“Yes, ma’am,” you say. “I understand. And I want to be part of the unit.”

“Good! They breed them tough down on your colony, don’t they, cadet. You’re dismissed for now. Standby for further orders.”

“Yes ma’am, thank you ma’am.”

You leave the office with your head spinning. You can barely believe that this is happening. A special unit, with Terra! This is beyond your wildest dreams. You shut the door behind you and break into a little dance, your butt squirming in time with the victory pumping of your arms.

“Happy about something, cadet?”

You turn to see Terra sitting on one of the waiting chairs. Your dancing comes to an immediate halt as you blush furiously. “Uhm, yes,” you say. “I was just asked to join your unit. Your special, special unit.”

“Ah,” Terra nods. “And I take it, by the dancing, that you agreed.”

“Yes ma’am. Thank you for recommending me. I’m really…”

“I’m glad you said yes, cadet,” Terra interrupts you. “But it’s not going to be easy and it’s not going to be fun.” Her blue eyes, which have always been so warm and kind, suddenly hold real steel.

You feel a sudden rush of trepidation. You were warned that this would change things, but you didn’t really take that in, so much.

“Will it be at least a little fun sometimes? Or is it just a constant misery sort of deal?”

“You’re cute, cadet,” Terra says without so much as a hint of a smile. “But cute isn’t going to get you very far. Go and pack your basic uniform. Leave everything else. I’ll have it put into storage for you. Meet me in the quad in one hour.”

“Yes, ma’am,” you agree, rushing off to do as you are told. You’re even more nervous now, the adrenaline coursing through you. You pack with trembling hands, taking just the uniform basics. You’re about to zip up your bag and report to the quad when something catches your eye. A little ornament in the shape of a cat. It’s a family heirloom, the one thing your parents had of worth to give you when you made it into the academy. You can’t leave it behind. Can you?

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