Friday, November 7, 2014
Take to the Sky: Day Seven
As Indi struggled up the stairs with all the luggage she could carry, she met J.T. on his back down.
“Whoa,” he said, seeing her vast load. “Do you need any help with that?”
“Yeah,” she admitted, “that would be helpful.”
J.T. took the heavier bags out of her arms and started back up again. “Are you doing all right?” he asked her cautiously. “I’ve been worried about you since you said you were going through something.”
“Yes, I’m all right,” she replied. She paused. “I’m sorry for the way I’ve been treating you. I suppose it’s not entirely fair of me.”
“‘It’s not entirely fair of you,’” J.T. repeated. “How hard was it to say that?” He turned back to her with a grin to let her know he was teasing.
“Oi,” she said, returning the playful manner. “You shush.”
“Nice to have you back,” J.T. commented. “I missed your polite manner. About your apology, it was really no problem. I’m just glad you’re doing all right again.” They reached the second floor. “Where are you located?”
“I’m over here,” Indi said, leading the way to hers and Vex’s quarters. When they reached the small room connecting the three quarters, J.T. set the baggage he was carrying outside the door to Indi’s bedroom.
“See you around the ship,” J.T. said in farewell.
By the end of the day, each crewmember was wearing a deep blue uniform with full length trousers and a shirt with white strips on the sides, along with an optional, light, zip-up coat that matched the trousers. On the back of the shirt and jacket was a large symbol representing the Jeokot Intergalactic Academy. They had started toward Hoten and had settled in. After piloting for quite some time, Indi, ready to sleep, switched with Lan and headed back to her quarters. It wasn’t until she was on her bed writing in her journal on her tablet that Vex entered. She glanced at Indi, but didn’t acknowledge her beyond that, and collapsed on her bed, letting out a huge sigh.
“Between astronomy and botany, I’ve had a tiresome day,” she told Indi wearily. “At least they’re on the same floor.”
“Try sitting all day,” Indi said with a small smile. “It has its own form of wearing someone out. You don’t have to switch between both all day, do you?”
“No,” Vex replied, staring at the ceiling. “So long as I do each somewhat evenly and not just blow one off the whole time. But I couldn’t entirely decide which one was less exciting.” Indi nodded and went back to writing. Soon, she switched to reading a physical book. After a little while, Vex sat up and faced Indi. “We should talk about something each night,” she suggested. “I’ve experienced sharing a room with someone who I never talked to. It was awkward. So, each night, we ask each other at least one question. We can learn about each other that way.”
Indi looked up. “Okay,” she agreed. “That sounds good. But why not just have a conversation?”
“Conversations can be difficult to keep going,” she explained. “My best method is a series of questions until we find common interests. Then we can have a conversation without it ending in an awkward silence.” Indi nodded. “Do you want to go first?” she asked.
After a moment of consideration, Indi replied, “No, you can.”
“All right,” Vex said, moving forward on her bed a little. “I’ll start simple. How old are you?”
“I’m nineteen,” Indi replied. “Actually, it’s odd for me. I’ll be twenty soon.”
Vex nodded. “Bit older than you look, then,” she stated matter-of-factly.
“Yeah.” Indi bit her lip a bit. “This question might seem a bit intrusive,” she said, “but I was wondering, why is it that at times you can act so friendly, but the way you talk is so closed, like you don’t want people to see what you’re actually like? And like, now, you’re not acting like nothing matters. You almost seem excited to have a roommate, whereas earlier, you only seemed to want to be in here with me because you felt you had to be.”
Vex tilted her head a bit and looked more at the corner of the room than at Indi. “To be honest, I haven’t thought much about why I act like that,” she said in a ponderous way. “I purposely act like that around boys because it seems that no matter what I do, they are always wanting to talk to me or attempting to lock eyes with me for just a second, or to get me to smile. Maybe I do that around everyone else now out of habit, but I can be rather outgoing. I’m just quiet.” She paused and looked back to Indi. “I know, I’m a strange one. Can I ask, kind of relevant to what you said earlier, when is your birthday?”
“Yeah, but it counts as one of your questions,” Indi said with a smile. “My birthday’s the 15th this month. Mum and Dad will want to call: do you think they’ll allow that?”
“Most likely, and Lan might appreciate the extra flight time,” Vex replied. “Though the internet might not be very good. Just because the ship has generators that gives us internet, it doesn’t guarantee good connection.”
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Take to the Sky: Day Six
“Good to know,” Indi said happily, moving on to another room. That room was long as well, but it looked slightly larger. At the entryway, it was about eight feet wide, same as the previous one, but it widened out more to the left, looking more like ten feet. There was a small room directly to the right and a wardrobe directly to the left, but beyond that were, once again, two beds, with a desk in the middle and a window placed above the desk. Indi explored the room with admiration.
“How can you be so excited about such a small room?” Vex asked her with a hint of astonishment.
“Again, I love the view,” Indi said. “But another thing is that I kind of expected it to be smaller.”
“Not all bedrooms are as small as the dorms at Jeokot,” Vex told her. “Bedrooms shouldn’t even be meant to be so small. And I don’t understand why you’re so obsessed with the view. We’ll be in space for this whole trip, you won’t be seeing anything out of those windows. They’re just there to put us into the danger.” Indi tilted her head inquiringly. “Look, if they break, we’re dead,” Vex explained, putting her hand on her hip. “If a ship is designed to be in space, don’t make our depressuring a possibility. I, for one, would appreciate not dying.”
“Do you want a room without a window?” Indi suggested.
“Yes,” Vex replied, “but unfortunately, there aren’t any.”
Indi paused. “Is it still up to me to choose a room?” she asked quietly.
“Yeah, whichever one we end up with means nothing to me,” Vex said.
“I choose this one,” Indi said, pointing to the floor with both hands. “But if there are enough rooms, maybe you want a room to yourself.”
“It’s not my choice,” Vex replied. “If you want me out of your way, though, you can certainly take it up with the captain.”
“I just thought maybe you would want to be alone. I’m not trying to get rid of you,” Indi explained.
Vex paused, looking at Indi. She shook her head. “No. It’s your first time, someone has to keep you company.”
“Thanks,” Indi said. “Do you know when we’re getting our baggage?”
“Sort of,” Vex replied. “Some guys who work at the spaceport should be bringing it up soon. That’s what happened my first year.”
Indi nodded. After an awkward pause, she turned to the beds. “Which one do you want?”
“Left one,” she replied without hesitating.
“Okay,” Indi said, moving to the bottom of the bed on the right. She tapped the end board and a screen lit up with a couple of options on it. One said ‘original settings’ and another said ‘anti-grav’. She tapped the latter.
“Do you like sleeping with anti-grav?” Vex inquired, guessing what Indi had done.
“Yeah,” she replied. “Silly, I know. Not many people do like that. That was the only way I would sleep when I was a baby and never grew out of the preference. I can sleep in gravity, but I’d rather not.”
“That makes sense,” Vex said. “I can’t get comfortable in anti-grav. It feels wrong.”
Unexpectedly, a voice that sounded like it belonged to an eight or nine year old rang through the room. “All crew required to report to the relaxation room.” Vex and Indi exchanged looks.
“There’s a child on board?” Indi said curiously.
“I don’t know,” Vex said, “but we should probably report to the relaxation room.”
“How can you be so excited about such a small room?” Vex asked her with a hint of astonishment.
“Again, I love the view,” Indi said. “But another thing is that I kind of expected it to be smaller.”
“Not all bedrooms are as small as the dorms at Jeokot,” Vex told her. “Bedrooms shouldn’t even be meant to be so small. And I don’t understand why you’re so obsessed with the view. We’ll be in space for this whole trip, you won’t be seeing anything out of those windows. They’re just there to put us into the danger.” Indi tilted her head inquiringly. “Look, if they break, we’re dead,” Vex explained, putting her hand on her hip. “If a ship is designed to be in space, don’t make our depressuring a possibility. I, for one, would appreciate not dying.”
“Do you want a room without a window?” Indi suggested.
“Yes,” Vex replied, “but unfortunately, there aren’t any.”
Indi paused. “Is it still up to me to choose a room?” she asked quietly.
“Yeah, whichever one we end up with means nothing to me,” Vex said.
“I choose this one,” Indi said, pointing to the floor with both hands. “But if there are enough rooms, maybe you want a room to yourself.”
“It’s not my choice,” Vex replied. “If you want me out of your way, though, you can certainly take it up with the captain.”
“I just thought maybe you would want to be alone. I’m not trying to get rid of you,” Indi explained.
Vex paused, looking at Indi. She shook her head. “No. It’s your first time, someone has to keep you company.”
“Thanks,” Indi said. “Do you know when we’re getting our baggage?”
“Sort of,” Vex replied. “Some guys who work at the spaceport should be bringing it up soon. That’s what happened my first year.”
Indi nodded. After an awkward pause, she turned to the beds. “Which one do you want?”
“Left one,” she replied without hesitating.
“Okay,” Indi said, moving to the bottom of the bed on the right. She tapped the end board and a screen lit up with a couple of options on it. One said ‘original settings’ and another said ‘anti-grav’. She tapped the latter.
“Do you like sleeping with anti-grav?” Vex inquired, guessing what Indi had done.
“Yeah,” she replied. “Silly, I know. Not many people do like that. That was the only way I would sleep when I was a baby and never grew out of the preference. I can sleep in gravity, but I’d rather not.”
“That makes sense,” Vex said. “I can’t get comfortable in anti-grav. It feels wrong.”
Unexpectedly, a voice that sounded like it belonged to an eight or nine year old rang through the room. “All crew required to report to the relaxation room.” Vex and Indi exchanged looks.
“There’s a child on board?” Indi said curiously.
“I don’t know,” Vex said, “but we should probably report to the relaxation room.”
“Is that the room with all the…” Indi trailed off, searching for the right word.
“Relaxing chairs and atmosphere?” Vex said, finishing for her. “Yeah.”
Indi and Vex were the last two from the J.I.A. in the room, but the engineer was missing. “It sounds kind of eerie,” Oliver was saying.
“No, it sounds really eerie,” Saxton said, correcting him. “Who decided a voice like that would be perfect for a ship’s AI?”
“I’m sure that whoever it was, he used his reasoning when he chose,” the captain replied calmly. “So, eerie or not, it represents a decision made by a professional.” Saxton nodded respectfully. “Now that you’re all here, I’d like to fill you in on a few things,” Captain Fisler said, standing. “As I’ve told Vex and Bulot, because they were conveniently placed, I had meant to assign quarters for everyone, but I hadn’t given myself enough time for that. I chose roommates, but got no further than that. So,” he continued, pulling up a tablet, “Saxton and Oliver, you are together.” The two high-fived. “Rescon, I’m afraid I have you alone because you’re the only female from your branch, but if you’d prefer a different set-up, I can try to get something to work.”
Rescon nodded respectfully. “Thank you,” she said.
“Lan, the same goes for you. You’re the only male from your branch, so I have you alone. If you so wish, you can room with me because I’m a loner as well. Yiluna and Shepill, you’re together.” He lowered his tablet. “I’ve already told Bulot that he’s with J.T. and Vex that she’s with Indi. If any of you want different arrangements, now is the best time to say.” Saxton and Oliver grabbed on to each other, as if to show that they were inseparable and Yiluna and Shepill exchanged a glance which either meant ‘I can deal if you can’ or ‘Just respect my space.’
“All right,” Fisler continued after a pause, bringing his tablet up again. “Bulot, you’re my second officer. You’ve been on a few missions before joining the Academy, so you’re the most experienced. Indi, you’re our main pilot. If you need to sleep and we need someone at the wheel, so to speak, Lan is to take your place. In case of any medical emergencies, our doctors are Bulot, Shepill, and Yiluna. You don’t need to report to the medical bay unless something happens, just keep in mind that you are what we have for that. J.T., I have you as an engineer. You’re to help Phillip if he needs assistance or to just be down there so you can learn a bit more. Saxton, I don’t see this likely to happen, but if we go off course or find ourselves in an uncharted asteroid belt, your our weapons officer. You can handle that?”
Saxton nodded. “Yes sir, I’ve got it.”
