It's About Time

Posted on Fri Jun 26th, 2026 @ 12:31am by Captain Andre Hunt & Ensign Emily Douglasdale

926 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: New Years on Denobula
Location: Todra City; Denobula

Andre stood on the balcony of the hotel overlooking the city. It was decided that Todra City would be the place, they opted to spend they're New Years. And by they, it was himself and Emily Douglasdale. Emily stepped onto the balcony, making her way towards Andre. For years, they seemed to dance around the possibility of being together and now that Starfleet gave their blessing. It was very much a reality. Reaching out, Emily took his hand.

"And what are you thinking, Dre?"

Looking down upon the smaller woman, Hunt allowed himself to smirk. "Thinking that I am happy. Everything I want feels like its within in my grasp. And yet, it feels as if it could all be taken away in an instant."

"That's why you allow yourself to enjoy moments such as this one," she replied. "This here is just as important as duty and careers."

"You're definitely right about that. This has been a long time coming. Only thing missing is Tyler."

Emily couldn't help but to chuckle. "The last thing a teenage boy wants is to spend New Years Eve with his father."

Thinking about it briefly, Andre chuckled as well. "You're definitely right about that. It just feels as if I am missing out. Before you know it, he'll be in the Academy."

The newly promoted Ensign thought about the dilemma. She didn't have children of her own and figured early on that family and a career in Starfleet didn't really go together. Tried the long-distance thing once and it failed to work. "It's tough but you made that decision to help keep him and other families in the Federation safe."

"That's true. But if I am honest, there's a selfish part of that long to be out here among the stars. Having the opportunity to see the things that we get to see." His eyes gazed upon hers as he smiled. "But there is no room for that kind of talk. Right now, we live in the moment."

"Have you thought about how the crew will feel about us?" Emily inquired.

"Starfleet Command gave us the greenlight to move forward this relationship," he reminded. "And I spoke with Thomas before beginning shoreleave."

Looking over and smiling. A wave of curiosity came over her. "And how did your first officer take the news of you seeing a member of the crew?"

"Surprisingly very well. He had no issues with it at all. Everything regarding you, he will be handling. To be honest, I'm not too concerned how the rest of the crew reacts outside of the senior staff."

"Glad that you're so confident." Emily turned and looked down at the city below. The city was so vast. Which likely had a lot to do with the Denobulan family structure. "The crew will likely have all eyes on me more than anything. Questioning on whether my accolades were earned or given through favoritism."

Andre stared at her briefly as he thought about the words that came from her. In all honesty, he knew that she was right. There were those who would have no issues and then some who would question them. "If you wish to change your mind. I would completely understand."

"Would you really be alright with that, Andre?"

"To be honest, I would be hurt by that decision. But I would respect and not hold it against you."

Allowing herself to smile, Emily leaned in and kissed Andre. "Don't worry, I have no intent on ending this. I've been waiting on you to get together for far too long."

"Really now?" Hunt questioned. "Waiting on me to get it together."

"Believe I have been throwing some obvious hints regarding my interest in you for at least two years now. Starting to think you had no interest in me or just slow to pick up on the obvious clues."

The took a moment to have regarding the second option. "Far from or a lack of interest. But being new to command, I often wondered what my access to the crew would look like. Not even a relationship such as ours. But what do friendships look like. During command training we had to listen to the advice from lectures from former and current commanding officer on the matter."

"Sounds like a very lonely couple of years serving on a starship," Douglasdale acknowledged. "Having to separate yourself."

"My thoughts exactly." Hunt looked down at the street below. Never one to pretend to have all the answers but was all about trying to come up with some sort of solution. "Starfleet Command is wanting crews to extend their time in space to stretch out further among the stars. Being alone wasn't an option for myself and many others. Therefore, you have the rules lightening up on relationships in an attempt to see if it can work."

"So, there is a goal to get closer to the crew as well?" she inquired. "And if so. How close are we talking?"

Think about both questions, Andre wondered if there was a good answer. "I want to know about the people serving under me outside of work. Details about their families, hobbies and other interests. It doesn't have to get too personal. But were not machines. Is that asking for too much?"

Emily smiled. "Not at all. And I have the feeling that you're going achieve all of your goals."

"Let's get going. I wouldn't want us to miss our reservation."

=================
Captain Andre Hunt
Commanding Officer
USS Meridian

Ensign Emily Douglasdale
Helm Officer
USS Meridian

 

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