Chapter 8 • Friend and Foe
When they departed from Reception and Processing Terminal and stepped outside, the sun had nearly set over the distant horizon. A wide plaza embellished with the Emblem of the Alliance lay before them and beyond, the entrance to the Academy itself. Vo-Shay announced their names to the two guards which stood there at attention. He handed one of them a small card that had Talin’s name, duty assignment and dorm number on it. The guard looked at it and allowed them passage, saluting as they went through the tall gates. Vo-Shay pointed out where the administration building, classrooms, gymnasiums, and dining hall were. There were a number of cadets already there, with the rest due to arrive sometime before tomorrow night. The cadets were as “We don’t have long before it’s time to eat,’ Vo-Shay commented, “so I’ll show you to your quad dorm and you can get squared away before mealtime.”
The male and female dorms were separated by a wide, open expanse facing towards the parade grounds. They went into Talin’s dormitory structure and were greeted by a Junior Officer standing at a short podium. He saluted Vo Shay, who in return handed the Officer the card with Talin’s information on it. The man affirmed it and returned it to Vo-Shay. They then walked to a set of doors that opened by touching a pad similar to the one on the steamcarriage that had brought them here, except it had a series of cryptic symbols that would light up in a seemingly random order. The doors glided open revealing a room small enough that Talin could stretch out his arms and touch both walls at the same time. He couldn’t imagine that this was his ‘quad dorm’, as “This is it Talin,” Vo-hay announced as he led him down the hallway, “Level six, quad dorm fifteen.”
He handed Talin a key and directed Talin on how to work the door panel. He inserted the key and touched the pad, the single door opening in a fashion similar to the elevating room. The interior was rudimentary, but functional, divided into an open common area which contained a narrow, thinly padded sofa and a low table in the center. Against one wall was a single empty bookshelf over a short desktop and two rather uncomfortable looking chairs. A short hall passed by the washroom, which was currently occupied, and then a simple room for sleeping, with two sets of double bunks and four storage lockers. Sitting cross legged on the floor in front of one of the lower bunks wearing only his shorts, was a tall, muscular cadet with burnt orange skin which was The door to the washroom slid open and the cadet he had seen earlier in the Physician’s office stepped out, toweling dry his red hair. He looked at Talin with squinted eyes and gave him a friendly smile. Draping the towel over his shoulders, he put on his glasses and extended his hand out to Talin.
“Elix Yark, in your presence. Chemical Research.” He introduced himself with an odd, but quite comprehensible accent. “Remember me? I saw you previously today in processing.” He motioned towards the meditating cadet. “I don’t know our companion’s name here, he was like that when I came in. So, what assignment did you draw?”
“Air Corp. My name’s Talin, Talin Gables. Pleased to meet you Elix. Where can I put my things?”
“Pick a bunk and and an empty locker.” Vo-Shay answered, “Mealtime will be in a couple of minutes, so if you don’t have any questions that can’t wait until then, I’ll be seeing you shortly, in the dining hall.”
After the Advisor had left, Talin began unpacking a few things into a vacant locker.
“Air Corp, did you say? You must have a desire to meet an early demise. Not I, my friend. I myself have far too much intelligence and not nearly enough strength nor fortitude for such valor. My service will be conducted safely within the walls of the Citadel at the Science Ministry.”
Tali turned to evaluate the bunks. Elix, being rather short in stature, had chosen the remaining lower bed and the one above the silent cadet had someone’s cap and belt already placed on the pillow cushion. Talin was left with the unoccupied bunk above Elix. He set his cap and belt up on to it and then went into the washroom to hastily clean himself up before for mealtime.
The chamber had a washbasin and faucet that took a little manipulating until he got it to operate and a commode that, though it was hardly like the one back home, the principle remained the same. There was no dipping tub to bathe in, as they had in the family house on Gable Hill Green. Instead, against the far wall was small glassed off area with a still dripping water spigot and a set of knobs that resembled the rinsing stall on the farm he used to wash down jack berries prior to packaging them for shipping. He washed up hastily, dried off and combed his hair.
