The Commander's Lieutenant

Part 31

Taz erupted into laughter, then remembered her surprisingly large hunger. She grabbed her stomach and pouted at Up. He understood immediately- never get in the way of Taz and her food. She pulled the khakis up and pulled the gown off, throwing it into the wastebasket beside the bed. Up didn't want to let her walk, but she was adamant to make sure her reputation didn't drop.

Everyone stared in awe as she walked by, a large sneer on her face. Commanders and lieutenants, privates of all ranks, science and techs, all gawked at the large purple bruise on her face. Not a single one dared to ask her what happened, and Up walking behind her with the same expression only made them more fearful. Not a single person got in their way as they made it to the cafeteria line.

They filled their plates and walked over to their table, trying not to laugh at the scared faces around them. From that day forward, not a single one of them referred to Taz as young or adorable, let alone small or weak. After finishing their much larger than normal lunches, they walked to the gym. Up didn't want Taz getting hurt, but he didn't want her going soft either. She took a final swig from her drink bottle, and they jumped into action on the sparring mats.

Although light-headed, Taz managed to floor Up at least twice in the hour they sparred. Their longest match was for a whole ten minutes, and Up decided to call it quits as Taz elbowed his head and pinned him to the ground. He wrapped his hands around her waist and picked her off him, placing her on the ground beside him and standing to his feet.

Taz hated it when Up picked her up so easily, especially like that. She hated anyone touching her waist, but it was much more awkward when Up did it. Taz was only just starting to realise how much she loved Up, and it scared her. What do I know about love? Nada! Her internal struggle only grew worse, and it tore her apart. She wanted to be with Up, but she couldn't risk him getting hurt because of a stupid mistake she would inevitably make.

Up had been battling with Taz's question for the last week- could he handle seeing her killed before his eyes? Was he really that soft, or was it only Taz that could make him feel like that? He put his arm firmly around her shoulders, making his decision. He would always love her, nothing could change that. Whether it make me soft or not, whether I get killed or not, I swore I'd be there for Taz and I don't intend to break that promise.

'Commander Up, Lieutenant Taz, report to the Headmaster's office.'

Taz's eyes opened wide. 'Sh-'

'Taz...' Up warned, nodding his head towards the instructors a few feet away.

She glared at him, but arrogantly corrected herself in Spanish. 'Mierda.' The instructors ignored the conversation, not even bothering to look up.

Taz and Up walked into the office waiting room, Taz with her arms crossed. She was trying her hardest to look menacing. February sat, curled up asleep, on one of the couches. Taz ran to the girl's side to make sure she was okay, seeing the black mascara running down her face.

'Theres-' The receptionist started.

'It's Taz.' Up replied, not looking up from February.

'Right, sorry. The Headmaster is waiting for you in his office.' She replied grumpily.

Taz stood up and reluctantly left February alone, opening the door. 'Yes, sir?'

'Taz! Up! Welcome.' The Headmaster stuck out his hand with a large, toothy smile.

She shook his hand firmly and sat down, throughly amused at the pained expression on his face. Up did the same, leaving the poor man cringing and gingerly holding his aching hand.

'What's wrong, sir?'

'Well Up, you two... uh... have a little detour on your way to Level 2.'

Taz jumped to her feet. 'What?' She ran around the room, hands tangled in her hair, muttering Spanish inaudibly.

Up stood and put his hand on her shoulder calmly, still staring at the Headmaster. 'Where, sir?'

'Ark- oft- ahh...' He struggled to pronounce the odd language on his hand.

Up grabbed his hand, rolling his eyes. The idiot was reading it upside down. 'Tarakra?'

'Ah, yes. Tarakarark. Great planet, good natives. Rich culture. But that's what brings you two in here- I need you two to go... alone.'

Taz turned to him with her brow furrowed. 'ARE JOU LOCO?' She screeched.

'Taz, cool it.' Up said calmly. She shut up immediately, which surprised the Headmaster.

'Why just us?' She asked quietly.

'Because they tried to arrange a meeting with the neighbouring planet, but it ended in a little... disaster. They requested help from you specifically, Taz. I replied that you wouldn't go alone, so they're allowing Up to accompany you.'

Her face was full of confusion, but she let him continue. 'The head of the planet's daughter attends the Academy, and according to her, you can do anything.'

'February.' Taz mumbled.

He nodded. 'Miss February was devastated to learn about the state of her home, and her sister. We sent her sister's crew, but they're held captive by the more hostile planet.'

'So jou want me and Up to rescue dem and restore peace?'

He nodded again. 'Jou are an idiot.' Taz laughed. 'I am one of de least peaceful personas in de Academy!'

'That doesn't matter- your equipment is prepared and waiting.' He replied solemnly.

'When do we leave?' Up huffed.