Between Stars and Soil

Posted on Tue Nov 11th, 2025 @ 9:43pm by Lieutenant Michael Amato & Ensign Tobias "Toby" Dienstag

1,318 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Mission 6: Echoes of the Interphase
Location: Midway; New Jersey
Timeline: M6 MD01 (2268.10.02) 1600

The alert condition blue lights blinked slowly through the Midway>. Although the ship had only been docked for a few hours, its corridors were deserted. The only set of footsteps belonged to Dr. Amato who was walking briskly down the corridor on deck two. His uniform was nowhere to be seen, replaced by dark grey pants, an orange and blue flannel shirt and black leather boots, his navy melton peacoat dropped over his arm.

The door of Science Lab 1 opened at his approach. It was naturally deserted except for one officer. “I thought I would find you here,” Mike said as he walked over and kissed Toby on the forehead, “Still working away…”

Toby looked up with his deep brown eyes, “Yeah, finishing a few things up, lost track of time,” he said.

“Well, looks like we're the last ones off and you're still in uniform,” Mike said. He sighed before sitting down into the chair.

“Sorry,” Toby responded before he turned the terminal off. He stood up, “I guess I'm ready…”

“Well do you want to go down dressed like that?” Mike asked, standing back up.

“I suppose not,” Toby commented. He hesitated, “Your turn first right?”

Mike nodded, “Lucky me…” he responded in a melancholy tone.


It was a crisp fall day in northern New Jersey. The leaves had begun to change and a blustery wind whipped through the woods as the Starfleet staff car rounded the curved driveway towards the expansive brick structure. The car stopped and the back passenger door opened. Dr. Amato took a step onto the brick driveway as a cold shiver went through him. He looked up at the house. It was a well maintained patrician home from the 1920’s, fashioned in the Colonial Revival style as was popular in the northeasternUnited States at the time.

This is it…

Mike shot a forlorn look at Toby as the young man also exited the car. With the Midway stopping at Earth he knew he had to visit, even if out of obligation… Although he wished he had something to escort home, instead just an empty casket and a folded Federation flag which was already in the ground.

The two young men walked towards the front white portico of the house, the collars of their navy peacoats popped against the wind. Toby couldn't help but notice the small service banner in the window… One gold star, one blue star.

The oak front door opened at their approach. A middle aged woman stood there well dressed, “Welcome home Michael,” she said softly. Although she wore a smile, the pain covered her face. She wrapped her arms around her son as a tear welled in her left eye.

After a moment she turned to look at Toby, “Thanks for coming Toby,” she said, giving him a hug as well.

“Is Dad around?” Mike asked as the three of them went inside.

“He gets off soon. I told him to take the day, but you know how he is… Workaholic,” she replied as she led them into the front sitting room.

“Like some people I know,” Toby quibbed, playfully at Mike.

“Yeah, like some I know too…” Mike retorted.

Elena took their coats and stepped back into the foyer to the coat closet.

Toby's uniform was gone, replaced by a green LLBean shawl collar sweater, well worn dark brown corduroy pants and black Chelsea boots. It was respectable, but practical, typical of the boy wonder.

Mike sat down on one of the couches while Toby walked over to the credenza along the wall.

Lining its polished mahogany surface were dozens of family photos in gold toned frames. His eye stopped at one, a young Marine with striking features and a short flat top, wearing the uniform of decades ago, “Who's this, looks like you… if you were a Jarhead,” he said with a chuckle.

“My grandfather, Giovanni,” Mike commented without having to even see the photo.

Toby smirked as he looked at the others. Most of the photos were of Mike's brother Joey… His graduation from the academy, promotions and other milestones. Mike was in most, so was Captain Faust. He stopped for a moment and smiled, there was one of Mike and him, the day the Midway launched.

“I put some coffee on,” Elena said as she walked into the room, “Unless Toby you would like something else… Tea, milk, cookies?”

Toby smiled and shook his head, “No Mrs. Amato, that's quite fine, thank you,” he said, turning around. He noticed at the far end of the room was a small table with a framed folded Federation flag and Joey’s service photo. He paused as a chill went down his spine before sitting down next to Mike.

Elena didn't notice and left the room.

Toby subconsciously reached out and grabbed Mike's hand which was lying limp on the couch. “Sorry,” he commented, “Has to be tougher for you.”

Mike nodded. This place never changed. He starred through the open French doors to the hallway and saw shadows of years before. He and his brother running down the hallway… His grandfather chasing them playfully. His mother laughing. Time never passed here. It was suffocating.

The front door opened again and closed. Mike could hear the heavy distinct footfalls of his father. Mike quickly stood up as Joe entered the room, he tapped Toby on the back to do the same.

“Mannaggia la Marina,” Joe said with an amused smile as he saw the dynamic duo standing before him. The man was middle aged with dark brown hair greying at the tips and an olive complexion. He was dressed in a maroon polo shirt, black pants and loafers. An aura of authority surrounded him like a shield. “Toby, nice of you to come,” he said, extending his hand.

Toby accepted the firm handshake and looked directly into the elder Amato’s eyes which were the mirror image of Mike's. “Sir,” Toby said with a smile.

Joe turned to Mike, “Mikey, come here,” he said as he opened his arms wide.

Mike consented as Joe embraced him, “Dad,” he said in an even tone.

Joe then sat down on one of the other couches, “So, eh on Earth for a few days?” He asked.

Mike nodded, “The Captain said about a week,” he said.

Joe nodded, “Fine ship the Midway,” he said, “How is Captain Faust?”

“He's doing well,” Mike said, “He gave the entire crew liberty and he's taking some as well… In San Diego.”

“Well I'm glad you all have the right priorities, visiting family,” Joe responded before leaning back into the couch.

The room settled into a familiar silence. The smell of coffee drifted in from the kitchen, and for a moment, no one spoke. The wind rattled the old windowpanes, carrying with it the distant sound of children playing down the street. Toby looked from father to son and saw the same stubborn strength in both.

“He believed in what he was doing,” Joe said at last. “That counts for something.”

Mike stared into his cup. “I just wish belief was enough.”

Joe’s expression softened. “It has to be,” he said quietly. After a pause, his voice dropped even lower. “He was proud of you, you know. Of both of you.”

Mike looked up, eyes glassy but steady. Toby nodded.

The silence returned, softer this time. Mike exhaled, feeling the weight of months aboard ship and years of memories pressing on his chest. He looked at Toby, then at the folded flag on the table.

Through the window, the wind lifted the banner in the front window, the gold star catching the late autumn light. For a moment, it seemed to glow. Somewhere far above the clouds, a blue-white point of light streaked silently through the afternoon sky… the Midway was waiting.

 

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