When Talin came out of the washroom, Elix was dressed and sitting on the couch in the common area reading a scientific manual. The larger cadet was up and putting on his tunic, which fit snugly on his huge body. Talin suddenly realized how overbearing the big orange giant actually was. He was silent and seemed to pay little heed to Talin as he put his cap on, shifting it back to clear the protrusions above his brow. Without a word or even a grunt, he exited the room and went out the door. Talin didn’t give it much thought and resumed getting prepared to go to the dining hall. Elix had waited for him and together they got into the elevating room, Elix explained in more detail operating the push pad and how to select between the various floors in the building On their way to the dining hall, they exchanged brief backgrounds and learned a bit more about each other. Elix related that he came from a pair of semi-tropical landmasses called Upper and Lower Reshalla. His home was on the lower of the two lands which floated fairly close together in tandem, shifted moderately off center from one another and separated only by ample differences in elevation.Until a few days ago, his parents had been what were termed as ‘career residents’, those who made their profession in direct service to the Coaliton. They divided their time between leisure on their homeland and service within and around the Citadel. His mother was a mathematician and financial analyst of high status in the Ministry of Commerce and his father The dining hall was spacious with row upon row of long, brushed metal tables and benches. Beyond the entrance was a short line of fellow cadets waiting to obtain a metal tray from a tall stack, steaming from a fresh wash. Elix took one and Talin followed suit, the metal tray still somewhat hot to he touch. They slid their trays along a smooth counter selecting amongst numerous measured portions of odd, multi-colored rations, most with the consistency of thick, pasty pudding. At the end of the line they chose from a varied assortment of eating and drinking utensils, some of them quite foreign and impractical looking to Talin. The term did not officially commence for another day and many cadets were yet to arrive at the Academy, thus the dining hall was about “Talin, over here!” Aila’s voice called from somewhere in the crowd. He scanned the room, everyone looking rather similar to one another in their identical uniforms, until he saw a cadet standing and her arm. Talin carried his tray towards her direction, inviting Elix to follow him.
“Friend of yours?” He asked, ambling along behind.
“Yes, actually, one of the few that I have, besides you I mean. She’s from roughly the same region as I am. Her and I arrived on Cartania just today aboard her granduncle’s transport ship.”
Aila was seated with another cadet with very deeply tan skin and inky black, almond shaped eyes. Her cap was off, revealing a smoothly shaved head with two long, braided lengths of ebony hair so dark that it shined with blue highlights. Talin set his tray down across from them and Elix did the same.
I’ve been watching for you.” Aila contended with bubbly excitement, “I barely recognized you in your cap and uniform. Looks real good on you, Talin, gives you a certain air of nobility, don’t you think? Reminds me of the night on board the Acadia Pride...atleast, what I can recall of it.”
“You look rather majestic yourself,” Talin returned the compliment with sincerity, “but not anything like you did then.”
Elix shot Talin a fleeting, but obviously inquiring glance and took a seat.
“Elix Yark in your presence. Ministry of Science.” He acquainted himself.
“It’s nice to meet you, Elix. My name’s Aila, Aila Ansak, Talin’s friend. I’m going to be in medical studies for the Ministry of Health. This is my dormmate and new confidant, Maurin Kerr. Her selected field is, what’s it called...’Environmental Systems Study?” Aila looked over at Maurin who gently nodded in affirmation. “Well, anyway, it’s a branch at the Ministry of Science, so, Elix, you and her should be seeing quite a bit of each other. She arrived here yesterday from the Gallego Plains, and has had the place practically all to herself until I showed up. The other two cadets should be here later tonight or tomorrow, so until then it’s just us. Maurin, this is the Talin Gables, the one I was telling you about.”
“I extend my welcome to you both.” Maurin greeted them in a humble, almost reverent voice just above a low whisper. She was not nearly as boisterous as the sociable and outgoing Aila, but was reserved and mannerly.
“So, Talin,” Aila continued, her eyes flashing with anticipation, “I’m really desiring to know how it went. What was the outcome of your assessment? Did you get what you were talking about?”
“I did.” He replied simply, testing a bite from a small allotment of reddish orange paste. It had a gritty texture and tasted vaguely of spiced pumpkin squash. It was not bad, but it certainly wasn’t anything like the food on board the Acadia Pride or the meals his aunt and grandmother used to prepare.
“So you got drawn for the Ministry of Security?” Aila asked excitedly, “The Air Corp?”
