(Y/N)
It's been a couple days since we arrived in the Working Sector.
Year 10's were also join to come along with us to the Sector. It's quite different from what I had imagined. In contrast to the bland and equally sized buildings at the Facility, this place had buildings ranging from huge skyscrapers to wide laboratories.
The Sector is divided into four parts: The Science Street, The Training Ground, The Aerospace Association and The Medical Mine.
On the first day here, each of us were introduced to our respective departments. Surprisingly enough, my uniform caught the attention of almost everyone in the Sector. Apparently, people of my calibre were almost always out on missions. The times they weren't, they were cooped up in their quarters, catching up on much needed sleep.
Which I totally get.
It's only been 3 days but because of my special uniform, I've been spending every single waking hour either training in all of the departments or having my assistant yell at me.
Yes, apparently Leaders (That's what I'm called. Creative, right?) have their very own robot assistant. I got to choose the name, so I chose.
Cocoa.
Named after the Cocoa found on Earth and Columbis. The Correction never mentioned any other foods from Earth except Cocoa. Cocoa was mentioned because it was one of the few things our precursors carried with them to space. They somehow managed to preserve it until we got here. While we don't know what exactly cocoa's properties are nor why they were carried all the way here. Well, perhaps we'll find out soon enough.
I receive a quick jab to the ribs and let out a grunt.
My trainer in The Training Grounds, Amy, says, "(Y/N), that form's getting you nowhere. Are you thinking of something else?"
Amy has been my trainer since I entered the Working Sector. One thing I've observed is that among all the departments, Amy's department is the most chaotic. People mingle and have just the right amount of fun. It's unhinged, in a way. It's also very soothing to me.
I take off my boxing gloves. "Amy, why do I have to learn kickboxing? We have laser guns and power shots. What's the point of contact fighting?" I ask her.
Amy raises an eyebrow and says, "Oh really? Tell me, (Y/N), where will you charge your guns and shots on Earth? You realize the charge only lasts around 100 trigger pulls? Earth doesn't have charging stations just lying around like we do, you know?"
I realize she's right. Earth is uncharted territory right now. We don't know just how powerful or weak they may be. Perhaps this is for the best.
I put my gloves back on and return to the ring in silence. Amy does so too and we begin training.
We were taught kickboxing and training in the Facility, but there is a big gaping hole between knowing how to do it and actually practicing it.
We continue our dance of jabs and fists. A dodge, a kick to the shin, dodge again.
We dance until our limbs are sore and our bodies are stronger than they were before. Until the fight leaves us but not our will.
Until I'm ready for my ship.
A couple hours later, I'm wrapping up and her batch of trainees enter the room. I spot Amit and our eyes connect. I approach him and he offers a nod in greeting.
He's a tall, lanky guy with dusted skin. His dark hair is neatly combed but not in the manner those of scientists or doctors are. He has brown eyes that seem almost unbothered. Seeing his lanky stature, one would never think he was a Soldier. That's the beauty of it, I suppose. To each their own virtue.
"Captain." He says. He nods in my direction, his head slightly bowed in respect.
I smile and return his nod. "Not yet soldier. Raise your chin up."
He looks up and straightens his posture.
I hold my hand out. "(Y/N)." I say, looking at him expectantly.
He shakes my hand and introduces himself hesitantly. I wonder if it's because he still views me as someone 'superior' to him.
Honestly, I don't understand the logic. I can't be a captain without my soon-to-be crew on board and they can't be onboard without their captain. It works both ways. So why does everyone find that so damn hard to understand? Even the Working Sector believes in the captains being superior to all departments. We're just a jack of all trades. We may not have enough specialisation in each department, but just enough to know why and how things can go wrong.
I suppose we can't erase our inferiority complex and pride with genetic modifications, right?
"Don't worry Amit. We're not on duty yet. Unless it's in an official setting, I'd prefer we maintain a platonic relationship, don't you think?" I say, letting go of his hand.
He looks at me, stunned. "Y-You really think so? W-won't people-"
"-think I'm mingling with the wrong beings because they're inferior? Well, other people won't be running a spaceship anytime soon, now will they?" I cross my arms and lean my hip against the railing of the boxing ring. "I choose how I want to run my ship. I want to run it in a trustworthy manner. We're heading into uncharted territory without any prior reports since that one observation by the Exploration Ship and I want my crew to know that they are not alone in this. They are not meant to give up their lives to me, but to the cause. Am I clear?" I look at him.
He looks even more stunned before his face transforms into a boyish grin. "Glad to hear that (Y/N). I can see us working together in the near future quite contentedly."
I nod and walk away as I wave to him.
------
Amit
I look at her, (Y/N), as she walks away from me.
I choose how I want to run my ship. I want to run it in a trustworthy manner. We're heading into uncharted territory without any prior reports since that one observation by the Exploration Ship and I want my crew to know that they are not alone in this. They are not meant to give up their lives to me, but to the cause. Am I clear?
I've known (Y/N) since we were learning to walk and talk. She may not remember it, but that doesn't matter anymore.
It doesn't matter that I had to ignore her for her sake and my own because she's always been the bubbly girl who understands teamwork and trust go hand-in-hand. She was born to be a leader.
And I'll be her knight.
I have a chance with her now and I'm never going to give up on her again. I'll tell her someday, maybe, but until then, she'll be the leader and I'll be right there by her side, protecting her with my life.
----
(Y/N)
4 days later
I've finished my training.
Finally.
I stand in front of the lab centre as my fellow Year 9's and Year 10's gather too.
Surprisingly, I haven't seen any of the Year 9's except Amit, with whom I've now become friends with.
I see him standing amongst the gathering, busy doing something on his PDD. I head over to him and tap his shoulder.
Immediately he looks up and hides his PDD like a kid who got caught with his hand in a cookie jar. I notice a faint flush fly onto his cheeks.
Amused, I pinch his cheek. "What were you looking at?" I ask him. He swats my hand away and stands straight.
"You'll know soon enough." He mumbles.
"Ready to get your genetic modification today?" He asks me. He's changing the subject.
I nod. "Decided on your modification yet?" He presses.
I nod. "It's a secret though," I tell him, putting a finger to my lips. "Have you decided?" I ask him.
He nods. "Well?" I ask him expectantly.
He shakes his head and imitates my gesture earlier. I roll my eyes.
We should have trained for around 3 months before choosing our modifications, but the Sector urgently wants to send us out to Earth to defend that Ship, for some reason.
The more I think about it, the more absurd it is. Why can't they just send freshly graduated younglings instead? Why are they in such a hurry?
Amit seems to read my thoughts. "I think so, too." is all he says before we see the Head of the Science Department walk out of the Lab. He's short and plump with a pale face.
"(Y/N) ?" He calls out. I step forward and walk towards him.
"Yes, Sir?" I ask him.
"Don't call me that, Captain." I roll my eyes inwardly.
"Yes, Xian?" I correct. He nods his head approvingly and proceeds to drop a bomb on me.
"Your crew has been assigned. You need to depart immediately."
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