“Good man. In case worst comes to worst, Indi, Oliver, and Yiluna, you’re my security officers. That doesn’t mean you have to be uptight and paranoid, by the way. Just to be safe. J.T., Lan, Rescon, Saxton, and Vex, congratulations, you’re astronomers now,” he looked up, wearing a grin. “Really, though, we may need you there if the navigation goes down. Main purpose of this whole voyage is still for education, but I’m not so optimistic that I won’t prepare for anything negative. We’re still going into deep space, and that can be dangerous at times. Last of all, we have botanists. You may not learn anything else about botany, but those plants and algae are our best source of oxygen for this, so we need someone to care for the. Oliver, Shepill, and Vex, that’s you. So as a review, Bulot, you’re my second officer and a doctor.” Captain Fisler looked at each person as he said their assignments. “Indi, you’re our pilot and security officer. Lan, you’re the backup pilot and an astronomer. Shepill, you’re a botanist and a doctor. Yiluna, you’re a doctor and a security officer. In your case, knowing your medical studies, - you probably should spend some time in the medical bay unlike the other doctors, but you are welcome to join the botanists or astronomers if you so wish. J.T., you’re an engineer and an astronomer. Saxton, you’re weapons officer and also an astronomer. Oliver, you’re a security officer and a botanist. Rescon, you’re an astronomer, and Vex, you’re an astronomer and a botanist. Has everyone got that?”
Everyone nodded, some more hesitant than others.
“All right, good,” the captain said. “Your luggage should be being brought up now, so you can go to the first level, gather your things, and choose a room on the second level. After that, I, in fact, have some uniforms for you, so come back up here. I’m excited that you’re all here and even more excited to be your captain. You seem to me to be a fantastic crew, I appreciate that. You can go get your belongings now, I’m done taking up your time.” He winked at them all.
Vex turned to Indi as they made their way to the staircase. “Do you want me to grab the luggage while you keep claim on our room?”
“That’s a good idea,” Indi said, “but I’ll go fetch our luggage, you can hold claim on our quarters.”
“Okay,” Vex agreed. “All my bags are black, which may mix in, but I have name tags, so that should help.”
The suitcases and variations thereof were still being brought up when Indi got down to the first floor. The students had to wait for the lift to go back down before lowering the stairs and reaching the luggage, at which point they were told that there was only one more trip to go. During the wait time for the last load, there was a bit of rummaging as everyone separated their baggage from each other’s. Soon after, the lift came up with the last load accompanied by an Asian young man whom Indi recognized.
“Tyland?” she said disbelievingly. “What are you doing here?”
Tyland looked back at her with spite. “I work at the spaceport, is that so crazy? Oh, and you’re welcome for bringing up your luggage.”
“How gentlemanly of you,” she said sarcastically. “It’s not like you’re being paid or anything: I’m sure you’re just doing it because you felt it was proper.”
“What if I said you weren't far off?” Tyland asked in a hostile manner.
“Easy,” Indi replied. “I wouldn't believe you.”
“I hate you so much, Indi,” Tyland stated.
“Mutual,” Indi replied savagely, gathering as much of hers and Vex’s baggage as she could.
“Relaxing chairs and atmosphere?” Vex said, finishing for her. “Yeah.”
Indi and Vex were the last two from the J.I.A. in the room, but the engineer was missing. “It sounds kind of eerie,” Oliver was saying.
“No, it sounds really eerie,” Saxton said, correcting him. “Who decided a voice like that would be perfect for a ship’s AI?”
“I’m sure that whoever it was, he used his reasoning when he chose,” the captain replied calmly. “So, eerie or not, it represents a decision made by a professional.” Saxton nodded respectfully. “Now that you’re all here, I’d like to fill you in on a few things,” Captain Fisler said, standing. “As I’ve told Vex and Bulot, because they were conveniently placed, I had meant to assign quarters for everyone, but I hadn’t given myself enough time for that. I chose roommates, but got no further than that. So,” he continued, pulling up a tablet, “Saxton and Oliver, you are together.” The two high-fived. “Rescon, I’m afraid I have you alone because you’re the only female from your branch, but if you’d prefer a different set-up, I can try to get something to work.”
Rescon nodded respectfully. “Thank you,” she said.
“Lan, the same goes for you. You’re the only male from your branch, so I have you alone. If you so wish, you can room with me because I’m a loner as well. Yiluna and Shepill, you’re together.” He lowered his tablet. “I’ve already told Bulot that he’s with J.T. and Vex that she’s with Indi. If any of you want different arrangements, now is the best time to say.” Saxton and Oliver grabbed on to each other, as if to show that they were inseparable and Yiluna and Shepill exchanged a glance which either meant ‘I can deal if you can’ or ‘Just respect my space.’
“All right,” Fisler continued after a pause, bringing his tablet up again. “Bulot, you’re my second officer. You’ve been on a few missions before joining the Academy, so you’re the most experienced. Indi, you’re our main pilot. If you need to sleep and we need someone at the wheel, so to speak, Lan is to take your place. In case of any medical emergencies, our doctors are Bulot, Shepill, and Yiluna. You don’t need to report to the medical bay unless something happens, just keep in mind that you are what we have for that. J.T., I have you as an engineer. You’re to help Phillip if he needs assistance or to just be down there so you can learn a bit more. Saxton, I don’t see this likely to happen, but if we go off course or find ourselves in an uncharted asteroid belt, your our weapons officer. You can handle that?”
Saxton nodded. “Yes sir, I’ve got it.”
“Good man. In case worst comes to worst, Indi, Oliver, and Yiluna, you’re my security officers. That doesn’t mean you have to be uptight and paranoid, by the way. Just to be safe. J.T., Lan, Rescon, Saxton, and Vex, congratulations, you’re astronomers now,” he looked up, wearing a grin. “Really, though, we may need you there if the navigation goes down. Main purpose of this whole voyage is still for education, but I’m not so optimistic that I won’t prepare for anything negative. We’re still going into deep space, and that can be dangerous at times. Last of all, we have botanists. You may not learn anything else about botany, but those plants and algae are our best source of oxygen for this, so we need someone to care for the. Oliver, Shepill, and Vex, that’s you. So as a review, Bulot, you’re my second officer and a doctor.” Captain Fisler looked at each person as he said their assignments. “Indi, you’re our pilot and security officer. Lan, you’re the backup pilot and an astronomer. Shepill, you’re a botanist and a doctor. Yiluna, you’re a doctor and a security officer. In your case, knowing your medical studies, - you probably should spend some time in the medical bay unlike the other doctors, but you are welcome to join the botanists or astronomers if you so wish. J.T., you’re an engineer and an astronomer. Saxton, you’re weapons officer and also an astronomer. Oliver, you’re a security officer and a botanist. Rescon, you’re an astronomer, and Vex, you’re an astronomer and a botanist. Has everyone got that?”
Everyone nodded, some more hesitant than others.
“All right, good,” the captain said. “Your luggage should be being brought up now, so you can go to the first level, gather your things, and choose a room on the second level. After that, I, in fact, have some uniforms for you, so come back up here. I’m excited that you’re all here and even more excited to be your captain. You seem to me to be a fantastic crew, I appreciate that. You can go get your belongings now, I’m done taking up your time.” He winked at them all.
Vex turned to Indi as they made their way to the staircase. “Do you want me to grab the luggage while you keep claim on our room?”
“That’s a good idea,” Indi said, “but I’ll go fetch our luggage, you can hold claim on our quarters.”
“Okay,” Vex agreed. “All my bags are black, which may mix in, but I have name tags, so that should help.”
The suitcases and variations thereof were still being brought up when Indi got down to the first floor. The students had to wait for the lift to go back down before lowering the stairs and reaching the luggage, at which point they were told that there was only one more trip to go. During the wait time for the last load, there was a bit of rummaging as everyone separated their baggage from each other’s. Soon after, the lift came up with the last load accompanied by an Asian young man whom Indi recognized.
“Tyland?” she said disbelievingly. “What are you doing here?”
Tyland looked back at her with spite. “I work at the spaceport, is that so crazy? Oh, and you’re welcome for bringing up your luggage.”
“How gentlemanly of you,” she said sarcastically. “It’s not like you’re being paid or anything: I’m sure you’re just doing it because you felt it was proper.”
“What if I said you weren't far off?” Tyland asked in a hostile manner.
“Easy,” Indi replied. “I wouldn't believe you.”
“I hate you so much, Indi,” Tyland stated.
“Mutual,” Indi replied savagely, gathering as much of hers and Vex’s baggage as she could.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Take to the Sky: Day Five
“That is imaginative,” J.T. agreed. “It’ll take some time getting used to, I think. I have to say, though, I’d love to meet the designer.”
“Well, J.T.,” the captain said. “Today would appear to be your lucky day. Our engineer for this voyage *is* the designer. He refused to be parted from it. He’s in the engine room now, if you’d all like to meet him. If not, I can give you a better tour now. I just wanted you to see the bridge first.”
“We’ll have plenty time for both on this trip,” Saxton said. “But personally, I’d like to explore rather than be given a tour.” Saxton turned to Fisler. “May I have your permission, sir?”
Captain Fisler paused, internally debating. “Yes, you may. And you are all free to roam about the Astra if that is what you wish, but don’t destroy anything if you can help it.”
“Yes, sir!” came the ecstatic replies, and the students scattered. Indi stayed on the bridge, however. She walked down the official wall and saw, beneath the platform beneath the hatch, a lift. Captain Fisler saw her look at it curiously.
“Nice eye,” he commented.
“What’s down there, sir?” she asked him respectfully.
“Well, J.T.,” the captain said. “Today would appear to be your lucky day. Our engineer for this voyage *is* the designer. He refused to be parted from it. He’s in the engine room now, if you’d all like to meet him. If not, I can give you a better tour now. I just wanted you to see the bridge first.”
“We’ll have plenty time for both on this trip,” Saxton said. “But personally, I’d like to explore rather than be given a tour.” Saxton turned to Fisler. “May I have your permission, sir?”
Captain Fisler paused, internally debating. “Yes, you may. And you are all free to roam about the Astra if that is what you wish, but don’t destroy anything if you can help it.”
“Yes, sir!” came the ecstatic replies, and the students scattered. Indi stayed on the bridge, however. She walked down the official wall and saw, beneath the platform beneath the hatch, a lift. Captain Fisler saw her look at it curiously.
“Nice eye,” he commented.
“What’s down there, sir?” she asked him respectfully.
“Notably, the briefing room, my office, and the captain’s quarters,” he replied. “None of us will be spending much time down there. There won’t be much I’ll have to brief you on, and there’s a small enough amount of you, anyway. I decided to be quartered with the rest of you. They have the captain’s quarters so near because then he can access the bridge more easily, but there should be no emergency and I’d rather be with my crew. As for the office, I’ll probably be using my quarters for that.” Indi nodded with a smile and went back down the hatch.
She got off at the first floor she came to and found herself in a large, round hallway. There were four doors and Indi tried all four, one at a time. The first room she entered was huge. There were three shuttles, large enough to hold at least six people. There were large, double doors big enough for the shuttles to go through, and above that, a strip of window. Outside, one could see the surface of the moon, a large amount of the city they were just outside of, and beyond that, space.
The next room was very well-lit. There were medical beds all around the room, but in an orderly fashion, almost a pattern. There were cabinets and a small room with a desk and chair.
The third room had ten small, enclosed rooms that each had one, large opening. There were three of these on the left and right sides of the room, and four lined up on the wall opposite the entrance to the large room. In the middle were desks set up in a circle and with chairs all on the inside. “I hope we won’t have to use this room for anything,” Vex, who had been in there when she entered, commented to Indi as she left.
The last room on that floor was as large as the shuttle bay, but completely empty and with no bay doors or window.
While Indi was getting off the staircase upon reaching the next floor, she bumped into J.T., who immediately said, “Oh, I’m sorry. You all right?” Indi found herself staring into his deep blue eyes for a moment.
“Um, no,” she said, trying to move past him and looking down out of shame from looking at his eyes, as though they were sacred. “I mean, yeah! Sorry.” J.T. smiled slightly.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” he replied before going up the steps himself.
The hallway on this floor looked the same as the previous one, down to the four doors, although one of the doors was up higher and had two steps leading up to it. Indi choose this room first out of fascination.
It was smaller than the other rooms, and was black rather than white. There were drawers on all the walls, and at the back was a small, circular room with a silver cylinder in the middle of it. There was an old human man there with trimmed, grey hair and some sort of oil all over his dark grey uniform.
“Another student, eh?” he said, looking her up and down. “What’s your job on the ship?”
Indi paused. “Er, I don’t know yet.” She seemed to have wished she had thought to ask.
“No one seems to,” he said, sitting down in a fold-up chair that he seemed to have brought in himself, considering how much it didn’t match. “I’m Phillip,” he said, introducing himself. “I’ll be the engineer for this here voyage.”
“Good,” Indi said uncertainly. “Where’s the engine for this here engineer?”
“She’s all around ya,” the man said, spreading out his arms wide. “This room is in the middle of the engine.” Indi knitted her eyebrows, confused. Phillip sighed heavily, stood up, and opened up a drawer in the wall. Rather than a drawer, it was a means of sliding parts of the Astra’s engine and main circuitry into the engine room. That part contained several circuit boards. Phillip slid it back in.
“That’s brilliant,” Indi said.
