Sigma/Star

Chapter 20: Silky Smooth

The academy drifted through space, locked in its perpetual orbit with the planet Earth. It passed closer to the moon now, marking the night for those within and the artificial lighting dimmed. It was impossible for the academy to be in some sort of time zone and so it had created its own, with automatic changes in the lights as it got closer and further from the sun to reflect day and night.

It was a shame that those within could rarely see outside as the place was not filled with windows and most classes were towards the middle anyways, surrounded by nothing but more and more wall. It was within these metal corridors that the squad from the battle of Easley, the top six students in the entire academy, wasted the day away.

"That's impossible. She'll never fall for it." Ardwen placed his arms across his chest and leaned back.

"Just you watch Ardwen. Nobody can resist Chase when he asks girls on his patented rocket ride around the moon." Chase's smile gleamed in the room. The two had gotten together to discuss their plans for seducing Nami, so as to make sure neither one was breaking the rules they had set up earlier. Raul was sitting between them as the judge.

"If I had to spend even one minute in a small space with you and no escape I would surely kill myself."

"You're not a girl, you wouldn't understand the allure."

"Well if she's still breathing when you get back, I'm taking her to the solarium to go over the three-dimensional viewing of the star cluster in the A-36 region."

Chase pretended to fall asleep at hearing this and a little snot bubble grew and collapsed as it hung from his nose. "Wow that sounds really fascinating. Make sure not to put her in too deep a coma alright?"

Raul nodded that neither was breaking the rules and so the two exited his room to leave him to meditate There was a momentary stare down as neither charmer knew what to do in the time after leaving before Chase finally broke away to go fetch Nami for his planned date. Ardwen snorted in his contempt and left to finalize his plans.

* * * * *

Nami tapped her finger against the window of the tiny ship, a little cruiser designed for two or three people at most to make mini excursions and returns. It couldn't hold much else on it so you couldn't really go anywhere far or settle where you travelled but for zipping through space it was usually quite a blast.

Nami was looking out at the stars and wondering exactly what had happened to get her to this point. So she was trying to make Porter jealous by having Chase date her. That was fine. Why was Ardwen involved? Or was she making Ardwen jealous so Chase would be? When did Porter start liking her though? It wasn't useful if he never actually saw her out with these guys. Hopefully Chase would brag about it around her little love, enough to get his interest.

In the meantime, she would sit back and enjoy the free ride. Perhaps Chase would actually keep quiet to focus on driving the ship around. Then Nami wouldn't have to bother listening to his made-up stories about how great he was. After this she would try to suffer through a potentially boring lecture from Ardwen about something she cared little about and be done for the day.

The rocket took off and lifted into space with ease, thanks in part to anti-gravity technology and small boosters along its hull. Then the rear engines kicked in and it shot forward and out of the hangar, giving Nami a few bumps before she braced herself better.

"Ahh," Chase sighed. "Smooth as silk this thing is. Did I ever tell you how I got this ship?"

"No Chase, you didn't." Nami put her chin on her palm and leaned against the window in disinterest, waiting for a story. There was only silence on the other end.