“The Air Corp.” Talin confirmed, taking a spoonful of some palatable looking lumpy blue curd. He immediately choked on it, a foul, incomparable flavor filling his mouth. Were he not in the company of Aila and Maurin, he most likely would have spit it back out, but he instead swallowed it with a tart expression on his face. He reached for a pitcher on the table and quickly poured some light amber tinted juice into his glass, which he downed in one gulp. The juice at least was quite sweet and delicious helping to wash away the bitterness of the blue curd.
“Well, I must say, Talin,” Aila laughed slightly, “I’m genuinely proud of you, but afraid you better not make those gagging sounds and ghastly faces when you get in the Air Corp. I imagine the food on board a Coalition War Galleon can’t be much better than this.”
“You call this food?” Elix joined in on the merriment, stirring his portions into a big swirling rainbow colored mush. “It tastes more like one of my father’s bizarre chemistry experiments that went horribly wrong. I can’t exist on this. We’ve got to find some real food or I won’t make it past tomorrow’s sundown.” He pushed his tray away comically in exaggerated disgust. “I know of a modest cafe not far from here that never closes it’s doors and I possess...a few funds.”
“There is no route to the outside of the Academy other than the main gate.” Commented Maurin in her hushed tone, “It is constantly guarded, but as of this moment, the cadet class has not officially assembled. For one more day, we are generally free to come and go as we so desire.”
“Well, then, let’s so desire.” Quipped Elix, “If I can delay sticking this slop in my mouth an additional day, then I’m all in favor.”
“You three can go on ahead, I’m really not that hungry.” Talin stated, refusing the offer, “I think I’ll just go to my room and get the rest of my things unpacked and put away.”
“I suppose I’ll go back as well.” Concurred Aila, “It’s getting late and it was a long trip for Talin and I. All I want to do is lay my head down on that pillow.”
“Well just the two of us is no good,” Elix conceded a little nervously and suddenly rather shyly, “How about the four of us get together at the morning’s first light, we can get a decent meal and I’ll give you a tour around the city. My family recently spent a respectable deal of time here, and I know it fairly well.”
Collectively, they all agreed to meet early the next day, emptied the contents of their trays into a waste bin and left the dining hall. Outside a faint mist drizzled down in the light like a galaxy of tiny stars. The Academy buildings and adjoining grounds were lit with the same unnatural yellowish pallor as throughout the rest of the Citadel, contrasting with the dark shadows and exuding an eerie ambience in the strange surroundings. Upon arriving at their respective dormitories, they exchanged swift pleasantries and bid each other good night. Aila and Maurin withdrew into their building and the pair of young cadets headed towards theirs. Just as the two were ascending the steps to the building ’s entrance, as voice called out Talin’s name from back towards the “Talin, I looked for you in the dining hall, but didn’t see you inside. Did you get something to eat?”
“I did, sort of.” He replied, with some reserve, “Not exactly the kind of stuff we eat back at home, but I suppose I can used to it.”
“Academy food can take a bit of, say... adjusting to, I grant you that. The method is to know what to eat and what to pass on. To accommodate such a wide range of tastes and appetites from so many lands and regions, the Academy kitchens must prepare and provide an equally wide variety sustainable of foods. Take the Gundinar you have as a dorm mate. The kinds of flavors we consider exceedingly appetizing, he would find quite unappealing and hard to digest. I can assure you, though, once you build up a good appetite out on the training field, you’ll be shoveling it in with both fists. Aside from the food, any questions or problems? Did you get a chance to get squared away and settled a bit?”
“Yes, sir. I mean yes I got some of my things put away, and no, no questions that come to mind right now, sir.”
“He’s got me to look out for him.” Offered Elix.
“Fine, then just fine. He’s fortunate to have such an ally.” Vo-Shay remarked with a grin, ‘Then I’ll let you two get on inside and perhaps I’ll see you at the morning meal.”
“Oh, I may not be at the morning meal, if it’s alright, sir. My friend Elix here offered to take a couple of other cadets and myself to see some of the Citadel. He’s lived here for awhile and says he knows of a very good place to eat. I didn’t see much of the city on our way here and you had mentioned it might be possible to take a little tour to familiarize ourselves.”
“Fine by me. Just make sure that you clear it with the Administration Building before you go, just so they have you accounted for. I wish could go with you, myself, but unfortunately, tomorrow the majority of my schedule will be comprised with greeting and processing new arrivals. Well, have a good time, but mindful, particularly while your out amongst the populace, that you now represent the Academy and expected to conduct yourselves accordingly. Good night.”