“I don’t know about brilliant,” Phillip said, “but it surely makes it all accessible.” Phillip sat down again before realizing that Indi was staring at the large, silver cylinder. “That’s Astra,” he said, preemptively answering her question. “Not the ship, exactly. The A.I. I have her turned off for now.”
“The ship and the A.I. have the same name?” Indi asked. “Won’t that get confusing?” Phillip suddenly got defensive.
“No,” he said firmly. “No, it will not.”
“Okay,” Indi said apologetically. “Nice work with the Astra, by the way.” Phillip just nodded and Indi quietly made her exit.
Indi was a floor down from the engine room, looking around in a large room with lounge chairs, coffee table, and a fluffy-carpeted floor when Vex found her. “Indi,” she said as she approached. “We’re sharing a room, do you want to go down with me and help me choose which? They all look pretty much the same, but my offer still stands.” Indi looked up at the taller girl.
“Yes,” she replied gratefully. “Thank you for fetching me!”
Vex nodded. “Of course,” she said, leading the way to the rooms. On the next floor down, there were, once again, four doors in the hall. One of the doors, however, had a note up on the screen to the left of the door that said, “No one is to be in these quarters.”
“There are three rooms in each section,” Vex told Indi. “All pretty much identical except for bed positioning, although we could move them, not that it would be easy. Basically, there are three different kinds of rooms. I've seen them all and don’t really have a preference, so you can choose.”
“Thanks, Vex!” Indi said excitedly. She almost hugged her destined roommate, but held herself back. After a pause, Vex spread her arms out.
“Just go for it,” she said with a hint of a smile, and Indi hugged her. After, she went through one of the four doors, finding herself in a lounge sort of room. There were three doors, but there were also comfy chairs in corners. She entered the door on the other side of the room, which led to a large, wide room, the longest wall curving inward: the outside of the round ship. On the left of the room were two beds and a small bedside table, all fit snugly into the wide part of the room, which was about eight feet. There were two windows symmetrically placed on the side that was the outside of the ship, a bin, and a single desk, not quite exactly in between the windows. On the right was a door into another small room, its purpose clear. Vex came up behind Indi.
“I know, none of them are very large,” Vex commented.
“I like the view,” Indi commented, gesturing at the windows.
Vex shrugged. “Just so you know, the other two are the same, just mirrored.”
She got off at the first floor she came to and found herself in a large, round hallway. There were four doors and Indi tried all four, one at a time. The first room she entered was huge. There were three shuttles, large enough to hold at least six people. There were large, double doors big enough for the shuttles to go through, and above that, a strip of window. Outside, one could see the surface of the moon, a large amount of the city they were just outside of, and beyond that, space.
The next room was very well-lit. There were medical beds all around the room, but in an orderly fashion, almost a pattern. There were cabinets and a small room with a desk and chair.
The third room had ten small, enclosed rooms that each had one, large opening. There were three of these on the left and right sides of the room, and four lined up on the wall opposite the entrance to the large room. In the middle were desks set up in a circle and with chairs all on the inside. “I hope we won’t have to use this room for anything,” Vex, who had been in there when she entered, commented to Indi as she left.
The last room on that floor was as large as the shuttle bay, but completely empty and with no bay doors or window.
While Indi was getting off the staircase upon reaching the next floor, she bumped into J.T., who immediately said, “Oh, I’m sorry. You all right?” Indi found herself staring into his deep blue eyes for a moment.
“Um, no,” she said, trying to move past him and looking down out of shame from looking at his eyes, as though they were sacred. “I mean, yeah! Sorry.” J.T. smiled slightly.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” he replied before going up the steps himself.
The hallway on this floor looked the same as the previous one, down to the four doors, although one of the doors was up higher and had two steps leading up to it. Indi choose this room first out of fascination.
It was smaller than the other rooms, and was black rather than white. There were drawers on all the walls, and at the back was a small, circular room with a silver cylinder in the middle of it. There was an old human man there with trimmed, grey hair and some sort of oil all over his dark grey uniform.
“Another student, eh?” he said, looking her up and down. “What’s your job on the ship?”
Indi paused. “Er, I don’t know yet.” She seemed to have wished she had thought to ask.
“No one seems to,” he said, sitting down in a fold-up chair that he seemed to have brought in himself, considering how much it didn’t match. “I’m Phillip,” he said, introducing himself. “I’ll be the engineer for this here voyage.”
“Good,” Indi said uncertainly. “Where’s the engine for this here engineer?”
“She’s all around ya,” the man said, spreading out his arms wide. “This room is in the middle of the engine.” Indi knitted her eyebrows, confused. Phillip sighed heavily, stood up, and opened up a drawer in the wall. Rather than a drawer, it was a means of sliding parts of the Astra’s engine and main circuitry into the engine room. That part contained several circuit boards. Phillip slid it back in.
“That’s brilliant,” Indi said.
“I don’t know about brilliant,” Phillip said, “but it surely makes it all accessible.” Phillip sat down again before realizing that Indi was staring at the large, silver cylinder. “That’s Astra,” he said, preemptively answering her question. “Not the ship, exactly. The A.I. I have her turned off for now.”
“The ship and the A.I. have the same name?” Indi asked. “Won’t that get confusing?” Phillip suddenly got defensive.
“No,” he said firmly. “No, it will not.”
“Okay,” Indi said apologetically. “Nice work with the Astra, by the way.” Phillip just nodded and Indi quietly made her exit.
Indi was a floor down from the engine room, looking around in a large room with lounge chairs, coffee table, and a fluffy-carpeted floor when Vex found her. “Indi,” she said as she approached. “We’re sharing a room, do you want to go down with me and help me choose which? They all look pretty much the same, but my offer still stands.” Indi looked up at the taller girl.
“Yes,” she replied gratefully. “Thank you for fetching me!”
Vex nodded. “Of course,” she said, leading the way to the rooms. On the next floor down, there were, once again, four doors in the hall. One of the doors, however, had a note up on the screen to the left of the door that said, “No one is to be in these quarters.”
“There are three rooms in each section,” Vex told Indi. “All pretty much identical except for bed positioning, although we could move them, not that it would be easy. Basically, there are three different kinds of rooms. I've seen them all and don’t really have a preference, so you can choose.”
“Thanks, Vex!” Indi said excitedly. She almost hugged her destined roommate, but held herself back. After a pause, Vex spread her arms out.
“Just go for it,” she said with a hint of a smile, and Indi hugged her. After, she went through one of the four doors, finding herself in a lounge sort of room. There were three doors, but there were also comfy chairs in corners. She entered the door on the other side of the room, which led to a large, wide room, the longest wall curving inward: the outside of the round ship. On the left of the room were two beds and a small bedside table, all fit snugly into the wide part of the room, which was about eight feet. There were two windows symmetrically placed on the side that was the outside of the ship, a bin, and a single desk, not quite exactly in between the windows. On the right was a door into another small room, its purpose clear. Vex came up behind Indi.
“I know, none of them are very large,” Vex commented.
“I like the view,” Indi commented, gesturing at the windows.
Vex shrugged. “Just so you know, the other two are the same, just mirrored.”
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Take to the Sky: Day Four
“Okay, well he’s certainly not one to interact with them much. For example, he hasn’t talked to me nearly at all; only when you were around.”
“I don’t want to talk about this anymore,” Indi said.
“All right, Miss I-want-to-talk-to-you-about-something,” Johanna said teasingly. Indi playfully punched her shoulder.
“Oi, I’m just done talking about that something,” Indi replied, almost laughing.
“No, I understand,” Johanna said. “So, have you decided whether you’re gonna go or not?”
“I can’t decide something like that so easily… I would go, but I’m not sure I want to go on a month or longer mission in space with J.T. right there. And if I don’t go, then I’ll get a break from him and a chance to think about it all. I don’t know, Johanna.” Indi reached out to her friend’s hand and Johanna held it.
“This will all smooth over, Indi,” Johanna said, and Indi smiled at her, then looked up at the ceiling.
“I wish we knew what was going on up there,” she commented. “How do they keep meteorites from hitting our moon, anyway?” Bulot, who was, as it turned out, in a seat in front of Johanna turned around and looked at Indi.
“Very good question!” he exclaimed. “And surprisingly, not one I’ve heard you ask before.”
“Bulot?” Indi said, surprised. “Were you listening the whole time?”
“Only once it got interesting. The things being said before that were probably personal, considering the tone of voice. But to address your question, there’s actually a barrier surrounding your moon and scanners constantly searching for any incoming objects, including carriers, actually. All of the reports of any incoming objects are sent to a different computer who decides whether it’s a ship or meteorite. It has access to any scheduled arrivals and can scan for itself if there’s not enough information. Now, the barrier helps destroy any smaller meteorites, but I’m not sure what their plan is for bigger ones. Probably launching shots of energy from the moon rather than just the barrier.”
“And what’s the barrier made up of?” Indi asked, intrigued.
“Satellites,” Bulot answered. “There are two layers of weaponry up there. They’re set up in a pattern, but far enough away from each other that our largest galaxy ships can get through. It’s a system my people designed. You can look it up online; it’s called a deflector-scanner. There are articles!”
“Someone certainly gets excited about the internet,” Johanna whispered to Indi.
“Well, it’s a clever and useful invention,” Bulot said. “I’m certainly impressed.”
“So is the rest of your species, and the Quans,” Indi said. “It’s been nearly a century since you discovered it.”
“A full generation hasn't even passed since we made our alliance with you humans,” Bulot explained. “It seems longer for you lot because it’s been a couple of generations.”
“There are still humans who aren't used to you and the Quans, though,” Indi said, rather quietly.
“Yes, well,” Bulot said, “they don’t consider us to be people. If the definition of ‘people’ is ‘human’, they’re right.”
“But you are people,” Indi insisted.
“It’s odd. You humans are much more defensive about this concern than we are. Why does it matter?”
“A similar conflict in earth history,” Johanna explained. “You may have noticed that some humans, like me, have darker skin than others.”
“Yes,” Bulot replied. “Much like with my species. I have maroon skin, but others may have violet or forest green.”
“Right,” Johanna said. “But we had a conflict over it.” Bulot gave a look that seemed to say: “Of course you did.” Johanna kept going, not at the right angle to see his face. “My history’s not that good, so I don’t know the story real well, but I bet you could find it if you search ‘human racism’.” You’d probably find the whole thing very fascinating.”
“I will,” Bulot said. “Thank you very much.”
There was a short chirping noise and all the loud chattering faded in time for the female voice to ring through the room again. “Thank you for your patience. The danger has passed.” Indi and Johanna let go of each other’s hands and started unbuckling.
“Meteorite attacks,” Indi commented, adding sarcastically, “so exciting!” Johanna laughed.
“Yes,” she joked, “‘please calmly make your way to the basement and lock yourselves in for about half an hour. Have fun!’” J.T., who had been making his way to the stairs up, stopped as he passed the two girls.
“Discussing how exciting this was?” he asked. Indi threw him a short glare, grabbed Johanna’s hand, and walked to the staircase without a glance back.
“What was that for?” Johanna asked. “You said it wasn’t that he didn’t tell you.”
“I dunno,” Indi replied. “It was impulsive, and I don’t want to talk to him right now, anyway. Hey, we could meet Vex. She’s going on the mission.”
“She might be in a class right now,” Johanna said. “She’s taking star constellations. We can look for her during lunch if you really want to keep avoiding J.T.”
“Okay,” Indi agreed as they reached the lounge. “We ride at dawn! Or rather, lunch.”
After Indi and Johanna got through the line, they searched the room for Vex. “She has brown hair, right?” Johanna asked.
“More like a dark blonde…” Indi replied, her eyes scanning the room desperately.
“Same thing,” Johanna said.
“Hush,” Indi said. “There she is, come on.” Johanna followed Indi as she made her way to a table full of boys and a girl with long, dirty blonde hair put up in a braid sitting alone on the end.
“Mind if we sit here?” Indi asked sweetly, standing on the opposite side of the table from Vex.
“No,” she replied in a bored voice and turned back to her food. The three ate together in an awkward silence for a while.
“You’re going on the mission too,” Vex told Indi.
“Yeah,” Indi replied. “Well, maybe.”
“Maybe?” Vex asked. “Why maybe? Already have something going on?”
“Well….” Indi trailed off.
“It’s a lot of things,” Johanna said.
“If you’re nervous, don’t worry,” Vex said. “This will be my second time, and although it’s really neat, it’s not that exciting.”
“You've been chosen before?” Johanna asked in disbelief. “I thought they only chose people once each.”
“Maybe not in a row, not that I know without a doubt,” Vex replied, gathering her empty dishes. “I was chosen two years ago. I was pretty nervous then, but it ended up being fine.” Vex got up and a couple boys sitting at the table turned their heads as they noticed. “See you at the meeting, Indi.”
