This is the mid season/book finale. If you have gotten this far into reading the book, thank you.
KYLE'S P.O.V
4 Years ago, Michael's house.
Noise bounced around the living room as Lucas and I took turns playing a new flight simulator on TV.
This was another one of those hangout days where Michael invited Lucas and I over to play games, have fun and whatnot. It's become a big part of our schedules, and the 3 of us looked forward to our hangouts.
Lucas was on the couch next to me, controller in hand and Laser focused on the TV. The game we had chosen to play this week was a new combat flight simulator, where you are tasked with flying a fighter jet, and the goal is to win the game.
Michael was sitting in a chair adjacent to us, making remarks on our flying skills.
Lucas was masterfully evading missiles and gunfire, his flying skills in the game was near wizardlike in style.
“Are you planning on becoming a fighter pilot or something?” Michael asked, amazed at Lucas’s skills.
“Preferably not,” He said, eyes still locked on the TV.
“That's good, because there is something I need to talk to you guys about…” Said Michael, gesturing for Lucas to pause the game.
Lucas paused the game and we both turned our attention to Michael.
“I've been selected to fly on one of the future EX missions… I really don't know how to feel about it.” He explained to us.
“Doesn't your brother care more about that stuff?” Lucas asked him.
“He's really upset that I was chosen for it, he was expecting to be chosen.” Michael said.
“I guess that's understandable, he's the favorite child according to what you've said,” I said to Michael.
“I have been trying to hand this off to my brother anyway. Like Lucas said, he would love to do it. But my dad is forcing me to do this,” Michael said to us.
“Sorry to hear that.” Lucas said.
“I was kinda hoping… you guys would join the C.S.A *(Carlin Space Agency) and come with me on the mission.” He asked us quietly, looking towards us for a response.
“I'd love to do that… Just think, exploring strange new worlds, seeing what space has to offer.” Lucas said.
I breathed out a deep sigh, as I knew my answer. “I can't.”
When Michael heard this, he was heartbroken.
“After the accident, I haven't been able to see out of my left eye,” I reminded him, “They will never let me go to space with my visor cracked… the G-forces alone could make the crack worse, and that could kill me.”
Michael looked down at the floor and closed his eyes, you could tell he regretted asking the question.
“They might have a spot open for ground staff, the medical requirements are much more lax for that.” Lucas pointed out.
“Hey, that's not a bad idea,” I said.
Michael popped out of his momentary depression when I said that, “Really?” He asked.
“That depends on what I'd be doing, if I could get a spot on working in mission control, probably.” I responded, “My background in I.T. could be useful.”
“Yes, yes! That's great!” Michael blurted, “Do that!”
“Pffff, so you get excited by Kyle joining in and not me?” Lucas said in a confused yet joking tone.
YOU ARE READING
The Protogen Generation
Science FictionWhen a research team of protogens crash land onto their own planet after their mission goes awry, they quickly find that their planet is not the same as when they had left it. Follow along with Lucas and his crewmates as they try to return to their...