Talin and Elix went up to their dorm level, pausing at the windows that lined the wall opposite their door. Talin gazed out across the Academy grounds and the expansive city beyond. The mist had turned to a moderate sprinkling obscuring much of the view, but he could see that there was still abundant activity down in the streets and avenues amongst the brightly lit road lamps and colored signs. The landscape atop the massive mesa resembled a raised fire pit twinkling with smoldering embers surrounded by dark wilderness. For a brief moment, he again was reminded of home, until Elix’s voice broke in his thoughts.
“It gets like this most nights during the frigid season and I times of cold spells.” He explained, “ The steam generated from the Citadel rises and combines to form a sort of artificial climate system over the city, but it generally dissipates with the morning sun. Well, Talin, I suppose some rest is in order, so we can get up early and refreshed and tour the town. We’re liable to do a fair bit of walking.”
A manual titled ‘Junior Officer Synopsis’ lay on the table in the common room and a cadet’s coat was draped over the arm of the sofa. The coat was similar to the ones Talin and Elix wore except that it had two shoulder epaulets trimmed in gold braid. Curiously, they went into the next room. A cadet about Talin’s height but somewhat thinner in build with short cropped red hair was setting his gear out on the bunk above Elix’s. The Gundinar was stretched out on the other upper berth, his four toed feet slightly dangling over the end. Eyes shut, thick arms folded behind his head, it was unclear whether or not he was already asleep. The new cadet was either deaf or ignoring their presence, prompting Elix to speak out.
“Excuse me, I certainly don’t mean to be adverse, but unfortunately that bunk has already been taken. It belongs to my associate Talin, here.” Elix gestured towards the bed below the Gundinar, “You’re welcome to have this one down here.”
The cadet turned and looked at Elix and then Talin with an appraising eye and a cold smirk. He leaned one elbow on the upper bunk and placed his other hand on his hip, staring at them squarely in the face.
“I am Pratt Tremayne, son of Senator Holcomb Tremayne and I sleep beneath no one.” He looked Talin up and down disrespectfully, “In particular, one of the lower classes. Your suntan denotes you obviously as a laborer by trade, most likely a field worker of some kind or another.” He was evidently perceptive, with an eye for detail and a quick sense of deductive opinion. “Moreover, as a Junior Officer Cadet, I am also to be your dorm leader and my decisions are to be undisputed.”
The Gundinar slowly opened one yellow eye revealing a black slitted pupil and regarded them with uninvested interest.
“Dorm leader?” Elix challenged, “I’ve never heard of such a thing. Nonetheless, the measure of one’s true worth is not determined by the accomplishments of one’s parents or their inherited status in life, but by his achievements and fulfilling his own potential.”
Pratt stepped forward, glaring down at Elix, a trace of rage growing in his voice, “And precisely what commission are you assigned to, you insolent runt? What’s your potential? Steampipe Scrubber?”
“Chemical Research, Ministry of Science.” Elix replied defiantly with pride, pulling back his shoulders in an attempt to appear as tall as possible.
“A brainy, yet boldly brazen scientist. Who could well have conceived? Perhaps you’re not a clever as you may presume!” Pratt mocked sarcastically. “And your dirt farmer friend here, is he an intellectual genius as well, or is he one of your science projects?”
“He’s Air Corp, Tremayne,” answered the feisty little Reshallian, showing more courage than his size advocated, “so I suggest you had best watch your tongue or...”
“Or what?” The Junior Officer demanded, flecks of animosity flying from between his clenched teeth.
The passive Gundinar opened his other eye and twisted his head around observed the escalating confrontation with increased curiosity.
“Or nothing.” Talin said calmly, unsure about whether Pratt’s claim to superiority was valid or not, and certainly not wishing to create any unnecessary conflict his first day at the Academy. “Forget about it Elix, I don’t mind taking the bottom bunk, it’s closer to the floor and I won’t have to climb up and down to get in and out of bed. You’re more than welcome to have the top bunk, Pratt. My name is Talin Gables and this, my excitable companion, is Elix Yark. I apologize if we may have gotten off to a bad start.”
“That’s more like it, Gables. Perhaps you’re not be as dense as you may appear nor as insolent as you’re diminutive defender, which is fortunate for you. As an officer, once confirmed at graduation, it’s quite likely you may be under my direct command someday and it would do you well to keep that in firmly in your mind.”