9/20/26
The meeting for the mission is tomorrow! I get the feeling that the prospect of going on this mission is bothering Indi, but maybe the meeting tomorrow will help. She’s been avoiding me lately, so I think she just wants time with her friend before she goes, or maybe her friend is wanting comfort. This whole thing is very exciting, though!
Signing off, J.T. (But you knew that.)
Indi walked to the meeting room alone, hoping to get there before J.T. and possibly Bulot. Just as she was reaching the door, however, J.T. came around the corner and opened the door for Indi. She stopped at the entryway. “What’s that for?” she asked.
J.T. looked slightly confused. “I always open doors for people,” he said. “It seems nice, somehow. Not that opening a door takes much effort, but I don’t like entering a room and then closing the door just as someone else is coming in.” He gestured inside the room. “Are you coming in, m’lady?” He gave a small bow to tease her. Indi rolled her eyes and entered the room, taking a seat in front of Bulot, who was already inside.
“We’re just missing Vex now, I believe, is that right?” asked the headteacher as J.T. took his seat beside Bulot. Right on que, Vex entered the room and stood beside the door rather than taking a seat.
“All right,” the headteacher said, sorting through some papers on the desk in front of her. “Welcome, all, to the meeting for the J.I.A.’s annual deep space mission. Do any of you have questions?” She paused for them. After a moment, Bulot raised his hand. “Yes, Bulot?”
“How deep is deep, miss? The journey alone won’t take weeks, will it?”
“Well, ‘how deep’ varies from time to time, but I believe that the journey, there and back, should only be about a week, good question, Bulot,” she replied. “Any others?”
Indi hesitantly raised a hand and the headteacher gestured for her to go on. “Well…” Indi paused. “Do I have to go?” The headteacher paused, obviously never having been asked this before.
“I suppose not,” she answered. “But choosing someone to fill your position may delay a few things.”
“Okay,” Indi said. “Never mind.”
“Dear girl,” the headteacher said, “if you have a medical issue of some sort, please don’t force yourself to go on this. It is, in fact, optional.” Indi shook her head, not looking up. The headteacher paused before going on. “Is that all?” she asked. “J.T., Vex?” No one said anything, but J.T. was looking at Indi with concern. “No?” the headteacher went on. “Well… I just wanted to make sure you were all informed that Professer Fisler will be your captain. We’ll be taking a new ship, but don’t worry, it has been on several test trips. You all need to report to the Hywind spaceport on October 1st, and after the month’s test on the 27th, you’ll be relieved of all studies. If you have no more questions, you are dismissed.”
Indi calmly continued to sit as Vex and Bulot left, but J.T. didn’t move. Not long later, the headteacher and exited into a back room.
“Is Joanna okay?” he asked, somewhat hesitant.
Indi turned around abruptly. “Who’s Joanna?”
“Your friend?” he said, unsure.
“Oh, JoHANNA,” she said, and got up, making her way to the door, J.T. following.
“Sorry, Johanna,” he said. “Is Johanna okay?” Indi stopped at the doorway and turned back to J.T.
“Is Johanna okay?” she demanded. “When did Johanna come into this?”
J.T. looked wounded, seeming to wonder what he had said wrong. “When you were always spending time with her,” he replied. “I thought maybe she was going through something.”
“Oh, ‘cause there’s no way it could be me going through something,” Indi stated, and walked back the way she came; one could almost see a dark cloud and bolts of lightning as she traversed the halls.
Indi was sunk low in a seat and reading something on her device when Bulot found her in the lounge. He sat in a seat beside her, leaving a short silence before saying anything. “You know,” he started, “Humans have a way of saying a lot more with their actions than they will ever say with their words.” Indi looked up at him. “For example,” he continued, “You give the impression that someone is going to die a bloody death and you haven’t said a single word nor made a tiny noise since I entered the room.” Indi let out a small smile and turned away. “What’s wrong?” Bulot prompted.
“Nothing,” Indi replied quietly.
“Does that mean that nothing’s wrong,” he began, “or does it mean that something very specific is wrong and you just don’t want to tell me about it?” Indi didn't reply. “It’s incredible, but even though your language contains about a fourth of my species’ words, you still speak an entirely different language.”
“Well, what probably adds is that it’s also English, French, and German,” Indi said.
“Some of my species do the same thing, though,” Bulot said. “I’m positive that women have their own language.” Indi let out a smile again. “See,” Bulot said, “I can be funny sometimes.”
“Yeah, that’s probably why you’re my friend,” Indi commented. “Thanks, Bulot,” she said, becoming more pleasant by the moment, “for coming after me and talking.”
“Talking is my specialty,” Bulot replied with a small smile.
“Hug?” Indi asked, standing.
“Hugs are strange,” Bulot observed. “Two people take hold of each other and--”
“Yeah, I know how hugs work, Bulot. They’re comforting for humans in times like these.” Bulot shrugged and stood up. Indi hugged him and he awkwardly returned it.
“That actually helps?” he asked skeptically.
“Yes, Bulot,” Indi replied with an amused tone. “It actually helps.”
“All right, Miss I-want-to-talk-to-you-about-something,” Johanna said teasingly. Indi playfully punched her shoulder.
“Oi, I’m just done talking about that something,” Indi replied, almost laughing.
“No, I understand,” Johanna said. “So, have you decided whether you’re gonna go or not?”
“I can’t decide something like that so easily… I would go, but I’m not sure I want to go on a month or longer mission in space with J.T. right there. And if I don’t go, then I’ll get a break from him and a chance to think about it all. I don’t know, Johanna.” Indi reached out to her friend’s hand and Johanna held it.
“This will all smooth over, Indi,” Johanna said, and Indi smiled at her, then looked up at the ceiling.
“I wish we knew what was going on up there,” she commented. “How do they keep meteorites from hitting our moon, anyway?” Bulot, who was, as it turned out, in a seat in front of Johanna turned around and looked at Indi.
“Very good question!” he exclaimed. “And surprisingly, not one I’ve heard you ask before.”
“Bulot?” Indi said, surprised. “Were you listening the whole time?”
“Only once it got interesting. The things being said before that were probably personal, considering the tone of voice. But to address your question, there’s actually a barrier surrounding your moon and scanners constantly searching for any incoming objects, including carriers, actually. All of the reports of any incoming objects are sent to a different computer who decides whether it’s a ship or meteorite. It has access to any scheduled arrivals and can scan for itself if there’s not enough information. Now, the barrier helps destroy any smaller meteorites, but I’m not sure what their plan is for bigger ones. Probably launching shots of energy from the moon rather than just the barrier.”
“And what’s the barrier made up of?” Indi asked, intrigued.
“Satellites,” Bulot answered. “There are two layers of weaponry up there. They’re set up in a pattern, but far enough away from each other that our largest galaxy ships can get through. It’s a system my people designed. You can look it up online; it’s called a deflector-scanner. There are articles!”
“Someone certainly gets excited about the internet,” Johanna whispered to Indi.
“Well, it’s a clever and useful invention,” Bulot said. “I’m certainly impressed.”
“So is the rest of your species, and the Quans,” Indi said. “It’s been nearly a century since you discovered it.”
“A full generation hasn't even passed since we made our alliance with you humans,” Bulot explained. “It seems longer for you lot because it’s been a couple of generations.”
“There are still humans who aren't used to you and the Quans, though,” Indi said, rather quietly.
“Yes, well,” Bulot said, “they don’t consider us to be people. If the definition of ‘people’ is ‘human’, they’re right.”
“But you are people,” Indi insisted.
“It’s odd. You humans are much more defensive about this concern than we are. Why does it matter?”
“A similar conflict in earth history,” Johanna explained. “You may have noticed that some humans, like me, have darker skin than others.”
“Yes,” Bulot replied. “Much like with my species. I have maroon skin, but others may have violet or forest green.”
“Right,” Johanna said. “But we had a conflict over it.” Bulot gave a look that seemed to say: “Of course you did.” Johanna kept going, not at the right angle to see his face. “My history’s not that good, so I don’t know the story real well, but I bet you could find it if you search ‘human racism’.” You’d probably find the whole thing very fascinating.”
“I will,” Bulot said. “Thank you very much.”
There was a short chirping noise and all the loud chattering faded in time for the female voice to ring through the room again. “Thank you for your patience. The danger has passed.” Indi and Johanna let go of each other’s hands and started unbuckling.
“Meteorite attacks,” Indi commented, adding sarcastically, “so exciting!” Johanna laughed.
“Yes,” she joked, “‘please calmly make your way to the basement and lock yourselves in for about half an hour. Have fun!’” J.T., who had been making his way to the stairs up, stopped as he passed the two girls.
“Discussing how exciting this was?” he asked. Indi threw him a short glare, grabbed Johanna’s hand, and walked to the staircase without a glance back.
“What was that for?” Johanna asked. “You said it wasn’t that he didn’t tell you.”
“I dunno,” Indi replied. “It was impulsive, and I don’t want to talk to him right now, anyway. Hey, we could meet Vex. She’s going on the mission.”
“She might be in a class right now,” Johanna said. “She’s taking star constellations. We can look for her during lunch if you really want to keep avoiding J.T.”
“Okay,” Indi agreed as they reached the lounge. “We ride at dawn! Or rather, lunch.”
After Indi and Johanna got through the line, they searched the room for Vex. “She has brown hair, right?” Johanna asked.
“More like a dark blonde…” Indi replied, her eyes scanning the room desperately.
“Same thing,” Johanna said.
“Hush,” Indi said. “There she is, come on.” Johanna followed Indi as she made her way to a table full of boys and a girl with long, dirty blonde hair put up in a braid sitting alone on the end.
“Mind if we sit here?” Indi asked sweetly, standing on the opposite side of the table from Vex.
“No,” she replied in a bored voice and turned back to her food. The three ate together in an awkward silence for a while.
“You’re going on the mission too,” Vex told Indi.
“Yeah,” Indi replied. “Well, maybe.”
“Maybe?” Vex asked. “Why maybe? Already have something going on?”
“Well….” Indi trailed off.
“It’s a lot of things,” Johanna said.
“If you’re nervous, don’t worry,” Vex said. “This will be my second time, and although it’s really neat, it’s not that exciting.”
“You've been chosen before?” Johanna asked in disbelief. “I thought they only chose people once each.”
“Maybe not in a row, not that I know without a doubt,” Vex replied, gathering her empty dishes. “I was chosen two years ago. I was pretty nervous then, but it ended up being fine.” Vex got up and a couple boys sitting at the table turned their heads as they noticed. “See you at the meeting, Indi.”
9/20/26
The meeting for the mission is tomorrow! I get the feeling that the prospect of going on this mission is bothering Indi, but maybe the meeting tomorrow will help. She’s been avoiding me lately, so I think she just wants time with her friend before she goes, or maybe her friend is wanting comfort. This whole thing is very exciting, though!
Signing off, J.T. (But you knew that.)
Indi walked to the meeting room alone, hoping to get there before J.T. and possibly Bulot. Just as she was reaching the door, however, J.T. came around the corner and opened the door for Indi. She stopped at the entryway. “What’s that for?” she asked.
J.T. looked slightly confused. “I always open doors for people,” he said. “It seems nice, somehow. Not that opening a door takes much effort, but I don’t like entering a room and then closing the door just as someone else is coming in.” He gestured inside the room. “Are you coming in, m’lady?” He gave a small bow to tease her. Indi rolled her eyes and entered the room, taking a seat in front of Bulot, who was already inside.
“We’re just missing Vex now, I believe, is that right?” asked the headteacher as J.T. took his seat beside Bulot. Right on que, Vex entered the room and stood beside the door rather than taking a seat.
“All right,” the headteacher said, sorting through some papers on the desk in front of her. “Welcome, all, to the meeting for the J.I.A.’s annual deep space mission. Do any of you have questions?” She paused for them. After a moment, Bulot raised his hand. “Yes, Bulot?”
“How deep is deep, miss? The journey alone won’t take weeks, will it?”
“Well, ‘how deep’ varies from time to time, but I believe that the journey, there and back, should only be about a week, good question, Bulot,” she replied. “Any others?”
Indi hesitantly raised a hand and the headteacher gestured for her to go on. “Well…” Indi paused. “Do I have to go?” The headteacher paused, obviously never having been asked this before.
“I suppose not,” she answered. “But choosing someone to fill your position may delay a few things.”
“Okay,” Indi said. “Never mind.”
“Dear girl,” the headteacher said, “if you have a medical issue of some sort, please don’t force yourself to go on this. It is, in fact, optional.” Indi shook her head, not looking up. The headteacher paused before going on. “Is that all?” she asked. “J.T., Vex?” No one said anything, but J.T. was looking at Indi with concern. “No?” the headteacher went on. “Well… I just wanted to make sure you were all informed that Professer Fisler will be your captain. We’ll be taking a new ship, but don’t worry, it has been on several test trips. You all need to report to the Hywind spaceport on October 1st, and after the month’s test on the 27th, you’ll be relieved of all studies. If you have no more questions, you are dismissed.”
