Son of the Lalan hero

The station

The journey continued uneventfully until we finally arrived at the space station. We were greeted warmly, treated like any other inhabitants of Earth. However, as we entered the station, we realised that we were entering a completely different world. The metal structure was of enormous proportions and resembled an imposing engine floating in space.

As we began to walk through the corridors, we immediately noticed that the gravity was completely different from what we were used to. We felt a sense of heaviness in our bodies, as if we were constantly being pulled downwards. The simple act of walking became a challenge, but we quickly adapted to this new environment.

Everyone in the station knew we were students, probably because we were in a group, and it showed in our curious and excited attitude. Most of the people we encountered wore white or black overalls-like suits, which gave them a professional and technical appearance.

As we explored more of the station, I felt more and more out of place. The environment was completely different from what I was used to on Earth. The corridors were lined with sealed doors, control panels and digital screens displaying information and statistics about the station. The constant sound of machinery and electrical humming created an unfamiliar and strange atmosphere for us.

As we moved deeper into the station, we discovered areas dedicated to scientific research, spacious laboratories and meeting rooms equipped with advanced technology, but we could not go inside.

Although I felt strange in this place, I was also in awe of the enormity of the station and the possibilities it offered. It was a true testament to human ingenuity and space exploration. Living in a community there must have been a unique and challenging experience, but also full of discoveries and opportunities to advance scientific and technological knowledge.

The space station became an example of our role as human beings in the exploration and expansion of the universe. It was a place where borders between countries and cultural differences seemed to dissipate, and everyone worked together in pursuit of a common goal. To keep that place going. However, it wasn't pretty, most of the people there were not polite. You could see rubbish in the corridors. In this kind of place, there could be no mess like that. There were robots, but this kind of work had to be done by humans. They were aware of the recklessness of their actions.

I was far away from Lucia, I still had a chance to deny everything and avoid being related to her. Still, I was nervous, I didn't understand how she came to that conclusion. She and I talked sometimes and had short conversations like any cadet.

[...]

After a few minutes we came to a kind of bar by coincidence, we saw a group of men in pilot suits, out of curiosity we went in, as we were all of age. Some of those people had scars from accidents. I was not excited for me, it was normal, but Arturo was very happy; however, his happy face disappeared.

"A bunch of rookies, what do you want?"

"Eh... Our academy sent us here to get to know the environment of the station and experience of experienced pilots."

"Kid, I can only tell you not to waste your time on that stupid dream, if you're not one of the best. You are doomed to end up poor or crippled".

Arturo's happy face began to fade as he heard that.

The discouraging tone and words of the experienced pilot affected the mood of Arturo, who had been excited about the opportunity to interact with and learn from the pilots. His expectations were suddenly crushed by the stark reality exposed by the space station veteran.

While the pilot's comment seemed discouraging, it also revealed the harsh reality of life on the space station. Being a pilot there was not only a matter of passion and enthusiasm, but also of skill and competence. The pressure and risks associated with space missions could lead to accidents and injuries that would leave some pilots physically and emotionally scarred.

At the time, I was torn between the fascination and challenge of the space station and the grim warning I had just heard. The idea of becoming a space pilot, once full of hopes and dreams, became somewhat bittersweet. The reality of the difficulties and sacrifices required to succeed in such an environment had been starkly laid out before us.

Despite Arturo's initial disappointment, I remembered that in every challenge, there were also opportunities. Those scarred pilots had probably overcome numerous obstacles and gained valuable experience in the process. The space station offered a unique setting for personal and professional growth, and while the road may not be easy, those who persevered and excelled could achieve great things, as my father once did.

"You don't have to talk to us like that, we just came to see what this place was like, if you were useless and unsuccessful it is not our fault."

That man stood up from his chair, furious when he heard me say that.

"You fucking bastard, who do you think you are? Look at these scars I earned in a battle against those damn ungeizefer years ago. I'm alive by a miracle, life isn't easy, you little prick!"

That gentleman was too angry, however, I was too. Arturo intervened so as not to drag out the argument any longer.

"Nick, calm down, we'll just get out of here."

He looked very disappointed and did not want to stay there. However, another of the men spoke to me. His physical appearance was somewhat depressing, he had lost a hand, and had a robotic prosthesis. He had blond hair and black eyes and a droopy look, a poorly kept black beard.

"Guys, don't be depressed about this. How to tell them.... There are many ways to fulfil your dream, we got the war time and now we are worthless to the world. All the credit goes to the late Harrison. There are other success stories. I don't know, stress about this".

That man at least tried to be courteous to us, even though he had lost an arm and had a prosthesis, but we still left that place. My discussion made the atmosphere very tense.

[...]

After that unsuccessful arrival. We arrived at a kind of hotel, it was the best of the station. It looked pretty good from the outside, we all got into that place, just like we thought at some point. It was luxurious, the academy had spent money for us to spend a few hours in a nice place. The corridors on the floor tried to be similar to the one on earth, made of porcelain and quite unique finishes.

Arturo as leader talked to the receptionist to organise the rooms.

We all stood there, looking at the metal structure with its earthly decorations and comfortable design.

The hotel on the space station was an oasis of comfort in the midst of that imposing metal structure.

Arturo went to each one and organised them, however, I was the last one.

"I nodded immediately and started to walk with him. To the place where we would get some rest.

With only a few steps we reached the room, which was in the hallway on the first floor. I opened the door and noticed that it was well-equipped and furnished with comfortable beds, windows that showed a breathtaking view of the space. It was a cosy refuge after the stress and uncertainty we had experienced so far.

I lay down on the bed, apparently it was cotton or something soft. I didn't know, but Arturo took the opportunity to ask me about Jhon.

"Is it true what John says?"

"Uh... No."

"Nick, don't lie to me, I know very well that Jhon wouldn't get like that for anything. He's not a liar."

I kept quiet, I didn't want to answer him, I felt quite uncomfortable, and I was a bit sleepy, the gravity in this place was quite complicated to breathe normally.

Arturo didn't insist, as he saw that he couldn't make me talk about it, seeing my negativity, he just lay back on his bed. Maybe he was offended by my silence.