Manifest Destined

After President Kennedy's speech got Mankind, more specifically America, to the moon, the Golden Age of Space Exploration began. NASA sent up probe after probe, rocket after rocket until in 1990, the US announced the grand opening of Luna Mastera, Earth's first-ever space colony. My grandfather, Genesis Philip, was lucky enough to watch on the screens of NASA HQ as the Voyager II space probe left our solar system, heading into the last frontier unconquered by mankind. It was said my mother had to talk him out of naming me Voyager...

However, this isn't the story of how my mom and dad were married or even how a space probe left Earth's solar neighborhood. This is the story of how my crew and I became the first humans to travel farther than any human had ever in history...

|Sol System-June 11th, 2095|:

"Welcome parents, friends, and guardians to the United States Air & Space Force Cadet Graduation. Now, without a moment more, please welcome, Admiral Hower of the NASA Armed Space Division."

The crowd of loved ones clapped and cheered as Admiral Hower made his way onto the stage. 

"Today I have the great honor of welcoming one of the best cadet classes into our ranks. John F. Kennedy in the 1960's pushed mankind into the pursuit of the stars. In the spirit of the former president, please wait to give applause until after I announce this year's top cadet to the stage and finish my speech. Cadet Prescott J. Philip, please join me on the stage. 

Prescott fell out of formation and marched up to stand beside the Admiral. Once he'd given a proper salute, the Admiral continued. 

"Out of the thousands of cadets who came through this base, and utilized my teachings and methods, I have never seen a young man such as Philip here. He is the only candidate to have led his team and unit to victory despite the worst odds I cooked up in simulation and theory. Cadet, please face me."

As Prescott turned, the Admiral removed his cadet strips and pins. "That is the reason I have recommended young Prescott his own command and ship. The Earth Exploration and Defense Force needs more like him. In addition, his entire squad will be directly transferred to his command. Young Prescott has accepted the role that will not only bring him fame and fortune but also engrave his name into history. In the year 2100, just five years away, Prescott will become the first human to ever attempt to reach the center of the Milky Way Galactic Cluster. That, my young friend, is the highest honor an old man can give and bestow upon someone like you. Go out and conquer the unknown for all of mankind."

The crowd went wild, with Prescott's Grandpa cheering louder than anyone else in the crowd. After the ceremony, the Admiral walked Prescott over to the older gentleman. 

"You must be the Mr. Genesis Philip I've heard so much about."

"Guilty as charged, Admiral. Thank you, truly, for seeing the potential I saw in him the day he was born. His parents would be proud of him if they could see their boy now."

"Yes, they would certainly. Prescott, once you've said your goodbyes, report to my shuttle with the rest of your team."

"Understood, Admiral."

As the Admiral made his way through the crowd, Genesis and Prescott sat down on the edge of the stage. Genesis pulled out two glass bottles of Luna Cola for them. Prescott cracked them open and handed one of them to his grandpa. 

"How does it feel?"

"Horrifying. Mom and Dad died in the Tethalic Race V Humanity Conflict... and Now I am to challenge them and the entire Galactic Council."

"We Philip-folk have always challenged the way the world works. Even if it does cost us a great deal in the end. Remember our family motto. Can you do that for me, buddy?"

"If not me, then who? I haven't nor will I ever forget."

As the two hugged, a female graduate snapped a photo of them. 

"Hey! Cut that out!"

"Lighten up, Prescott. We're going to be blazing a trail in five years. Your gramps there isn't gonna be with us to share a Luna Cola when we shove that arrogance right back at the Galactic Council's face will be a triumph they can't ignore! So yeah, I'll take pictures."

As the other team members of Prescott's squad joined them, his grandpa told them all the story of the Voyager II and just how much it would mean to him if they brought the probe with them on their journey, as it would symbolize him being there in spirit. 

As the team left Genesis Philip, they arrived at Admiral Hower's shuttle. As they flew into the atmosphere, Admiral Hower pointed out a singular ship that was docked at the spaceport.

"That, my former students, is the USS Spirit of Freedom and it will be your vessel to command, Prescott."

As they looked through the window, the spaceship came into view as the Admiral described it. "Yep, that is the last twin nacelle, warp-capable battleship in the entire Earth Battlefleet. She was set to be decommissioned due to being so old, but I pulled some strings and I don't want the old ship to die just yet." The Admiral paused for a moment. "It is also the ship that crippled the alien race responsible for killing your parents, Prescott. I thought that would have held some sentimental value to you."

As the shuttle docked and the group made their way inside, teams of engineers and mechanics were getting the old Battleship-Class ship ready for her new crew. 

"Go on, get acquainted with her. This will be your life for the next however long you decide to make your careers." Said the Admiral as he departed from them, heading to his next appointment.

Five years might have seemed like a lot then, but time has a funny way of making big gaps seem impossibly short...