Of The Stars

Chapter 6: Christmas

"Cadet Kogane, take a seat." She motioned to the only other chair in the large office; he sat. "Do you know why I've called you in here?" He shook his head, remaining silent. She stared at him for a moment, one that seemed to stretch into eternity. "What is your relation to former Officer Kolton Kogane?"

"He's my father." Keith maintained his disciplined posture, tone, and expression. This was already starting to feel like an interrogation and Antok had trained him well.

"And you were raised by your mother?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Where?"

"Denmark."

"Why did you come to the Texas campus of the Galaxy Garrison?"

"To be a pilot, Ma'am."

"Elaborate."

"The Galaxy Garrison is the foremost in Pilot training, and everyone knows the Texas campus offers the best programs. Also, my father lives here and I wanted to get to know him." The Admiral seemed to accept his reasoning, nodding her head slightly, barely perceivable. For the first time since he sat down, she averted her gaze to look at the file that was sitting open on her desk. She picked up a report of some sort, reading it over before sighing, and putting it back. The Admiral closed the file and quickly tapped her index and middle finger on top, looking back to Keith as she did so.

"Do you know why I called you in here?" She repeated.

"No Ma'am."

"You are in Officer Takeshi Shirogane's mentorship program. Is that correct?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Is there anything worth noting of Officer Shirogane's health, performance, or general wellbeing?" What? His face must have betrayed his confusion. The Admiral narrowed her eyes as she watched him closely.

"No Ma'am." He answered after a tick.

"Nothing of note?"

"He is exceptionally gifted. Aside from that, no Ma'am, nothing worth noting."

"Do you feel Officer Shirogane is capable of handling active duty?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Do you feel Officer Shirogane is responsible and trustworthy?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Do you feel Officer Shirogane has earned a position with greater responsibility?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Has Officer Shirogane ever given you reason to doubt his loyalty to the Galaxy Garrison?"

"No Ma'am."

"Has Officer Shirogane ever cancelled a scheduled session due to health concerns?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Elaborate."

"In November of this year Officer Warren became sick with the flu. Officer Shirogane cancelled our session to remain at home and watch over him."

"Has Officer Shirogane ever cancelled a scheduled session due to health concerns relating to himself?"

"No Ma'am."

"Are you familiar with Professor Samuel Holt?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Please state your connection to Professor Holt."

"He is a long-time friend of my father."

"Former Officer Kolton Kogane?"