Indi calmly continued to sit as Vex and Bulot left, but J.T. didn’t move. Not long later, the headteacher and exited into a back room.
“Is Joanna okay?” he asked, somewhat hesitant.
Indi turned around abruptly. “Who’s Joanna?”
“Your friend?” he said, unsure.
“Oh, JoHANNA,” she said, and got up, making her way to the door, J.T. following.
“Sorry, Johanna,” he said. “Is Johanna okay?” Indi stopped at the doorway and turned back to J.T.
“Is Johanna okay?” she demanded. “When did Johanna come into this?”
J.T. looked wounded, seeming to wonder what he had said wrong. “When you were always spending time with her,” he replied. “I thought maybe she was going through something.”
“Oh, ‘cause there’s no way it could be me going through something,” Indi stated, and walked back the way she came; one could almost see a dark cloud and bolts of lightning as she traversed the halls.
Indi was sunk low in a seat and reading something on her device when Bulot found her in the lounge. He sat in a seat beside her, leaving a short silence before saying anything. “You know,” he started, “Humans have a way of saying a lot more with their actions than they will ever say with their words.” Indi looked up at him. “For example,” he continued, “You give the impression that someone is going to die a bloody death and you haven’t said a single word nor made a tiny noise since I entered the room.” Indi let out a small smile and turned away. “What’s wrong?” Bulot prompted.
“Nothing,” Indi replied quietly.
“Does that mean that nothing’s wrong,” he began, “or does it mean that something very specific is wrong and you just don’t want to tell me about it?” Indi didn't reply. “It’s incredible, but even though your language contains about a fourth of my species’ words, you still speak an entirely different language.”
“Well, what probably adds is that it’s also English, French, and German,” Indi said.
“Some of my species do the same thing, though,” Bulot said. “I’m positive that women have their own language.” Indi let out a smile again. “See,” Bulot said, “I can be funny sometimes.”
“Yeah, that’s probably why you’re my friend,” Indi commented. “Thanks, Bulot,” she said, becoming more pleasant by the moment, “for coming after me and talking.”
“Talking is my specialty,” Bulot replied with a small smile.
“Hug?” Indi asked, standing.
“Hugs are strange,” Bulot observed. “Two people take hold of each other and--”
“Yeah, I know how hugs work, Bulot. They’re comforting for humans in times like these.” Bulot shrugged and stood up. Indi hugged him and he awkwardly returned it.
“That actually helps?” he asked skeptically.
“Yes, Bulot,” Indi replied with an amused tone. “It actually helps.”
On the 1st of October, Professor Fisler, Bulot, Vex, J.T., and Indi were not the only ones there. There were three other Hoten, two humans, and one Quan.
“Everyone,” Professor Fisler said, “I am Captain Fisler, and this month, you shall be my crew. I take it that you all know what that means. Through this mission, I will treat you with respect and assume that you are mature. Prove to me that you are and I never have to assume otherwise. Prove to me that you are immature, and I can and will treat you like a young child. Do we understand each other?”
“Yes, captain,” everyone chorused.
“Very good,” Captain Fisler said. “We’ll be taking a new ship called the Astra, but we’ll meet her in a bit. Let’s meet each other first. Let’s go around the circle.” He looked around a bit. “I realize it’s not a circle, but you get my point. I’m Victor Fisler, moon branch.” He gestured to the Quan on his right.
“Shepill,” she said, just loud enough for everyone to hear. “Hotan branch.”
A female Hoten on her right spoke next. “Yiluna the third, House of Jaren. Hotan branch.”
Next was a male Hoten. “Lan the second from the House of Kyling.” He gave a small, friendly wave to everyone.
“J.T. Zumwalt,” J.T. announced confidently. “Moon branch.”
“Bulot from the House of Coyad,” Bulot said matter-of-factly. “Moon branch.”
“I’m Indi Hunt from the moon branch,” Indi said, still nervous.
A female Hoten on Indi’s right was next. “Rescon from the House of Coyad,” she said, looking at Bulot. “Earth branch.”
A couple of male humans were last. “I’m Saxton Youkerman,” said the taller one with brown hair. “And I’m Oliver Moonreach,” said the second, with blonde hair. The two fistbumped and said together: “Earth branch!”
Captain Fisler pointed at the two. “That was showy. You two get points.”
“Really?” Saxton said disbelievingly but with a hint of excitement.
“No, not really. I’m not serious all the time; something you should be aware about me if I’m going to be your captain.” Saxton and Oliver looked disappointed, but humored as well. “All right, let’s meet the Astra, shall we?” Fisler set off and everyone followed.
Soon, they had reached a massive ship. It was a white, upright oval, held up by four legs. No one could see the top, but there were two expansions on the ship: two smaller ovals, which Oliver theorized held the weapons’ systems, although it seemed rather large for that. A pod, connected to the bottom of the ship, was extended, seeming to be calling for passengers. Captain Fisler stopped at the entrance to it.
“First five, get in,” he said. J.T. went in first, followed fairly closely by Oliver and Saxton. There was a pause, then Yiluna got in, followed shortly by Lan; the five in the lift were tight, but not crammed. “There should be a button near the door, Lan,” Captain Fisler told the Hoten.
Lan must have found it, because soon after, the doors slid shut and the pod made its way back up to the ship. Fisler turned to the rest of his crew. “I’ll go in last, because although we could fit in six people, I’d rather not squish you all. Just wait for me and don’t panic. I won’t be that long.” The pod came down again and Indi, Vex, Yiluna, Shepill, and Rescon all piled in, Rescon hitting the button as she entered. Going up to the ship was rather like going up in an elevator, and Indi looked as though she were enjoying it thoroughly. As they reached the top, the walls of the lift pulled away and they found themselves in a good sized, circular room with doors, facing upwards, all around the edges.
“We think those are escape pods,” Bulot told Indi as she looked at them curiously. She nodded, still entranced by them. Soon, Fisler had joined them in the room.
“Thank you all for your patience,” he said, pushed a button on the ceiling, above from the entrance in the floor, and backed away. A spiral staircase unfolded from the ceiling and made its way down to the floor. “Follow me,” Fisler said as he started up the steps.
The ten students followed their captain up a long way, passing four levels along the way. Occasionally, as they passed a level, he would say, “This is where you’ll all be staying during this mission,” or “What we’re passing now is the boring floor, get used to coming here.” When they reached the top of the staircase, where there was a hatch in the ceiling, he waited a little bit for everyone to catch up. “Now,” he told them all, “this is where it gets a little disorienting. Wonderful design, though. Shows imagination, in my opinion. Now, you all realize (I hope) that once this gets out into space, our gravity will be artificial. Right now, we’re in artificial gravity of the moon, so the bridge will look a bit different now than the rest of our journey.” He opened the hatch. Indi, who was at the front of the line-up, looked through the hatch and saw the vast space, stars glistening in the far-off distance.
“Go, would you?” Vex said, interrupting Indi’s state of awe.
“Sorry,” she murmured, pulling herself through the hatch. It took everyone a moment to realize what they were seeing. They were on the wall of a large room. The ceiling was not the ceiling, but the viewscreen for the bridge of the Astra. From their perspective, there were chairs and consoles on the wall and several barriers on the floor. It turned out that the largest one was a platform for those coming through the hatch and the smaller ones were steps for either side.
Rescon was the first to notice. “Oh!” she exclaimed. “This is so cool!”
“Isn’t it but just?” Fisler replied in a tone of admiration.
“What is it?” Oliver asked.
“Can’t you see it?” Rescon asked him.
“We’re on one of the walls, Oliver,” Saxton told his friend, putting his arm around him and resting his hand on Oliver’s shoulder opposite Saxton. “See those chairs? When we’re going on artificial gravity, that’ll be the floor.”
“Oh!” Oliver exclaimed, copying Rescon’s reaction.
“Everyone,” Professor Fisler said, “I am Captain Fisler, and this month, you shall be my crew. I take it that you all know what that means. Through this mission, I will treat you with respect and assume that you are mature. Prove to me that you are and I never have to assume otherwise. Prove to me that you are immature, and I can and will treat you like a young child. Do we understand each other?”
“Yes, captain,” everyone chorused.
“Very good,” Captain Fisler said. “We’ll be taking a new ship called the Astra, but we’ll meet her in a bit. Let’s meet each other first. Let’s go around the circle.” He looked around a bit. “I realize it’s not a circle, but you get my point. I’m Victor Fisler, moon branch.” He gestured to the Quan on his right.
“Shepill,” she said, just loud enough for everyone to hear. “Hotan branch.”
A female Hoten on her right spoke next. “Yiluna the third, House of Jaren. Hotan branch.”
Next was a male Hoten. “Lan the second from the House of Kyling.” He gave a small, friendly wave to everyone.
“J.T. Zumwalt,” J.T. announced confidently. “Moon branch.”
“Bulot from the House of Coyad,” Bulot said matter-of-factly. “Moon branch.”
“I’m Indi Hunt from the moon branch,” Indi said, still nervous.
A female Hoten on Indi’s right was next. “Rescon from the House of Coyad,” she said, looking at Bulot. “Earth branch.”
A couple of male humans were last. “I’m Saxton Youkerman,” said the taller one with brown hair. “And I’m Oliver Moonreach,” said the second, with blonde hair. The two fistbumped and said together: “Earth branch!”
Captain Fisler pointed at the two. “That was showy. You two get points.”
“Really?” Saxton said disbelievingly but with a hint of excitement.
“No, not really. I’m not serious all the time; something you should be aware about me if I’m going to be your captain.” Saxton and Oliver looked disappointed, but humored as well. “All right, let’s meet the Astra, shall we?” Fisler set off and everyone followed.
Soon, they had reached a massive ship. It was a white, upright oval, held up by four legs. No one could see the top, but there were two expansions on the ship: two smaller ovals, which Oliver theorized held the weapons’ systems, although it seemed rather large for that. A pod, connected to the bottom of the ship, was extended, seeming to be calling for passengers. Captain Fisler stopped at the entrance to it.
“First five, get in,” he said. J.T. went in first, followed fairly closely by Oliver and Saxton. There was a pause, then Yiluna got in, followed shortly by Lan; the five in the lift were tight, but not crammed. “There should be a button near the door, Lan,” Captain Fisler told the Hoten.
Lan must have found it, because soon after, the doors slid shut and the pod made its way back up to the ship. Fisler turned to the rest of his crew. “I’ll go in last, because although we could fit in six people, I’d rather not squish you all. Just wait for me and don’t panic. I won’t be that long.” The pod came down again and Indi, Vex, Yiluna, Shepill, and Rescon all piled in, Rescon hitting the button as she entered. Going up to the ship was rather like going up in an elevator, and Indi looked as though she were enjoying it thoroughly. As they reached the top, the walls of the lift pulled away and they found themselves in a good sized, circular room with doors, facing upwards, all around the edges.
“We think those are escape pods,” Bulot told Indi as she looked at them curiously. She nodded, still entranced by them. Soon, Fisler had joined them in the room.
“Thank you all for your patience,” he said, pushed a button on the ceiling, above from the entrance in the floor, and backed away. A spiral staircase unfolded from the ceiling and made its way down to the floor. “Follow me,” Fisler said as he started up the steps.
The ten students followed their captain up a long way, passing four levels along the way. Occasionally, as they passed a level, he would say, “This is where you’ll all be staying during this mission,” or “What we’re passing now is the boring floor, get used to coming here.” When they reached the top of the staircase, where there was a hatch in the ceiling, he waited a little bit for everyone to catch up. “Now,” he told them all, “this is where it gets a little disorienting. Wonderful design, though. Shows imagination, in my opinion. Now, you all realize (I hope) that once this gets out into space, our gravity will be artificial. Right now, we’re in artificial gravity of the moon, so the bridge will look a bit different now than the rest of our journey.” He opened the hatch. Indi, who was at the front of the line-up, looked through the hatch and saw the vast space, stars glistening in the far-off distance.
“Go, would you?” Vex said, interrupting Indi’s state of awe.
“Sorry,” she murmured, pulling herself through the hatch. It took everyone a moment to realize what they were seeing. They were on the wall of a large room. The ceiling was not the ceiling, but the viewscreen for the bridge of the Astra. From their perspective, there were chairs and consoles on the wall and several barriers on the floor. It turned out that the largest one was a platform for those coming through the hatch and the smaller ones were steps for either side.
Rescon was the first to notice. “Oh!” she exclaimed. “This is so cool!”
“Isn’t it but just?” Fisler replied in a tone of admiration.
“What is it?” Oliver asked.
“Can’t you see it?” Rescon asked him.