Pratt did an abrupt about face, went back to his purloined bunk and pulled back the sheets. Elix shot Talin an objecting glance, but he simply responded with a repudiating shake of his head. The Gundinar closed his eyes and went back to sleep. The remaining three cadets prepared for bed without another word exchanged between them.
The male and female dorms were separated by a wide, open expanse facing towards the parade grounds. They went into Talin’s dormitory structure and were greeted by a Junior Officer standing at a short podium. He saluted Vo Shay, who in return handed the Officer the card with Talin’s information on it. The man affirmed it and returned it to Vo-Shay. They then walked to a set of doors that opened by touching a pad similar to the one on the steamcarriage that had brought them here, except it had a series of cryptic symbols that would light up in a seemingly random order. The doors glided open revealing a room small enough that Talin could stretch out his arms and touch both walls at the same time. He couldn’t imagine that this was his ‘quad dorm’, as “This is it Talin,” Vo-hay announced as he led him down the hallway, “Level six, quad dorm fifteen.”
He handed Talin a key and directed Talin on how to work the door panel. He inserted the key and touched the pad, the single door opening in a fashion similar to the elevating room. The interior was rudimentary, but functional, divided into an open common area which contained a narrow, thinly padded sofa and a low table in the center. Against one wall was a single empty bookshelf over a short desktop and two rather uncomfortable looking chairs. A short hall passed by the washroom, which was currently occupied, and then a simple room for sleeping, with two sets of double bunks and four storage lockers. Sitting cross legged on the floor in front of one of the lower bunks wearing only his shorts, was a tall, muscular cadet with burnt orange skin which was The door to the washroom slid open and the cadet he had seen earlier in the Physician’s office stepped out, toweling dry his red hair. He looked at Talin with squinted eyes and gave him a friendly smile. Draping the towel over his shoulders, he put on his glasses and extended his hand out to Talin.
“Elix Yark, in your presence. Chemical Research.” He introduced himself with an odd, but quite comprehensible accent. “Remember me? I saw you previously today in processing.” He motioned towards the meditating cadet. “I don’t know our companion’s name here, he was like that when I came in. So, what assignment did you draw?”
“Air Corp. My name’s Talin, Talin Gables. Pleased to meet you Elix. Where can I put my things?”
“Pick a bunk and and an empty locker.” Vo-Shay answered, “Mealtime will be in a couple of minutes, so if you don’t have any questions that can’t wait until then, I’ll be seeing you shortly, in the dining hall.”
After the Advisor had left, Talin began unpacking a few things into a vacant locker.
“Air Corp, did you say? You must have a desire to meet an early demise. Not I, my friend. I myself have far too much intelligence and not nearly enough strength nor fortitude for such valor. My service will be conducted safely within the walls of the Citadel at the Science Ministry.”
Tali turned to evaluate the bunks. Elix, being rather short in stature, had chosen the remaining lower bed and the one above the silent cadet had someone’s cap and belt already placed on the pillow cushion. Talin was left with the unoccupied bunk above Elix. He set his cap and belt up on to it and then went into the washroom to hastily clean himself up before for mealtime.
The chamber had a washbasin and faucet that took a little manipulating until he got it to operate and a commode that, though it was hardly like the one back home, the principle remained the same. There was no dipping tub to bathe in, as they had in the family house on Gable Hill Green. Instead, against the far wall was small glassed off area with a still dripping water spigot and a set of knobs that resembled the rinsing stall on the farm he used to wash down jack berries prior to packaging them for shipping. He washed up hastily, dried off and combed his hair.
