Task Force: Gamma

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Kyle laid his text pad down on the desk. His father was standing against the window, overlooking Detroit down below. A vehicle soared past and the sun streamed in. All that didn't matter to Kyle's father, though. Weather, traffic, housing, all of it was a necessary accoutrement of life; devoutly to be ignored but necessary nonetheless. He turned and frowned at the sharp new starfleet uniform sported by his son.

"Kyle, I've done some research on that flying deathtrap you call a spaceship. They haven't even figured out the latest warp developments. As soon as they fire that thing up, you'll be shot halfway to Andromeda before they figure out how to shut it down. And what about the Klingons? Starfleet hasn't even figured out how to deal with them yet!"

Marcus shook his head. "I'm going dad." He replied simply. He gathered some of the flashdrives he needed.

"Blast it Kyle!" Bellowed Arden, moving around his desk.and approaching him. "Listen, son, please." He laid his hands on Kyle's shoulders.

"I've worked hard to build a life here for you and the family. Cyberlite is exactly where it needs to be for you to take over. If you want the starfleet program so badly, you can name yourself Interface coordinator for the new computer upgrades. You don't have to go into space for God's sake."

Kyle shoved the flash drives into his bag and glared at his father. "Dad, it's not for anybody's sake but mine! Can't you see that yet? I don't want YOUR business, I want MY life!" He moved to the door, the old argument weighing heavily on him. "I know you don't understand this, but you didn't live my life. Yes, here was good, you and mom did your best, but I have never done anything for myself before going to the academy. This is my shot and I'm taking it!" He moved to the door.

"I'll stop by and say goodby to mom, then I'm off to the final months of coordination." He turned at the door and his shoulders fell as he saw his father's look; a cross between anger and deep grieving sorrow. He softened slightly his voice mellowed.

"I love you dad, but I can't sit in this office and wonder what's out there anymore. I've got to take my turn at the wheel." His father looked down for a moment, then met his gaze.

"All right, Kyle." He walked back to the window and looked out. "Just don't make your mother regret this." With that Marcus moved out the door and into his new life as Navigator for the Challenger, the latest NX class starship, headed for new adventures and his own life.
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Live a life of action...not reaction.