“We’re on one of the walls, Oliver,” Saxton told his friend, putting his arm around him and resting his hand on Oliver’s shoulder opposite Saxton. “See those chairs? When we’re going on artificial gravity, that’ll be the floor.”
“Oh!” Oliver exclaimed, copying Rescon’s reaction.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Take to the Sky: Day Three
“Okay, I will,” Indi said with a smile. “Is it all right if I end it now, or is there anything you want to tell me about?”
“Well, there’s not much going on down here that I haven’t already ranted about to you,” Lilliana said, “But I suppose there’s the fact that I’ll be going down to Atlantis soon.”
“Ooh, do you get to see the ballroom there?” Indi asked excitedly.
The next day was not much easier to get through for Indi than the day before. She got plenty of congratulations on being chosen for the mission, but not everyone was so positive.
"You know, everyone can tell how scared you are about this mission," an Asian guy told her as she entered the classroom for her piloting class. "You shouldn't have been chosen for that very reason. I'm a better pilot than you anyway. They should have forgotten about the grades for the other classes because *I* would have been more useful. *I* wouldn't be panicking right now and *I* would be able to keep a level head through the mission.”
“Yeah, they should have used some sense and picked you, Tyland,” Indi replied coolly and took a seat without looking at him and kept her eyes at the front of the classroom.
He shook his head. “It’s always pointless to talk to you, you know. Never say anything worthwhile.” Indi sighed as quietly as she could, biting a reply back.
During a break, Indi and Johanna were in the lounge together. “How unfair that no one told you!” Johanna was saying.
“That’s how my family has always been. I’m not entirely sure it’s that I’m so… frustrated about,” Indi replied.
“Well, what else could it possibly be?”
“Just that J.T.--” An alarm cut Indi off.
“Warning,” a female voice rang through the building. “There is an incoming meteorite that has a 60% chance of making it past our defensive measures. Please take appropriate precautions. Thank you for your calm manners.”
“That robot may sound like a living being,” Johanna commented as the two got up and followed the crowd to a flight of stairs, “but it’s still definitely a robot. ‘Thank you for your calm manners’? What’s that about?”
“A strange way to remind you to stay calm?” Indi theorized. “I don’t know.” Soon, the occupants of the building were a level underground where there were a bunch of seats with buckles. Everyone was strapped in and there was a loud noise caused by the constant conversation among everyone.
“So,” Johanna said casually, but loudly so she could be heard by Indi, who was sitting on her right. “You never said what else it could possibly be that you’re so frustrated about.”
“Oh,” Indi said, recalling. “Well, just… *J.T.*. J.T., interested in *me*?”
“Why not you?” Johanna demanded. “A relationship where you were best friends at one time is, I imagine, one of the better kinds. And I think you may be the only female friend he has.”
“Thing is, I could never think of him like that,” Indi insisted. “It would be weird just holding hands with him. And what do you mean, ‘the only female friend he has’? It’s not like everyone he knows is here. He’s got a life outside of this Academy.”
“Well, there’s not much going on down here that I haven’t already ranted about to you,” Lilliana said, “But I suppose there’s the fact that I’ll be going down to Atlantis soon.”
“Ooh, do you get to see the ballroom there?” Indi asked excitedly.
“Assuming the Globe is even open. But I hope so! It sounds so neat. I’ll talk to you later, sis! Be sure to call Mom and Dad, okay?”
“I will, right after this,” Indi replied. “Love you, talk to you later.”
“I love you too, D,” Lilliana said, and her picture on the screen became smaller as the list pulled up again and the small picture of Indi’s older sister went back to its place. Indi got up from her bed and walked back over to the small device, scrolling up a while until she reached a picture of a somewhat small, cream-colored house labeled ‘Home,’ and tapped it.
Again, the picture came up and the happy tone filled the room again. The call was answered sooner than the last one and a video came up on the screen this time. It was a woman who looked around in her 40’s, with her long, brown hair pulled back out of her face, although strands of hair were in her face anyway. She was wearing a delighted smile and started by saying in a cheery voice, “Indi, dear! How are you?”
“I’m doing really well, mother,” Indi said happily, but added more seriously, “Although there is something I’d like to talk to you about.”
The woman looked concerned. “By all means, share. That’s what I’m here for. But Indi, would you mind turning your cam on? I’ve only seen pictures of your face for the past two months.”
“Yeah, Mom. Might be a bit.” Once again, Indi got off her bed, picked up her device without disconnected it from the large screen, and gently moved the whole stand that it was on to her bed. She set it on the end of her bed and climbed on it herself, laying on her front. She pulled up a menu and tapped a symbol on it, making a small light come on at the top of her device and a smaller video of her came up on the lower right side of both screens.
Her mother smiled at her screen for a bit. “You’re so beautiful, honey.”
Indi smiled. “Yeah, whose fault is that?”
“Well, it must be your father’s,” her mother replied.
“Pfft,” Indi said. “Says the most beautiful mom I know. Where is Dad, anyway?”
The woman’s smile faded a bit and she looked down at something. “He’s visiting your brother.”
“Oh,” Indi said. “He’s letting you visit him?”
“He’s not very happy about it. In any case, your father should be home soon,” Mrs. Hunt said, a smile coming back as she changed the subject. “He’ll be so excited to see you. Will you stick around for a bit?”
“Yeah, of course,” Indi said with a smile in return. “So can I talk to you about this now?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, by all means!” her mother replied, grabbing a nearby chair from the dining room table and pulling it up.
“Okay, so you know the deep space mission thing that the J.I.A. does every year?” Mrs. Hunt nodded. “I was chosen for this year’s mission.”
Mrs. Hunt seemed to have a mixed reaction. One could see pride for her daughter in her eyes, as though she wanted to leap up and let out an excited explanation, and also concern. “Oh, Indi, do be careful?”
“Of course Mom, but that’s kinda the thing. I’m not sure I want to go.”
“Why not? Are you just nervous?”
“You know me well, mother,” Indi said with a small smile. “Definitely very nervous.”
“Have you prayed about it yet?” her mother asked.
“Not yet,” Indi replied. “I’ve talked to Lilliana and she suggested the same thing. I wanted to talk to you first. I have to go to a meeting next month, so I think if I’m gonna back down, I need to make a decision before then.”
“Well, who else from your branch is going?”
“A girl named Vex. I’ve talked to her a couple different times, but I don’t know her real well.” The video from Mrs. Hunt went out and Indi paused. “Mom?”
Her voice came through badly. “It’s just-- Keep going, you’re st-- ing through clearly.”
“Okay, well, a couple of my friends, Bulot and J.T., are also going. I do Astrophysics with both of them.”
“J.T.? J.T. Zumwalt?” Her mother’s voice was clearing up now.
Indi paused. “Yeah, J.T. Zumwalt… how do you know about him? Have I mentioned him before?” The video came back.
“I think so, but I don’t remember for sure. That’s not how I know about him, though,” her mother added, then continued in a nostalgic voice. “He’s been asking to court you for the past month or so and calls in here every so often.”
“J.T.?” Indi asked disbelievingly. “Human, blonde hair, blue eyes, early 20’s?”
Her mother nodded. “Yes, he’s a nice young man.”
“I will, right after this,” Indi replied. “Love you, talk to you later.”
“I love you too, D,” Lilliana said, and her picture on the screen became smaller as the list pulled up again and the small picture of Indi’s older sister went back to its place. Indi got up from her bed and walked back over to the small device, scrolling up a while until she reached a picture of a somewhat small, cream-colored house labeled ‘Home,’ and tapped it.
Again, the picture came up and the happy tone filled the room again. The call was answered sooner than the last one and a video came up on the screen this time. It was a woman who looked around in her 40’s, with her long, brown hair pulled back out of her face, although strands of hair were in her face anyway. She was wearing a delighted smile and started by saying in a cheery voice, “Indi, dear! How are you?”
“I’m doing really well, mother,” Indi said happily, but added more seriously, “Although there is something I’d like to talk to you about.”
The woman looked concerned. “By all means, share. That’s what I’m here for. But Indi, would you mind turning your cam on? I’ve only seen pictures of your face for the past two months.”
“Yeah, Mom. Might be a bit.” Once again, Indi got off her bed, picked up her device without disconnected it from the large screen, and gently moved the whole stand that it was on to her bed. She set it on the end of her bed and climbed on it herself, laying on her front. She pulled up a menu and tapped a symbol on it, making a small light come on at the top of her device and a smaller video of her came up on the lower right side of both screens.
Her mother smiled at her screen for a bit. “You’re so beautiful, honey.”
Indi smiled. “Yeah, whose fault is that?”
“Well, it must be your father’s,” her mother replied.
“Pfft,” Indi said. “Says the most beautiful mom I know. Where is Dad, anyway?”
The woman’s smile faded a bit and she looked down at something. “He’s visiting your brother.”
“Oh,” Indi said. “He’s letting you visit him?”
“He’s not very happy about it. In any case, your father should be home soon,” Mrs. Hunt said, a smile coming back as she changed the subject. “He’ll be so excited to see you. Will you stick around for a bit?”
“Yeah, of course,” Indi said with a smile in return. “So can I talk to you about this now?”
“Oh, I’m sorry, by all means!” her mother replied, grabbing a nearby chair from the dining room table and pulling it up.
“Okay, so you know the deep space mission thing that the J.I.A. does every year?” Mrs. Hunt nodded. “I was chosen for this year’s mission.”
Mrs. Hunt seemed to have a mixed reaction. One could see pride for her daughter in her eyes, as though she wanted to leap up and let out an excited explanation, and also concern. “Oh, Indi, do be careful?”
“Of course Mom, but that’s kinda the thing. I’m not sure I want to go.”
“Why not? Are you just nervous?”
“You know me well, mother,” Indi said with a small smile. “Definitely very nervous.”
“Have you prayed about it yet?” her mother asked.
“Not yet,” Indi replied. “I’ve talked to Lilliana and she suggested the same thing. I wanted to talk to you first. I have to go to a meeting next month, so I think if I’m gonna back down, I need to make a decision before then.”
“Well, who else from your branch is going?”
“A girl named Vex. I’ve talked to her a couple different times, but I don’t know her real well.” The video from Mrs. Hunt went out and Indi paused. “Mom?”
Her voice came through badly. “It’s just-- Keep going, you’re st-- ing through clearly.”
“Okay, well, a couple of my friends, Bulot and J.T., are also going. I do Astrophysics with both of them.”
“J.T.? J.T. Zumwalt?” Her mother’s voice was clearing up now.
Indi paused. “Yeah, J.T. Zumwalt… how do you know about him? Have I mentioned him before?” The video came back.
“I think so, but I don’t remember for sure. That’s not how I know about him, though,” her mother added, then continued in a nostalgic voice. “He’s been asking to court you for the past month or so and calls in here every so often.”
“J.T.?” Indi asked disbelievingly. “Human, blonde hair, blue eyes, early 20’s?”
Her mother nodded. “Yes, he’s a nice young man.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about this?” she demanded.
Mrs. Hunt was taken aback. “You asked that we not tell you about anyone wanting to court you unless we approved of him and we haven’t made a decision yet. Why is it such a big deal, honey?”
“He’s my best friend! I think I deserved to know that my best friend was interested in me. It’s been a *month* and you haven’t decided yet? Why not?”
Her mother opened her mouth, but someone interrupted and a man’s voice replied, “Because we’re not sure he deserves you.”
“Henry, you’re home!” Mrs. Hunt burst out as an older man came into view and the couple hugged.
“You can’t keep me away for very long,” he replied. “Your food’s too good.” He turned to the screen.
Mrs. Hunt was taken aback. “You asked that we not tell you about anyone wanting to court you unless we approved of him and we haven’t made a decision yet. Why is it such a big deal, honey?”
“He’s my best friend! I think I deserved to know that my best friend was interested in me. It’s been a *month* and you haven’t decided yet? Why not?”
Her mother opened her mouth, but someone interrupted and a man’s voice replied, “Because we’re not sure he deserves you.”
“Henry, you’re home!” Mrs. Hunt burst out as an older man came into view and the couple hugged.
“You can’t keep me away for very long,” he replied. “Your food’s too good.” He turned to the screen.
“Indi, how are things? We haven’t heard from you since the school year started.”
“Good, Dad. My grades are doing really well and Professor Fisler is as fantastic as usual.”
“She’s been chosen to go on the annual space mission, dear,” Mrs. Hunt told her husband.
“Oh, good!” he exclaimed. “Does that mean you’re officially a space cadet?”
“Da-ad,” Indi said, suppressing a smile. “I don’t space off anymore.”
“Well, apparently not if they’re sending you into space, you little cadet,” her dad teased. Indi stuck out her tongue at him, and he did the same.
“All right, children,” Mrs. Hunt said. “Time to be mature now.”
Father and daughter replied simultaneously: “Yes, mother!”