When Talin came out of the washroom, Elix was dressed and sitting on the couch in the common area reading a scientific manual. The larger cadet was up and putting on his tunic, which fit snugly on his huge body. Talin suddenly realized how overbearing the big orange giant actually was. He was silent and seemed to pay little heed to Talin as he put his cap on, shifting it back to clear the protrusions above his brow. Without a word or even a grunt, he exited the room and went out the door. Talin didn’t give it much thought and resumed getting prepared to go to the dining hall. Elix had waited for him and together they got into the elevating room, Elix explained in more detail operating the push pad and how to select between the various floors in the building On their way to the dining hall, they exchanged brief backgrounds and learned a bit more about each other. Elix related that he came from a pair of semi-tropical landmasses called Upper and Lower Reshalla. His home was on the lower of the two lands which floated fairly close together in tandem, shifted moderately off center from one another and separated only by ample differences in elevation.Until a few days ago, his parents had been what were termed as ‘career residents’, those who made their profession in direct service to the Coaliton. They divided their time between leisure on their homeland and service within and around the Citadel. His mother was a mathematician and financial analyst of high status in the Ministry of Commerce and his father The dining hall was spacious with row upon row of long, brushed metal tables and benches. Beyond the entrance was a short line of fellow cadets waiting to obtain a metal tray from a tall stack, steaming from a fresh wash. Elix took one and Talin followed suit, the metal tray still somewhat hot to he touch. They slid their trays along a smooth counter selecting amongst numerous measured portions of odd, multi-colored rations, most with the consistency of thick, pasty pudding. At the end of the line they chose from a varied assortment of eating and drinking utensils, some of them quite foreign and impractical looking to Talin. The term did not officially commence for another day and many cadets were yet to arrive at the Academy, thus the dining hall was about “Talin, over here!” Aila’s voice called from somewhere in the crowd. He scanned the room, everyone looking rather similar to one another in their identical uniforms, until he saw a cadet standing and her arm. Talin carried his tray towards her direction, inviting Elix to follow him.
“Friend of yours?” He asked, ambling along behind.
“Yes, actually, one of the few that I have, besides you I mean. She’s from roughly the same region as I am. Her and I arrived on Cartania just today aboard her granduncle’s transport ship.”
Aila was seated with another cadet with very deeply tan skin and inky black, almond shaped eyes. Her cap was off, revealing a smoothly shaved head with two long, braided lengths of ebony hair so dark that it shined with blue highlights. Talin set his tray down across from them and Elix did the same.
I’ve been watching for you.” Aila contended with bubbly excitement, “I barely recognized you in your cap and uniform. Looks real good on you, Talin, gives you a certain air of nobility, don’t you think? Reminds me of the night on board the Acadia Pride...atleast, what I can recall of it.”
“You look rather majestic yourself,” Talin returned the compliment with sincerity, “but not anything like you did then.”
Elix shot Talin a fleeting, but obviously inquiring glance and took a seat.
“Elix Yark in your presence. Ministry of Science.” He acquainted himself.
“It’s nice to meet you, Elix. My name’s Aila, Aila Ansak, Talin’s friend. I’m going to be in medical studies for the Ministry of Health. This is my dormmate and new confidant, Maurin Kerr. Her selected field is, what’s it called...’Environmental Systems Study?” Aila looked over at Maurin who gently nodded in affirmation. “Well, anyway, it’s a branch at the Ministry of Science, so, Elix, you and her should be seeing quite a bit of each other. She arrived here yesterday from the Gallego Plains, and has had the place practically all to herself until I showed up. The other two cadets should be here later tonight or tomorrow, so until then it’s just us. Maurin, this is the Talin Gables, the one I was telling you about.”
“I extend my welcome to you both.” Maurin greeted them in a humble, almost reverent voice just above a low whisper. She was not nearly as boisterous as the sociable and outgoing Aila, but was reserved and mannerly.
“So, Talin,” Aila continued, her eyes flashing with anticipation, “I’m really desiring to know how it went. What was the outcome of your assessment? Did you get what you were talking about?”
“I did.” He replied simply, testing a bite from a small allotment of reddish orange paste. It had a gritty texture and tasted vaguely of spiced pumpkin squash. It was not bad, but it certainly wasn’t anything like the food on board the Acadia Pride or the meals his aunt and grandmother used to prepare.
“So you got drawn for the Ministry of Security?” Aila asked excitedly, “The Air Corp?”
“The Air Corp.” Talin confirmed, taking a spoonful of some palatable looking lumpy blue curd. He immediately choked on it, a foul, incomparable flavor filling his mouth. Were he not in the company of Aila and Maurin, he most likely would have spit it back out, but he instead swallowed it with a tart expression on his face. He reached for a pitcher on the table and quickly poured some light amber tinted juice into his glass, which he downed in one gulp. The juice at least was quite sweet and delicious helping to wash away the bitterness of the blue curd.
