Like Father, Like Son
Posted on Fri Jul 24th, 2026 @ 8:29pm by Lieutenant Sean Hope
Edited on on Sun Aug 2nd, 2026 @ 8:57am
900 words; about a 5 minute read
Mission:
Escape Velocity
Location: Alpha Centauri
Timeline: Multiple
In the bright skies of Alpha Centauri, a world orbiting a solitary star, a small ship flew across the horizon against the sea spray of the tides. The sun glistened from the solid, metallic plating of the NX-01. It glided across the rolling surfs before being enveloped by a rogue wave. Sinking into the ocean, the strong tide pulled it towards the shore. Standing on the beach, the young teenager bent down to pick up his soaked toy model. Holding the remote on the other hand, he inspected the salt encrusted sand damaged ship.
Holding his model, he exhaled with disappointment. Beside him, his father placed his hand on his shoulder. He nodded, “Sean. Listen. Don’t be discouraged. It takes years of practice to pilot a ship. All you need is patience and a lot of calibrations.”
Sean looked up, replying, “How long did it take you to learn?”
“Oh,” his father exhaled, thinking for a few moments, “A few years with a steady hand. Loads of patience, especially from my father. I’ve had some trial and error, but for you, you got time. Come on, try again.”
Sean nodded, bending down to place his soaked RC ship model. Pressing a few buttons on his remote transmitter, he controlled the settings, recaliberated his flight and flew it slightly higher towards the ocean. His father placed his hand on Sean’s shoulder as they watched the ship fly higher and further away. The sun blinded, flashed as a streak of lightning caused the ship to glare. The bright glare revealed the ship model and the remote control sitting on the helm of a larger, privately owned sailing ship.
Ten years later, the glare dissolved into open water as a larger sailing ship cut across the waves away from the beach towards the open seas. An older Sean, a young adult in his clean seafaring clothing, stood on the prow alongside his father who held a small, metallic object in his hand. Holding it in front of him, he spoke, “This is a magnetic navigation compass, used by ancient seafaring explorers of the early sixteenth century on Earth to navigate the oceans. This small compass kept them pointed towards the stationary north as they mapped out the world.”
The wind blew across their hair as the sea spray moistened their uniforms. Sean accepted the metallic compass, touching the rugged, worn exterior. He held it towards his eye center, watching the metal point at the north. The sailing vessel glided towards the horizon as he turned to his father, “Where are we going?”
His father smiled, “Wherever you want, Sean. The helm is yours.”
“Okay,” Sean exhaled, watching the compass slowly move slightly to the right, away from the north. He looked back towards their helmsman, speaking to his younger brother, “Osain, turn thirty degrees to port. Let’s go around the coastline. Watch for the shoals.”
Aisling nodded, keeping her keen eye on the sea as the ship corrected itself. The winds shifted as the ship plowed faster across the ocean, angling itself alongside the coastline. Sean kept his eye steady on the helm while his sister supported the ship.
—------
The spaceport bustled with activity. The comm filled with chatter. Sean walked along the top balcony that overlooked the Alpha Centauri colony. Huge skyscrapers that touched the sky. The white surfaces glistened against the sunlight. Touching his earlobe, Sean turned off his implant for silence. Streaking his finger along the wall, he felt the vibrations among the deck.
Colonists bustled past, one brushed against his arm.
The earth muted, silence echoed in harmony with his thoughts. Walking past the tall, glistening windows, Sean found his way towards the processing area.
His family lived on Alpha Centauri for most of his life. It made it easy for him to report for duty on the USS Eventide. With his belongings already onboard, Sean stayed back to take in the last minute sights. His final goodbyes to his family.
His father. Rooted in tradition and part of the old military. He’d expected Sean to follow tradition. However disappointed, he understood.
His mother. A medic. The healer of the family and understood Sean’s need for a new journey toward the unknown.
His siblings. His two brothers who supported his path from tradition. His sister who backed him all the way with a smile and a simple nod. More Navy aligned than her brothers who enlisted with the military.
They all waited for him at the end of his journey and the beginning of a new story. A new era for exploration with him at the helm.
Straightening his starfleet tunic, he adjusted his collar. The gold line of flight control stood out in his blue uniform. Clean and crisp, he turned to a bigger area with a few people. Standing near the airlock, his family waited for him. His father waved. Sean tapped his ear again, turning on his implant.
Sound returned, rushing to fill his voided silence. A clash of sound mixed with his thoughts.
Exhaling a breath, he walked towards them in silence. Words unspoken need not fill an already flow of sounds that filled the gap of silence between family and friends.
Lieutenant Sean Hope
Chief Astrogation Officer
USS Eventide
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