*****
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.
Mind I have never really seen it before, but I am rather enjoying that... er "Third person omniscient," I think is what it was. :D Anyway, it feels like you the writer, are personally telling me a story. :D
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