“Well, I must say, Talin,” Aila laughed slightly, “I’m genuinely proud of you, but afraid you better not make those gagging sounds and ghastly faces when you get in the Air Corp. I imagine the food on board a Coalition War Galleon can’t be much better than this.”
“You call this food?” Elix joined in on the merriment, stirring his portions into a big swirling rainbow colored mush. “It tastes more like one of my father’s bizarre chemistry experiments that went horribly wrong. I can’t exist on this. We’ve got to find some real food or I won’t make it past tomorrow’s sundown.” He pushed his tray away comically in exaggerated disgust. “I know of a modest cafe not far from here that never closes it’s doors and I possess...a few funds.”
“There is no route to the outside of the Academy other than the main gate.” Commented Maurin in her hushed tone, “It is constantly guarded, but as of this moment, the cadet class has not officially assembled. For one more day, we are generally free to come and go as we so desire.”
“Well, then, let’s so desire.” Quipped Elix, “If I can delay sticking this slop in my mouth an additional day, then I’m all in favor.”
“You three can go on ahead, I’m really not that hungry.” Talin stated, refusing the offer, “I think I’ll just go to my room and get the rest of my things unpacked and put away.”
“I suppose I’ll go back as well.” Concurred Aila, “It’s getting late and it was a long trip for Talin and I. All I want to do is lay my head down on that pillow.”
“Well just the two of us is no good,” Elix conceded a little nervously and suddenly rather shyly, “How about the four of us get together at the morning’s first light, we can get a decent meal and I’ll give you a tour around the city. My family recently spent a respectable deal of time here, and I know it fairly well.”
Collectively, they all agreed to meet early the next day, emptied the contents of their trays into a waste bin and left the dining hall. Outside a faint mist drizzled down in the light like a galaxy of tiny stars. The Academy buildings and adjoining grounds were lit with the same unnatural yellowish pallor as throughout the rest of the Citadel, contrasting with the dark shadows and exuding an eerie ambience in the strange surroundings. Upon arriving at their respective dormitories, they exchanged swift pleasantries and bid each other good night. Aila and Maurin withdrew into their building and the pair of young cadets headed towards theirs. Just as the two were ascending the steps to the building ’s entrance, as voice called out Talin’s name from back towards the “Talin, I looked for you in the dining hall, but didn’t see you inside. Did you get something to eat?”
“I did, sort of.” He replied, with some reserve, “Not exactly the kind of stuff we eat back at home, but I suppose I can used to it.”
“Academy food can take a bit of, say... adjusting to, I grant you that. The method is to know what to eat and what to pass on. To accommodate such a wide range of tastes and appetites from so many lands and regions, the Academy kitchens must prepare and provide an equally wide variety sustainable of foods. Take the Gundinar you have as a dorm mate. The kinds of flavors we consider exceedingly appetizing, he would find quite unappealing and hard to digest. I can assure you, though, once you build up a good appetite out on the training field, you’ll be shoveling it in with both fists. Aside from the food, any questions or problems? Did you get a chance to get squared away and settled a bit?”
“Yes, sir. I mean yes I got some of my things put away, and no, no questions that come to mind right now, sir.”
“He’s got me to look out for him.” Offered Elix.
“Fine, then just fine. He’s fortunate to have such an ally.” Vo-Shay remarked with a grin, ‘Then I’ll let you two get on inside and perhaps I’ll see you at the morning meal.”
“Oh, I may not be at the morning meal, if it’s alright, sir. My friend Elix here offered to take a couple of other cadets and myself to see some of the Citadel. He’s lived here for awhile and says he knows of a very good place to eat. I didn’t see much of the city on our way here and you had mentioned it might be possible to take a little tour to familiarize ourselves.”
“Fine by me. Just make sure that you clear it with the Administration Building before you go, just so they have you accounted for. I wish could go with you, myself, but unfortunately, tomorrow the majority of my schedule will be comprised with greeting and processing new arrivals. Well, have a good time, but mindful, particularly while your out amongst the populace, that you now represent the Academy and expected to conduct yourselves accordingly. Good night.”
Talin and Elix went up to their dorm level, pausing at the windows that lined the wall opposite their door. Talin gazed out across the Academy grounds and the expansive city beyond. The mist had turned to a moderate sprinkling obscuring much of the view, but he could see that there was still abundant activity down in the streets and avenues amongst the brightly lit road lamps and colored signs. The landscape atop the massive mesa resembled a raised fire pit twinkling with smoldering embers surrounded by dark wilderness. For a brief moment, he again was reminded of home, until Elix’s voice broke in his thoughts.
