Heritage

Heritage (Chapter 13)

Chapter 13 - Stella

"Cadet Lancaster, General Blake would like to see you in his office immediately," Senior Cadet Daniels says to me, as I tip the remaining contents of my lunch tray into the trashcan.

"Do you know what it's regarding?" I ask him curiously. My head is spinning with all kinds of reasons as to why the General would ask me to his office.

Surely, this can't be good.

Don't be so hard on yourself, Stella!

Oh, shut up conscious!

"No, I wasn't informed of that. General Blake just asked me to catch you before you left the Mess Hall," he says, and I feel myself growing irritated as he once again eyes my chest.

Ugh, men.

Well, most men...

I once again catch myself thinking about the incident from the other night, and my face flushes and burns with something more than embarrassment.

"Cadet Lancaster? Stella!"

"W-what? Oh, sorry! I spaced out there for a sec," I reply, turning my focus back to the task at hand. Thanks for giving me the message, I'll head to the General s office now.

After a brief salute to Senior Cadet Daniels, I turn, grab my bag, and head out of the Mess Hall at a steady pace.

When I finally reach General Blake's office, I knock softly on his door and wait for a reply.

"Come in," the General s voice sounds from the other side of the door, a few seconds later.

I enter his office and stand at attention, giving him a proper and respectful salute, and he returns it.

"At ease, Cadet," he says to me. Take a seat, Stella.

Oh no, oh no, oh no! I hope I'm not in trouble! I don't think I did anything wrong...maybe I did...Oh no!

My brain spins circles as I try to figure out what could possibly be wrong. General Blake must have noticed the almost pained and confused expression on my face, because he turns to me with a slight, comforting smile.

"No worries, Cadet, you're not in trouble. The opposite actually," he says, his smile growing bigger.

I feel like an elephant has just been lifted from my chest at his words and I relax a little in the plush seat, situated in front of his desk.

"I'd like to invite you to be the new Senior Cadet for the Omega Squad. Cadet Jameson seems to have a problem with following protocol and simple requests, so he has been stripped of his title and given a demerit. I think you're the best one for the job. You re grades are impeccable, you are a natural leader and you've never had a single demerit," he compliments.

"Well, General, I'd be honored to be a Senior Cadet. I was hoping to be made one this year, but this is unexpected, and great! Thank you so much for this opportunity. I won't let you down," I reply, awestruck.

"That settles that, then! Thank you for agreeing, it takes a lot of pressure off my shoulders. You're doing me a favor here, Cadet. I believe you have Tech Repairs this period, am I correct?" he asks me, checking his watch.

"Yes, on Wednesdays we have Tech Repairs after lunch instead of before," I reply, as he stands from his desk and I follow suit, saluting him.

"Have a nice day, Stella, and thank you again,"

"You too, General Blake, and thank you again for trusting me with the squad," I reply, before exiting his office and quickly making my way toward Commander Blake s classroom.