Son of the Lalan hero

Scott

The next day I felt better, I just wanted to get a little better and participate in the interstellar games with other academies. I tried to forget what I had done the night before. However, everything was not as easy as I thought it would be.

They made us line up around the airstrip. Apparently someone was arriving, and it wasn't just anyone.

He was a rather mature man, over forty years old and with a rather thick beard. He had glasses and a military uniform with medals. When I saw him, I concluded that he was a hero.

He walked close to us and started talking about the future of the academy:

"The academy is at a turning point in its history," the man said in a firm voice. "We have great challenges ahead of us, and it is the responsibility of all of you to make sure we are prepared to meet them. The interstellar games are an opportunity to showcase the excellence of our academy and demonstrate our value on a galactic level."

I didn't know if he was brought in to inspire us, and that Harrison wasn't there, but ignore all that, I was still a little tired that night with Lucia was heavy. I still felt some sensations being with her and I think tonight again we would be together, although it would all depend on her.

While I was thinking about what happened last night, I could tell that Scott was looking at me quite annoyed. I didn't know why, but I felt a little uncomfortable.

I just kept standing like any other student at the academy. Until we all started walking and made our way in lines to the cafeteria. There was a new dark blue uniform for everyone. 

The atmosphere was full of anticipation and excitement for the interstellar games.

Despite my tiredness and feeling some discomfort from Scott's annoyed look, I decided to focus on the competition ahead of us. The interstellar games were an opportunity to stand out and showcase my talent as a pilot.

As we waited to receive our food, I decided to clear things up with Scott. I approached him and asked him quietly.

"What's the matter, why are you looking at me like that?"

John sighed and answered cautiously:

"Last night, I saw what you did with Lucia, and I think it's irresponsible for you to be distracted like this right before the games. We should all be focused on doing our best. Besides, you know they'll pull you both out if they find out about this?"

Embarrassment washed over me as I realized Scott had seen us in that situation.

"Scott, I'm sorry, there was a misunderstanding. Lucia and I just talked, nothing else happened. I apologize if you gave the wrong impression." 

I tried to lie, but Scott looked at me skeptically, and finally nodded.

"You don't have to lie, I know what I saw, but don't worry, I won't tell anyone, no accusations will come out of my mouth for you guys, but be careful, someone else might see you."

"Thank you, it won't happen again, I will prevent this from affecting me at the academy and someone else from noticing."

I thanked them for their understanding and promised that I would not allow personal distractions to interfere with our performance in the games. Now, with the new uniform and an enlightening conversation, I was ready to focus on the challenge ahead and give my best in the interstellar games.

From now on I had to be more cautious, although I still didn't understand what I was doing at that hour in the warehouse. From so many questions, I concluded that Scott liked Lucia and that's why he followed her there. I avoided looking him in the eyes. I kept my distance from Scott, avoiding looking him in the eyes as we continued to head for the cafeteria. Although I had promised not to let personal distractions affect my performance, I couldn't help but feel uneasy about the situation.

Once in the cafeteria, anticipation and excitement for the interstellar games filled the atmosphere. I tried to concentrate on the animated conversations of my teammates and the positive energy in the air. I had trained hard for this moment and would not let any personal problems keep me from my goal.

As we received our food, I decided to seek out Lucia and have a serious conversation with her. I needed to clear up any misunderstandings and make sure we both had the same ideas about our sexual encounters, and how we would handle it from now on after what happened.

After lunch, I approached Lucia in a secluded corner of the cafeteria, when the girls who sometimes accompanied her to lunch were out of there.

"Scott saw us last night."

"What, how?"

"I think he followed you into the cellar last night, I don't know how long he was there."

"I see."

Lucia looked surprised, and sorry for the trouble that had arisen. Her cheeks turned red, and she covered her face in embarrassment.

"I already talked to him, and he told me he wouldn't tell anyone what he saw."

"I understand, don't worry, I'll be careful about doing these kinds of meetings with you. Now I don't know how to look him in the face. This is uncomfortable."

"I know, but tell me how close a friend are you to him?"

"We only talk sometimes, but we've never really gotten close enough to sit down and talk."

We both knew we couldn't let our personal issues affect us at the academy.

With things cleared up between us, I felt much better. Now I could fully focus on giving my best in what was left for the games, even though personal problems were still hanging around in my mind, I thought about telling Lucia that we wouldn't do that kind of stuff here again, but I couldn't. Starting to do that kind of thing with her made me get a little weird. 

I wanted to touch her body again.

[...]

In the afternoon we were on the track again, but this time to drive real ships. The simulation had been something to set the mood a bit. 

There were more than a hundred ships of the same small and silent B-23 model. Two chairs for pilot and co-pilot. Only second level cadets could access them.

I felt a little nervous, that model was new, and could be difficult to handle. 

Arturo, one of the best pilots of the academy, was one of the first to get into one of the ships, he looked quite happy. However, as he rose into the air, it became clear how complex it was to operate one of these ships. It was difficult for him to almost fall to the ground abruptly, but he managed to hold on there.

Despite the difficulties, Arturo managed to stay in the air and stabilize himself. I watched with admiration his dexterity as he maneuvered the B-23 craft. When it was my turn to climb up and face the challenge.

With trembling hands, I settled into the pilot's seat and took a deep breath. As the craft lifted off, I felt the intensity of the controls and the sensation of zero gravity. It was a completely different challenge than previous simulations.

I focused my concentration and applied the flight techniques I had learned. Despite some tense moments, I managed to maintain control and gain confidence in handling the craft. I felt excited and full of determination as I explored the limits of my abilities.

As the afternoon progressed, the cadets took turns flying the ships. Some experienced difficulties, but we were all committed to overcoming the obstacles and improving our piloting skills.

On the runway, I watched Lucia as everyone was already busy and everyone focused on their problems. Scott, however, was looking at us, looking very disappointed in us. He didn't even try to talk to us.

I tried to ignore him so as not to make the atmosphere more uncomfortable and so that no one would notice what was going on between the three of us. I walked away from the track towards the cellar where I slept. I still had to meet for dinner, so I would only be in that place for a while. 

[...]

When I arrived at the warehouse, it seemed that the arrival of that man had changed everything. Some of the ships were going to be left here. I didn't like it because maybe they would send me to the quarters with the other pilots and I would lose the freedom I had here to sleep at the time I wanted.

There was the general and he spoke to me.

"Ah... Paul... I have good news, you will go back to a room with the second level cadets."

I was not very happy to hear that, and I tried to explain it to him.

"I don't really like the idea... How to explain it to you... I... Uh... I'd rather stay here."

He was serious and spoke to me.

"Ok, you're still fighting with your partners... I won't force you to go there, I'm just warning you. Don't go tampering with any of these ships."

"Yes sir."

I started to breathe somewhat slowly, that man was making me feel a bit terrified of something, I just hoped he wasn't an ungeizefer. It would be hard for me to look him in the eyes if he was one of those malevolent creatures that participated in the death of my father and brother. The only one who could clarify everything was Lucia, but I didn't want to see myself as a weak and sensitive person. What we had was just recreational sex and I couldn't get carried away with my emotions with her.

I kept my cool until they left and started making a list of the most suspicious people in the academy. I only had the general and two lieutenants who were making my life miserable. I began to tremble with fear at the thought of what I might do to Lucia. If my suspicions were true, I was surrounded by enemies.