“It gets like this most nights during the frigid season and I times of cold spells.” He explained, “ The steam generated from the Citadel rises and combines to form a sort of artificial climate system over the city, but it generally dissipates with the morning sun. Well, Talin, I suppose some rest is in order, so we can get up early and refreshed and tour the town. We’re liable to do a fair bit of walking.”
A manual titled ‘Junior Officer Synopsis’ lay on the table in the common room and a cadet’s coat was draped over the arm of the sofa. The coat was similar to the ones Talin and Elix wore except that it had two shoulder epaulets trimmed in gold braid. Curiously, they went into the next room. A cadet about Talin’s height but somewhat thinner in build with short cropped red hair was setting his gear out on the bunk above Elix’s. The Gundinar was stretched out on the other upper berth, his four toed feet slightly dangling over the end. Eyes shut, thick arms folded behind his head, it was unclear whether or not he was already asleep. The new cadet was either deaf or ignoring their presence, prompting Elix to speak out.
“Excuse me, I certainly don’t mean to be adverse, but unfortunately that bunk has already been taken. It belongs to my associate Talin, here.” Elix gestured towards the bed below the Gundinar, “You’re welcome to have this one down here.”
The cadet turned and looked at Elix and then Talin with an appraising eye and a cold smirk. He leaned one elbow on the upper bunk and placed his other hand on his hip, staring at them squarely in the face.
“I am Pratt Tremayne, son of Senator Holcomb Tremayne and I sleep beneath no one.” He looked Talin up and down disrespectfully, “In particular, one of the lower classes. Your suntan denotes you obviously as a laborer by trade, most likely a field worker of some kind or another.” He was evidently perceptive, with an eye for detail and a quick sense of deductive opinion. “Moreover, as a Junior Officer Cadet, I am also to be your dorm leader and my decisions are to be undisputed.”
The Gundinar slowly opened one yellow eye revealing a black slitted pupil and regarded them with uninvested interest.
“Dorm leader?” Elix challenged, “I’ve never heard of such a thing. Nonetheless, the measure of one’s true worth is not determined by the accomplishments of one’s parents or their inherited status in life, but by his achievements and fulfilling his own potential.”
Pratt stepped forward, glaring down at Elix, a trace of rage growing in his voice, “And precisely what commission are you assigned to, you insolent runt? What’s your potential? Steampipe Scrubber?”
“Chemical Research, Ministry of Science.” Elix replied defiantly with pride, pulling back his shoulders in an attempt to appear as tall as possible.
“A brainy, yet boldly brazen scientist. Who could well have conceived? Perhaps you’re not a clever as you may presume!” Pratt mocked sarcastically. “And your dirt farmer friend here, is he an intellectual genius as well, or is he one of your science projects?”
“He’s Air Corp, Tremayne,” answered the feisty little Reshallian, showing more courage than his size advocated, “so I suggest you had best watch your tongue or...”
“Or what?” The Junior Officer demanded, flecks of animosity flying from between his clenched teeth.
The passive Gundinar opened his other eye and twisted his head around observed the escalating confrontation with increased curiosity.
“Or nothing.” Talin said calmly, unsure about whether Pratt’s claim to superiority was valid or not, and certainly not wishing to create any unnecessary conflict his first day at the Academy. “Forget about it Elix, I don’t mind taking the bottom bunk, it’s closer to the floor and I won’t have to climb up and down to get in and out of bed. You’re more than welcome to have the top bunk, Pratt. My name is Talin Gables and this, my excitable companion, is Elix Yark. I apologize if we may have gotten off to a bad start.”
“That’s more like it, Gables. Perhaps you’re not be as dense as you may appear nor as insolent as you’re diminutive defender, which is fortunate for you. As an officer, once confirmed at graduation, it’s quite likely you may be under my direct command someday and it would do you well to keep that in firmly in your mind.”
Pratt did an abrupt about face, went back to his purloined bunk and pulled back the sheets. Elix shot Talin an objecting glance, but he simply responded with a repudiating shake of his head. The Gundinar closed his eyes and went back to sleep. The remaining three cadets prepared for bed without another word exchanged between them.