Quasar

Chapter 2: A new begining, Part 2

Acto II: Orion

Station The Orbe

Orion was not in the same place as Renn. He had been taken to a station called The Orbe—a place so different from anywhere he'd been before. All the children of commanders and other high-ranking officials were brought here to be trained in the arts of war and leadership.

The Orbe stood majestic in the void of space, a marvel of engineering and technology. Its gleaming metal structures formed a complex network of corridors and platforms stretching in all directions. From afar, it appeared as a constellation of flickering lights in the darkness of the cosmos.

In the hallways, groups of cadets hurried back and forth—some in immaculate uniforms, others with tools and equipment in hand. The walls were adorned with holographic displays showing diagrams of spacecraft and combat strategies, while intermittent announcements advertised upcoming events and training sessions.

Orion had to attend three classes. The first, self-defense: hand-to-hand combat, the use of high-tech weapons, and other self-defense techniques. The second, piloting mother vessels; all cadets had to understand how a large vessel worked in order to eventually command them. The third, war strategies, where high-ranking commanders taught cadets everything they needed to know. There was also time after classes for cadets to interact and get to know one another, with the purpose of forming future alliances.

One day, as Orion was finishing his last class and heading back to his cabin, a boy stopped him, gripping his arm.

"Sorry, I'm Ezra O'Neill. It's a pleasure to meet you, Orion Edri. I've noticed you don't participate in the gatherings. I think you're missing out on a good opportunity to get to know your colleagues better."

Orion, with the smile that was his trademark, replied that he wasn't interested and began to walk away. But Ezra grabbed his arm again to stop him. Orion didn't like this and shot a sharp look at Ezra.

"Don't touch me again," Orion said, visibly annoyed.

"Oh, I like that look," Ezra said, chuckling. "I apologize. Let's start over. I want us to be friends. I know your father; I'm a friend of Commander Jack Edri, who's soon to be promoted to general—congratulations. Your father asked me to look after you. I think he's concerned, given that you're not joining the gatherings."

"Now it all makes sense," Orion said with a sly smile. "My father got me a babysitter."

Ezra moved in closer. "Follow me, please."

Orion felt a surge of anger toward his father in that moment. He couldn't understand why his father had assigned someone to watch him and direct his movements. Orion had no choice but to follow. Not only was he tired of being in a place he didn't want to be, but now he also had to put up with this irritating person.

Ezra led Orion to a huge room with three tiers of seating where cadets could move freely. The space was filled with tables, small gardens scattered around, and waitstaff serving drinks—though alcoholic beverages were restricted for most of them. The walls were decorated with medals honoring the top cadets who had contributed to real battles and supported the founding of the colonies and planetary defense.

The room was crowded, with most people laughing and already settled into their established groups of friends. Orion felt uncomfortable; the place had a superficial air, full of people who seemed shallow.

Ezra and Orion sat at a table surrounded by greenery. Ezra ordered two drinks, observing Orion's displeasure at being there.

"Tell me, Orion, did you have a girlfriend on Earth?"

Orion was caught off guard by the personal question. He smirked. "Do you think I'm going to talk about that with you?"

"That means 'yes.' And is she beautiful? Do you miss her?"

"I'm getting the hell out of here," Orion said with a fierce look in his eyes.

As Orion headed toward the exit, Ezra noticed General Starwind's son, Edd Starwind, entering. He quickly led Orion to introduce him.

"Cadet Starwind, it's a pleasure to introduce Cadet Orion Edri, son of Commander Jack Edri. Orion, this is Edd Starwind, the son of General Edward Starwind."

Edd Starwind regarded Orion with a look of superiority, clearly unsure if it was worth his time to speak with him. Sensing that Edd wasn't giving him the respect he deserved, Orion knew he had to act fast; he wouldn't allow anyone to look down on him.

Orion quickly spoke up. "Your father, General Starwind, is one of the best strategists we have. He's contributed greatly to dismantling enemy stations. Now I understand why he's a valuable ally of my father."

Edd was taken aback, clearly surprised that Orion knew so much about his father. He smiled, now genuinely interested in Orion.

"Really, I wanted to meet you," lied Orion.

"Your father is an example of leadership," Edd said, smiling. "I'm glad to hear he's being promoted to general."

"The pleasure is mine. I hope we can have interesting conversations about the future of the colonies," said Orion with his usual smile.

"Sure! I'm here every Thursday. Take this card; the guard will give you a pass to the private room. We'll be able to talk without anyone bothering us." Edd handed him the card and, after a firm handshake, they exchanged a quick, respectful nod and parted ways.

Ezra was impressed. Orion had managed the situation so well that Edd Starwind was actually interested in talking with him again. At first, Ezra had thought it wouldn't work, since both Edd Starwind and Orion Edri had inflated egos, making a friendship almost impossible.

After saying goodbye to Edd, Orion and Ezra noticed that other cadets were whispering about why Edd Starwind had given Orion a pass. Some cadets even began approaching to ask questions. Seeing that this was making Orion tense, Ezra quickly intervened.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you Orion Edri, son of General Jack Edri. For now, he can't answer your questions. Anything you want to ask Orion, please direct it to me, and I will pass it on to him."

Ezra led Orion out of the room, noting how uncomfortable he was with the crowd of curious cadets.

"Orion, it was inevitable; you'll have many fans after today," Ezra said with a grin.

Orion approached Ezra with a cold, piercing gaze. "Ezra, I don't like you, and I don't trust you."

"Orion, I am not an enemy. Someday, you'll trust me. Rest!" With a cynical smile, he disappeared down the hallway.

Orion was left questioning his father's motives for placing him here. What did he really want him to accomplish in this place? He felt a hollow emptiness within, a nagging sense of purposelessness.

to be continued...

Next chapter 8 de noviembre 2024.