August 14th, 2526
I was chosen to be one of four from my branch to go on the J.I.A. annual space mission. If the pressure of that wasn't enough, it turns out J.T. has been asking my parents if he could court me since before the school year started. J.T., of all people! He may as well be my brother, apart from the fact that we've only known each other a year. I know I shouldn't be worrying about this, either of them. Lilliana and Mum have both told me to pray and although it did help a bit, I can’t stop worrying about how all this will turn out.“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
“Good, Dad. My grades are doing really well and Professor Fisler is as fantastic as usual.”
“She’s been chosen to go on the annual space mission, dear,” Mrs. Hunt told her husband.
“Oh, good!” he exclaimed. “Does that mean you’re officially a space cadet?”
“Da-ad,” Indi said, suppressing a smile. “I don’t space off anymore.”
“Well, apparently not if they’re sending you into space, you little cadet,” her dad teased. Indi stuck out her tongue at him, and he did the same.
“All right, children,” Mrs. Hunt said. “Time to be mature now.”
Father and daughter replied simultaneously: “Yes, mother!”
August 14th, 2526
I was chosen to be one of four from my branch to go on the J.I.A. annual space mission. If the pressure of that wasn't enough, it turns out J.T. has been asking my parents if he could court me since before the school year started. J.T., of all people! He may as well be my brother, apart from the fact that we've only known each other a year. I know I shouldn't be worrying about this, either of them. Lilliana and Mum have both told me to pray and although it did help a bit, I can’t stop worrying about how all this will turn out.“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
The next day was not much easier to get through for Indi than the day before. She got plenty of congratulations on being chosen for the mission, but not everyone was so positive.
"You know, everyone can tell how scared you are about this mission," an Asian guy told her as she entered the classroom for her piloting class. "You shouldn't have been chosen for that very reason. I'm a better pilot than you anyway. They should have forgotten about the grades for the other classes because *I* would have been more useful. *I* wouldn't be panicking right now and *I* would be able to keep a level head through the mission.”
“Yeah, they should have used some sense and picked you, Tyland,” Indi replied coolly and took a seat without looking at him and kept her eyes at the front of the classroom.
He shook his head. “It’s always pointless to talk to you, you know. Never say anything worthwhile.” Indi sighed as quietly as she could, biting a reply back.
During a break, Indi and Johanna were in the lounge together. “How unfair that no one told you!” Johanna was saying.
“That’s how my family has always been. I’m not entirely sure it’s that I’m so… frustrated about,” Indi replied.
“Well, what else could it possibly be?”
“Just that J.T.--” An alarm cut Indi off.
“Warning,” a female voice rang through the building. “There is an incoming meteorite that has a 60% chance of making it past our defensive measures. Please take appropriate precautions. Thank you for your calm manners.”
“That robot may sound like a living being,” Johanna commented as the two got up and followed the crowd to a flight of stairs, “but it’s still definitely a robot. ‘Thank you for your calm manners’? What’s that about?”
“A strange way to remind you to stay calm?” Indi theorized. “I don’t know.” Soon, the occupants of the building were a level underground where there were a bunch of seats with buckles. Everyone was strapped in and there was a loud noise caused by the constant conversation among everyone.
“So,” Johanna said casually, but loudly so she could be heard by Indi, who was sitting on her right. “You never said what else it could possibly be that you’re so frustrated about.”
“Oh,” Indi said, recalling. “Well, just… *J.T.*. J.T., interested in *me*?”
“Why not you?” Johanna demanded. “A relationship where you were best friends at one time is, I imagine, one of the better kinds. And I think you may be the only female friend he has.”
“Thing is, I could never think of him like that,” Indi insisted. “It would be weird just holding hands with him. And what do you mean, ‘the only female friend he has’? It’s not like everyone he knows is here. He’s got a life outside of this Academy.”
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Take to the Sky: Day Two
"Even if given another year, I don't see how you could be any more prepared for this than you are now," Bulot told Indi confidently. "There's no good reason for you to be so nervous. Listen to J.T., for he's not just spewing out meaningless words to give you false confidence. And he's right, you have a month to mentally prepare.”
Indi was pacing in her small, one-bed room, occasionally sitting on her bed or opening a book and reading a bit. Finally, she sighed and laid back spread-eagled on her bed.
“Lilli,” she said under her breath, took a few steps to the other side of the room, and pulled a small white device off the wall. It lit up and and as she hooked it up to a device in the wall. A large screen in the wall turned on and it displayed what was on the smaller device: a list of names and faces. Indi tapped a name that said ‘Lilliana Hunt’ and a picture of a smiling woman with dark hair came up on the screen, accompanied by a happy tone. After a couple of minutes, a voice started coming through a pair of speakers in the room.
“Hey, D!” called a friendly, female voice. “What’s new up there?”
“What’s newest and most prominent on my mind right now is this,” Indi started. “I’ve been chosen to go on the annual deep space mission this year.”
“That’s exciting!” There was a pause on the other end and Indi sat at the end of her bed, pulling her legs up and wrapping her arms around them. “And yet you don’t sound excited.”
“Yeah, that would be because I’m not.,” Indi told Lilliana. “Lilli, I never wanted to do this in the first place. I’m not ready and… I’m frightened.”
There was a sigh. “Look, sis. I know that new things can be frightening, trust me, I do. But you’re never going to do anything if you’re too frightened to do something new. You have to be brave, and I know you have that bravery in you.” You could hear a smile in the other woman’s voice as she talked.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Lilliana. It is appreciated, truly, but...” she trailed off. “I kinda just want to hand off my opportunity to someone else.”
“I won’t blame you if you go with that decision, Indi,” Lilli said. “And I wish I could go with you; it could be like one of those adventures we always had when we were younger.”
“You would definitely make everything ten times better,” Indi said with a small smile.
“Yeah, unfortunately, I’m just a bit out of reach and don’t even attend Jeokot. You know what you can do, though?”
“What?” Indi asked.
“Pray, Indi. This is basic, you really had to ask?” Lilli said teasingly.
“Maybe I did!” Indi said, relaxing more and taking on a less serious tone. “But seriously, thank you, Lilliana. Especially in stressful times like these, when I need it most, I always forget that.”
“Of course,” Lilli said. “I love you, Indi. You *can* do this. Have you talked to Mom and Dad about this?”
“No…. I wanted to talk to you first. You’re my best friend, and although I love our parents, you’re still always the one I go to first.”
“Aw, that’s sweet of you,” Lilli said. “But you should really talk to them. They’ve always been supportive, and I’m sure talking to them would help. I know you, Indi. You’ve probably been worrying ever since it was announced, but I promise, worrying is unnecessary, and Mom and Dad *will* help.”
Indi was pacing in her small, one-bed room, occasionally sitting on her bed or opening a book and reading a bit. Finally, she sighed and laid back spread-eagled on her bed.
“Lilli,” she said under her breath, took a few steps to the other side of the room, and pulled a small white device off the wall. It lit up and and as she hooked it up to a device in the wall. A large screen in the wall turned on and it displayed what was on the smaller device: a list of names and faces. Indi tapped a name that said ‘Lilliana Hunt’ and a picture of a smiling woman with dark hair came up on the screen, accompanied by a happy tone. After a couple of minutes, a voice started coming through a pair of speakers in the room.
“Hey, D!” called a friendly, female voice. “What’s new up there?”
“What’s newest and most prominent on my mind right now is this,” Indi started. “I’ve been chosen to go on the annual deep space mission this year.”
“That’s exciting!” There was a pause on the other end and Indi sat at the end of her bed, pulling her legs up and wrapping her arms around them. “And yet you don’t sound excited.”
“Yeah, that would be because I’m not.,” Indi told Lilliana. “Lilli, I never wanted to do this in the first place. I’m not ready and… I’m frightened.”
There was a sigh. “Look, sis. I know that new things can be frightening, trust me, I do. But you’re never going to do anything if you’re too frightened to do something new. You have to be brave, and I know you have that bravery in you.” You could hear a smile in the other woman’s voice as she talked.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Lilliana. It is appreciated, truly, but...” she trailed off. “I kinda just want to hand off my opportunity to someone else.”
“I won’t blame you if you go with that decision, Indi,” Lilli said. “And I wish I could go with you; it could be like one of those adventures we always had when we were younger.”
“You would definitely make everything ten times better,” Indi said with a small smile.
“Yeah, unfortunately, I’m just a bit out of reach and don’t even attend Jeokot. You know what you can do, though?”
“What?” Indi asked.
“Pray, Indi. This is basic, you really had to ask?” Lilli said teasingly.
“Maybe I did!” Indi said, relaxing more and taking on a less serious tone. “But seriously, thank you, Lilliana. Especially in stressful times like these, when I need it most, I always forget that.”
“Of course,” Lilli said. “I love you, Indi. You *can* do this. Have you talked to Mom and Dad about this?”
“No…. I wanted to talk to you first. You’re my best friend, and although I love our parents, you’re still always the one I go to first.”
“Aw, that’s sweet of you,” Lilli said. “But you should really talk to them. They’ve always been supportive, and I’m sure talking to them would help. I know you, Indi. You’ve probably been worrying ever since it was announced, but I promise, worrying is unnecessary, and Mom and Dad *will* help.”
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Take to the Sky: Day One
There's an event, of sorts, that takes place every year throughout the whole month of November. This event is called National Novel Writing Month, or, for short, NaNoWriMo. What you do during this event is write every day and aim to have at least 50,000 words written by the end of November. I have had several friends and a cousin participate in this event for several years, and this year, I have decided to participate for my first time. I will do my utmost to update you each day, but I may very well fall behind. Enjoy!
Earth had changed a lot since the 21st century. New advances and technologies had been made, the separate nations fell and all joined under one ruler, humankind spread out to the moon, and… oh, contact with aliens had been established. I’m not just talking about the aliens in the Amazon that spread throughout the world, although that as well. I’m talking about aliens from other worlds. The Hoten and the Quans were from a binary system, but in many ways, they had few likenesses.
There were the Hoten, who looked much like humans, apart from different complexion, hair color, and, sometimes, eye color. However, they still differed from the humans. Humans live a shorter lifespan, sleep, and have little control over their mind in comparison. Hoten could enter their minds and organize things or find a buried memory if need be. They could remember things that happened decades ago, because it would be stored in their mind somewhere, the memory merely needed to be found.
There were also the Quans. First difference between them and the other two species: they didn't breathe the same things as them. However, the first difference one usually notices is that they have gills. A Quan could be comparable to fish in many ways, not that they would appreciate it. They had gills, and although they were retractable, they were still quite noticeable, they had a second, clear set of eyelids which they kept closed most of the time. This and the fact that their eyelids came in from the sides could make humans quite unnerved before they got used to it.
But enough introductions. I could explain everything going on in 2526 and the events leading up to it, but where would the fun in that be? So, I'm going to shove you into the middle of things with little explanation. Among the moon colonies, there was an academy, put together by Hoten subsequent to the Alliance, so that they might spread their knowledge throughout the galaxy. The Jeokot Intergalactic Academy was open to any and all who wished to learn.
Indi and J.T. entered their Astrophysics class one after the other and took their seats in the classroom: Indi to the right of a male Hoten and J.T. in front of the Hoten.
"Why humans take so long to eat, I will never understand," he said to Indi, the professor not having arrived yet.
"Well, Bulot, J.T. takes so long because he takes each bite as if it were the last good bite he'll ever take," Indi started jokingly. "And I decided I would keep him company while he cherished every tiny flavor of his chicken and salad."
J.T. turned around to the other two. "I just like food, okay?" he said defensively, but with a playful grin.
"Food is merely a substance that sustains you," Bulot said to J.T., a tone of perplexity in his voice. "I like food because it keeps me alive, but you take it to a whole other level."
"You may not understand why I appreciate taste so much, my friend, but I cannot understand how you don't appreciate taste. It's probably one of the best things ever." The professor then entered and the room immediately got quiet as all the students gave their attention to their teacher.
"Good afternoon," the Quan professor said in greeting to his students. Various replies of "afternoon" spread throughout the room. "Before I begin, I'd like you all to know that Violet isn't feeling well today and thus isn't here. But if you could all find the time to pay her a short visit sometime today, I'm sure she would appreciate it. Being sick and being alone isn't usually the happiest combination." A few students nodded in agreement. "Also, the school has asked me to remind you all that in a few months, we'll be doing our annual deep space mission with our top students from each school, and the names will be announced next week today, so get your grades up if you want to go." He paused. "Get them down if you don't." A few chuckles arose from the students. "Are you all tired after lunch, or am I not as funny today? You lot usually laugh more than that."
“You’re just losing your touch, Professor Fisler.” Indi called out playfully, earning a smile from him. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Ah, I see, thank you, Indi,” the man said, absent-mindedly adjusting the left gill piece behind his ear from his chemo synthetic pack that was resting on the back of his neck. “All right, are you all ready for today’s lesson?” There was silence. “Yes, I thought as much. We’ll give it a shot anyway, shall we? And if any of you need help with something, I have a website that you can contact me with. Or, likely, you’ll see me around the building.”
