Chapter Two
Richrath Auditorium
Astro Corps Academy Campus
September 9, 2506
The freshman class convened its first official meeting of the semester. Each class at the Academy held regular meetings and elected officers to lead the student body on campus. These titles were mostly honorary, but they carried actual weight in terms of status and reputation.
There were three thousand students in the freshman class, nearly half of the Academy’s total enrollment, which never rose above seven thousand.
The weeding-out process had already begun. Kat knew twenty percent of her class wouldn’t make it to graduation. The Academy was not for everyone. She had even doubted herself during boot camp. But now, after the slight fame earned from her endurance trial performance, Kat felt something she hadn’t before: she belonged. For the first time, she believed there was a place in the known galaxy built for someone like her.
At center stage, Captain Markman, faculty advisor for the freshman class, rose from her seat and walked to the podium. Her bionic legs clacked against the hardwood floor.
Markman had lost her legs during the Battle for Earth just six months ago, yet finished the engagement. Her ship was one of the few to survive without irreparable damage. After receiving many decorations, she accepted an assignment at the Academy rather than retiring early.
Kat admired Captain Markman. The courage she showed during battle, and her continued service to the Corps despite personal trauma, reaffirmed Kat’s belief that Astro Corps was something exceptional, something she could believe in. These days, that meant everything. Kat’s attention returned to the front of the auditorium as Markman spoke.
“Attention, cadets. Now that the endurance trials have ended, we can get down to the business of organizing leadership for this freshman class. First, I want to introduce a special guest. I’m sure you’ll all recognize him. He is one hero of the Battle for Earth six months ago. I am proud to present my fellow captain and friend: Captain John Harrigan of the ASC Galaxy.”
The cadets in the auditorium leaped to their feet as thunderous applause echoed off the walls. Kat’s heart raced, and her palms broke into a nervous sweat. There he was, standing just meters away, the man whose record she had chased and not broken, but had defeated Nelson’s female record. Kat’s actual target had been Harrigan’s record.
Kat had longed, secretly even begged, to meet him. Harrigan had become a public figure over the past six months, but on campus his name was already legend. He was one of the most decorated cadets since Admiral Reynolds passed through the Academy. The Academy loved to celebrate its own, and Harrigan was a true-blue representation of all the things the Academy stood for.
Captain Harrigan stepped to the podium and spoke.
“Freshman cadets, you’re about to embark on the most challenging, and most rewarding, four years of your life. But before I launch into the usual ‘go get ’em’ speech, I have a matter of personal business to attend to.”
He reached into his uniform pocket and removed a slight case, placing it on the lectern. He opened it and withdrew a blue ribbon trimmed in gray, attached to a medallion.
Fran nudged Kat and whispered, “It could be for you.”
“Shut up, Fran. It’s probably one of his,” Kat muttered back, shooting her a glare.
“This is a Medal of Commendation. Specifically, this is the George Washington Medal of Valor. It’s not given to freshmen lightly. Two days ago, heard that the female endurance record fell. I know the woman who set it. I know the type of woman it takes to accomplish such things. So, I am excited to get to meet the new record holder for the female endurance record at this Academy. He paused. “I would like Cadet Kathleen Walters to come forward and accept the medal.”
She had dreamed of making a name for herself, but this was overwhelming. Public attention was never her strength. Legs trembling and stomach twisting, she rose from her seat and stepped into the aisle.
The silence in the auditorium made the long walk to the stage even more unbearable. She was thrilled and terrified. There he was: Captain John Harrigan. A living icon. And she, a lowly freshman, was about to accept her first medal from him.
Kat reached the steps and ascended slowly, careful not to trip or make a fool of herself.
Harrigan smiled and returned the salute.. At the top, she snapped to attention beside him and saluted.
She remained at attention as he pinned the medal onto her cadet uniform. Then he saluted her again, and she returned it with a crisp motion.
“Congratulations, Cadet. You realize your life on this campus just became exponentially harder.”
“Yes, sir,” Kat replied, steadying her voice.
Kat was sure he could sense her nerves. As Harrigan turned back to address the crowd, she maintained her posture. She dared not move; at the Academy, a cadet never left an officer’s presence without being dismissed. She waited.
“Cadets,” Harrigan continued, “I won’t bore you with a speech. I’ll offer these simple words: Don’t give up. Push past your limits. And at the end of each day, make sure you feel satisfied that you gave your best. Now, I have the honor of announcing the nominees for Freshman Class Officers.”
He listed the names submitted by the instructors and faculty — cadets who had shown promise during their four months at the Academy. Nominees for Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President came forward and stood in front of the stage.
Then came the last list.
“Cadet Josiah Jenkins. Cadet Tyler Colvin, and… Cadet Kathleen Walters.”
Kat blinked, startled. She looked at Harrigan. He smiled, then leaned in.
“I forgot, you’re dismissed, to join the other nominees."
“Thank you, Captain.”
Kat stepped down and joined the others. Harrigan wrapped up the assembly by leading the freshman class in the Academy Hymn, which, in truth, was just the school song dressed up with a more pretentious name.
After the dismissal, Harrigan quickly found her again.
“Cadet Walters, may I speak with you a moment?”
“Yes, Captain?” she asked, still intimidated.
“I reviewed visual logs of your endurance trial. The visual logs of your endurance trial amazed me. By circuit seven, you were clearly spent, yet you drove yourself to the point of collapse. That’s rare.” He looked her in the eyes.
“Thank you, sir. But honestly, I wasn’t thinking about the female record. I just hadn’t given it my best yet, but the truth is I was aiming for your record,” she said, trying not to sound cocky. Harrigan’s smile beamed.
“I like that answer. If you keep that attitude, you’ll go far. But don’t let this moment be the highlight of your career.” He waved a finger at her.
He paused, then continued.
“You’ve made a name for yourself early, but if you rest on your laurels, you’ll blow it.” Kat nodded at his words. “You’ve started strong. Now focus your energy on becoming a leader. I’ll be keeping tabs on you. Don’t disappoint me. I expect the person who broke Nelson’s record to become one of the finest leaders this Academy has ever seen.” He nodded at her.
“I won’t let you down, sir.”
“We’ll see. Achievements and medals, they’re easy to earn.” He paused and looked at her earnestly. “But leadership, that’s the actual test. When you’re in the thick of it, achievements don’t matter unless they’ve forged your resolve. Use this to build your character and push others beyond what they think is possible. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Yes, Captain. And thank you, sir. I’ll take it to heart.” Kat nodded enthusiastically.
“I know you will. Good luck in the class election. I’ll check in on you from time to time.”
“Thank you, Captain Harrigan.”
He dismissed her.
As Kat walked away, she realized he had given her something more valuable than the medal: he’d given her his time. His advice.
Kat had earned a medal today. But the greater gift, guidance from a living legend, was something she would carry with her for the rest of her life.
What a week it had been indeed.