Nova's Universe

Chapter 26 (2032)

Roger

"Andrei, where are you taking me?" I complained as we made another turn between the cottages. "I have to get back to work."

"No work for you today, my lad. We have some official business to take care of, you and I." He grinned at me as he ushered me in front of his door.

"Am I fired?" I blurted, my voice trembling. The thought was unbearable.

"Roger, you need to work on your confidence! If I ever had to fire you, the best Dragonologist we have here, we'd have to shut down the Sanctuary." He boomed with laughter.

"You keep forgetting about Dad. He's better than I am, isn't he?"

"He was the best, but since he doesn't work here anymore, I can't exactly say that now, can I?"

"What do you mean he doesn't work here anymore?" My jaw hit the floor.

"See for yourself." Andrei opened the door wide and ushered me in.

Several of Dad's old coworkers filled the living room, along with my parents, Andrei's partner Michael, and even my sisters. As I absorbed the scene, my eyes landed on a banner hanging above me: "Happy Dragonless Retirement, Charles."

"Dad, you can't retire!" I gaped at him.

"Roger, nice of you to think I'm still young, but it was long overdue," Dad chuckled, pulling me into a brief hug. "Besides, Andrei finally found my replacement so he's letting me go."

"Your replacement? Is it Ted?" I tried to sound casual, hiding any disappointment I might feel. Ted was a good worker, older with experience, but sloppy.

"Ted?" Andrei and Dad echoed in unison, then exchanged a look and burst out laughing.

"I told him he needs to work on his confidence," Andrei said.

Confused, I mumbled, "I am so lost," before a hug from behind interrupted me.

"Congratulations, Roggie!" Aoede tried, but utterly failed, to whisper in my ear.

"We're all so proud of you, sweetheart," Mum added, pulling me into a hug. I wrapped my arms around her slowly, bewildered.

"We thought you'd be happy about this, Roggie," Dora ruffled my hair and poked my cheek before I could gape any wider.

"We didn't tell him yet, that's why he looks like he swallowed a fly," Andrei chuckled.

"He thinks Ted's the replacement," Dad added with another laugh.

"Oh," my sisters said in unison.

"Char, I think you should tell our son the good news," Mum said, looking at me with her hand covering her mouth, the way she did whenever she tried to hold back a secret.

"Roger, it's you," Dad finally said, walking towards me and placing his hands on my shoulders. "You're taking over for me."

"Are you mental?" was all I could manage.

"Did you honestly think I'd give your father's position to Ted?" Andrei questioned.

"I'm too young to be a team leader. There are way more experienced people here. What are you guys talking about?" I shook my head. Taking this job would be an honour, a dream come true, but it felt overwhelming.

"That's exactly what your dad said when I gave him the job," Andrei explained. "And he's been brilliant at it ever since. Until, of course, you sedated Moose and officially proved you're ready."

"Wait, so that suicide mission to put Moose to sleep alone..." I gasped, finally turning to my dad.

"Yes, it was a test," he admitted with a nod.