At the end of the day, Indi and her friend Johanna were sitting together in the lounge chatting, as girls often do. “...And then there’s that deep space thing,” Johanna was saying, rather quickly and excitedly. “It sounds so cool, but I don’t think there’s any possible way I’ll be chosen. Well, for one thing, it’s only my first year. I mean, I’m sure there are plenty of second or third year students that haven’t gone and probably want to, so I guess it would be unfair if I, a first year, got to go. Don’t you think? Besides that, my grades are barely average. Well, I guess a bit above average.…” She paused as she considered, and Indi took that opportunity to get a word in.
“Seeing how many students there are in just this one branch, I kind of doubt that either of us are going to be chosen. And most likely, most, if not all of the students chosen will be Hoten. They always have such good grades.” Johanna loved to talk, but when given the chance, she also listened, so Indi didn't have to talk quickly to get in her opinions when having a conversation with her friend.
“I know! I’m so envious of that ability they have. It would make everything so much easier, not to mention that we wouldn't have to waste so much time getting sleep,” Johanna said. “Sometimes it feels like a curse. It would be nice to only have to meditate and only every once in a while.” Indi nodded.
“And to keep everything so organized without even having to take notes.”
“I’m sure they take notes! Just in their minds….” Johanna paused. “I wonder what that would be like.”
“I’m pretty sure there are posts online if you’re interested in that sort of thing,” Indi replied. “Especially with how much the Hoten and Quans love the internet.”
“Eighty-one years of an alliance with us and they still haven’t gotten used to the internet yet,” Johanna said musingly.
As the week passes by for the students of the Jeokot Intergalactic Academies, I shall explain a little bit more of what's going on. There are three branches of the J.I.A., each in a populated area. One on earth's moon, one on earth, and one on Hoten. There would be one on Quant, but its air is unbreathable by both humans and Hoten. Prior to the Alliance, trade with the Hoten and Quans was entirely futile for the neighboring species could see no value in the human currency system, so a new system was put into place during the composing of the Alliance, making precious metals and gems from all three planets the currency. It soon became inefficient and unsafe to carry these around casually, so people started carrying exchange cards around to make transactions more simple, but they could go to a bank with their exchange card and request something more real if so desired. The earth was united under one imperfect constitution with the Minister as head and a group of representatives over different countries. America was no longer united and Texas and California became their own countries.
During lunch the next week, the headteacher stood at the head of the room and demanded quiet, which took a fair amount of time.
“Pardon me for interrupting your eating,” she began, “but as many of you may recall, today is the announcement for who from this branch shall be assigned to our annual deep space mission. I trust you have all been working very hard to receive this honor.”
There were a few negative grunts from the crowd at this, most likely none of them from Hoten. The headteacher, seeming to ignore the noises from the students, consulted her clipboard and began calling out names.
“Bulot from the House of Coyad.” Indi and J.T. turned to Bulot, giving him looks of ‘I knew it’ and ‘I was right - ha.’ The headteacher continued. “J.T. Zumwalt.” J.T. gave a fist pump and threw a triumphant grin at Indi, who smiled back as the headteacher finished. “Vex McCord, and Indi Hunt.” J.T. gave Indi a reassuring smile, but the girl, a shocked look on her face, made no sign that she even noticed. Johanna, who was sitting at a different table behind Indi, moved to sit beside Indi and held her hand.
The headteacher looked up from her clipboard and began talking again. “Those who were called, you are required to attend a meeting on September 21st, prior to the mission start, at 1:30 pm in the third floor conference room. For the rest of you, I want you all to know that this was not entirely an easy decision. Some of you were really close and it made decision-making extremely difficult. Keep trying for next year, and have a good day, everyone.” Chatter instantly began again as the headteacher left.
“This isn't how humans show pleasure or pride in accomplishment in my experience. Is it different depending on the human?” Bulot asked, sounding curious.
“Every face and thus facial expression is unique from human to human,” J.T. explained, “But right now, Indi’s a bit shocked, I think.”
Indi started to come out of her trance and held Johanna’s hand tightly. “I…” she started, seeming to have trouble with talking. “I didn't expect to be chosen. I actually hoped I wouldn't be; I don’t feel ready.”
"Hey," J.T. said, giving Indi a gentle smile. "Don't worry, Bulot and I will back you up. And keep in mind, they chose you for good reason. I doubt it was just because of your grades, Indi. You're capable and eager to learn. This will be exciting and adventurous! It's an opportunity to learn hands-on."
Indi gave him a sad smile. "Thanks, J.T.... but this will take me more than today to get used to."
"Well, you've got a month, so no hurry." J.T. grinned.
*****
Earth had changed a lot since the 21st century. New advances and technologies had been made, the separate nations fell and all joined under one ruler, humankind spread out to the moon, and… oh, contact with aliens had been established. I’m not just talking about the aliens in the Amazon that spread throughout the world, although that as well. I’m talking about aliens from other worlds. The Hoten and the Quans were from a binary system, but in many ways, they had few likenesses.
There were the Hoten, who looked much like humans, apart from different complexion, hair color, and, sometimes, eye color. However, they still differed from the humans. Humans live a shorter lifespan, sleep, and have little control over their mind in comparison. Hoten could enter their minds and organize things or find a buried memory if need be. They could remember things that happened decades ago, because it would be stored in their mind somewhere, the memory merely needed to be found.
There were also the Quans. First difference between them and the other two species: they didn't breathe the same things as them. However, the first difference one usually notices is that they have gills. A Quan could be comparable to fish in many ways, not that they would appreciate it. They had gills, and although they were retractable, they were still quite noticeable, they had a second, clear set of eyelids which they kept closed most of the time. This and the fact that their eyelids came in from the sides could make humans quite unnerved before they got used to it.
But enough introductions. I could explain everything going on in 2526 and the events leading up to it, but where would the fun in that be? So, I'm going to shove you into the middle of things with little explanation. Among the moon colonies, there was an academy, put together by Hoten subsequent to the Alliance, so that they might spread their knowledge throughout the galaxy. The Jeokot Intergalactic Academy was open to any and all who wished to learn.
Indi and J.T. entered their Astrophysics class one after the other and took their seats in the classroom: Indi to the right of a male Hoten and J.T. in front of the Hoten.
"Why humans take so long to eat, I will never understand," he said to Indi, the professor not having arrived yet.
"Well, Bulot, J.T. takes so long because he takes each bite as if it were the last good bite he'll ever take," Indi started jokingly. "And I decided I would keep him company while he cherished every tiny flavor of his chicken and salad."
J.T. turned around to the other two. "I just like food, okay?" he said defensively, but with a playful grin.
"Food is merely a substance that sustains you," Bulot said to J.T., a tone of perplexity in his voice. "I like food because it keeps me alive, but you take it to a whole other level."
"You may not understand why I appreciate taste so much, my friend, but I cannot understand how you don't appreciate taste. It's probably one of the best things ever." The professor then entered and the room immediately got quiet as all the students gave their attention to their teacher.
"Good afternoon," the Quan professor said in greeting to his students. Various replies of "afternoon" spread throughout the room. "Before I begin, I'd like you all to know that Violet isn't feeling well today and thus isn't here. But if you could all find the time to pay her a short visit sometime today, I'm sure she would appreciate it. Being sick and being alone isn't usually the happiest combination." A few students nodded in agreement. "Also, the school has asked me to remind you all that in a few months, we'll be doing our annual deep space mission with our top students from each school, and the names will be announced next week today, so get your grades up if you want to go." He paused. "Get them down if you don't." A few chuckles arose from the students. "Are you all tired after lunch, or am I not as funny today? You lot usually laugh more than that."
“You’re just losing your touch, Professor Fisler.” Indi called out playfully, earning a smile from him. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Ah, I see, thank you, Indi,” the man said, absent-mindedly adjusting the left gill piece behind his ear from his chemo synthetic pack that was resting on the back of his neck. “All right, are you all ready for today’s lesson?” There was silence. “Yes, I thought as much. We’ll give it a shot anyway, shall we? And if any of you need help with something, I have a website that you can contact me with. Or, likely, you’ll see me around the building.”
At the end of the day, Indi and her friend Johanna were sitting together in the lounge chatting, as girls often do. “...And then there’s that deep space thing,” Johanna was saying, rather quickly and excitedly. “It sounds so cool, but I don’t think there’s any possible way I’ll be chosen. Well, for one thing, it’s only my first year. I mean, I’m sure there are plenty of second or third year students that haven’t gone and probably want to, so I guess it would be unfair if I, a first year, got to go. Don’t you think? Besides that, my grades are barely average. Well, I guess a bit above average.…” She paused as she considered, and Indi took that opportunity to get a word in.
“Seeing how many students there are in just this one branch, I kind of doubt that either of us are going to be chosen. And most likely, most, if not all of the students chosen will be Hoten. They always have such good grades.” Johanna loved to talk, but when given the chance, she also listened, so Indi didn't have to talk quickly to get in her opinions when having a conversation with her friend.
“I know! I’m so envious of that ability they have. It would make everything so much easier, not to mention that we wouldn't have to waste so much time getting sleep,” Johanna said. “Sometimes it feels like a curse. It would be nice to only have to meditate and only every once in a while.” Indi nodded.
“And to keep everything so organized without even having to take notes.”
“I’m sure they take notes! Just in their minds….” Johanna paused. “I wonder what that would be like.”
“I’m pretty sure there are posts online if you’re interested in that sort of thing,” Indi replied. “Especially with how much the Hoten and Quans love the internet.”
“Eighty-one years of an alliance with us and they still haven’t gotten used to the internet yet,” Johanna said musingly.
As the week passes by for the students of the Jeokot Intergalactic Academies, I shall explain a little bit more of what's going on. There are three branches of the J.I.A., each in a populated area. One on earth's moon, one on earth, and one on Hoten. There would be one on Quant, but its air is unbreathable by both humans and Hoten. Prior to the Alliance, trade with the Hoten and Quans was entirely futile for the neighboring species could see no value in the human currency system, so a new system was put into place during the composing of the Alliance, making precious metals and gems from all three planets the currency. It soon became inefficient and unsafe to carry these around casually, so people started carrying exchange cards around to make transactions more simple, but they could go to a bank with their exchange card and request something more real if so desired. The earth was united under one imperfect constitution with the Minister as head and a group of representatives over different countries. America was no longer united and Texas and California became their own countries.
During lunch the next week, the headteacher stood at the head of the room and demanded quiet, which took a fair amount of time.
“Pardon me for interrupting your eating,” she began, “but as many of you may recall, today is the announcement for who from this branch shall be assigned to our annual deep space mission. I trust you have all been working very hard to receive this honor.”
There were a few negative grunts from the crowd at this, most likely none of them from Hoten. The headteacher, seeming to ignore the noises from the students, consulted her clipboard and began calling out names.
“Bulot from the House of Coyad.” Indi and J.T. turned to Bulot, giving him looks of ‘I knew it’ and ‘I was right - ha.’ The headteacher continued. “J.T. Zumwalt.” J.T. gave a fist pump and threw a triumphant grin at Indi, who smiled back as the headteacher finished. “Vex McCord, and Indi Hunt.” J.T. gave Indi a reassuring smile, but the girl, a shocked look on her face, made no sign that she even noticed. Johanna, who was sitting at a different table behind Indi, moved to sit beside Indi and held her hand.
The headteacher looked up from her clipboard and began talking again. “Those who were called, you are required to attend a meeting on September 21st, prior to the mission start, at 1:30 pm in the third floor conference room. For the rest of you, I want you all to know that this was not entirely an easy decision. Some of you were really close and it made decision-making extremely difficult. Keep trying for next year, and have a good day, everyone.” Chatter instantly began again as the headteacher left.
“This isn't how humans show pleasure or pride in accomplishment in my experience. Is it different depending on the human?” Bulot asked, sounding curious.
“Every face and thus facial expression is unique from human to human,” J.T. explained, “But right now, Indi’s a bit shocked, I think.”
Indi started to come out of her trance and held Johanna’s hand tightly. “I…” she started, seeming to have trouble with talking. “I didn't expect to be chosen. I actually hoped I wouldn't be; I don’t feel ready.”
"Hey," J.T. said, giving Indi a gentle smile. "Don't worry, Bulot and I will back you up. And keep in mind, they chose you for good reason. I doubt it was just because of your grades, Indi. You're capable and eager to learn. This will be exciting and adventurous! It's an opportunity to learn hands-on."
Indi gave him a sad smile. "Thanks, J.T.... but this will take me more than today to get used to."
"Well, you've got a month, so no hurry." J.T. grinned.
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