunt. She said she would meet you both at the Pike City docking port.” James said to them both.

Henri rolled his eyes while Theo promised one more time they would do as they were told – both embarrassed by their father’s overbearing nature. They both turned around and said one more goodbye to Karyn; she hugged and kissed them tightly. Once they were finished, James moved over to wrap his arm around her as the boys went over and hugged Alfie. After they let go of him, Alfie (like his mother) held back the tears and appreciated an arm across his shoulders from his friend Jordan. At the same time, Beatrice placed her arm around his waist. 

Like an echo from the night before, everyone cheered the two McCallister boys. After Theo and his band performed their last song during the evening’s celebrations, the crowd had gone mad in clapping and calling out for more. Theo had called Alfie and Henri up on the stage, and the three of them had performed an Earth song from the early twenty-first century. Theo played the acoustic guitar while he joined in singing with both of his brothers. The song told a story of someone willing to go anywhere and do anything to be with the person they love. They all ended it, singing perfectly the line ‘I’ll Go Wherever You Will Go’. It was the perfect send-off for them.  

Eventually, Henri and Theo took their place on the transporter pad, and James looked over at the controls where Court stood. The former master chief petty officer had helped raise his sons when James had a brief reassignment off the ship. Court had become their godfather through that. 

“Energise, Uncle Tobie,” Henri called out.

“And don’t you dare let Alfie change our progress in Captain Proton!” Theo added.

The room filled with chuckles. Captain Proton had been the holo-series Court had played with them when they were old enough. He was Captain Proton with his sidekicks, the Angelic Triplets.  

Court shook his head and pushed the controls upward, and the transporter beam wrapped around the two McCallister boys and beamed them to their transport. 

Moments later, James was left standing with Karyn and Alfie. Their family had changed, and he felt like he wasn’t ready for what awaited them. Things were changing, but James couldn’t work out whether this was for the best or not. 

“Captain on the bridge,” Duncan announced from the centre of the room as McCallister charged across it from his ready room.

The change in formality was a welcome one for Fleet Captain James Preston McCallister. He had freshened up after saying goodbye to Henri and Theo and now walked onto the massive bridge in a slightly upbeat mood. Ready to get underway and return to where he desired to explore again, McCallister smiled at everyone assembled. 

“So here we are again,” He said, remaining positive. Looking at the communications station, he signalled to Jonarom to get the dockmaster and request permission for them and the squadron to get underway.

A few seconds later, Jonarom spoke up. “Sir, we’re clear to get underway, and Captains McCallister and Cambil report the Constitution and Themis are ready to join us.”

“Thank you, lieutenant,” McCallister said before he ordered Marova to take them out as he sat down in his chair.

Once all three ships had left the safe confines of Starbase 38, they approached the mouth of the Barzan wormhole. They and many other ships were lined up to enter it. McCallister was impressed to see so many ships returning to the Delta Quadrant. With Frontier Day now behind them, he wondered what awaited them across the galaxy. 

“Take us through and set a course for the Delta Quadrant!” McCallister commanded as the Barzan wormhole opened up, allowing the convoy of ships to enter it. 

Their journey of exploration was about to resume.