Chapter 6
SIX
One Year Later
The past year at The Academy had been brutal, but Renn loved every second of it. His age hadn’t hindered his understanding of the material and course work in the slightest. And when it came to performance with most of the other students, he could match their skills and abilities.
He wasn’t given any special treatment. If anything, being the son of a famous star captain only placed a target on his back, by students too. Some said he was a prodigy, others weren’t as kind and referred to it as nepotism.
But he welcomed it. He took it with stride, never complaining, simply taking it as a call to prove he could live up to the name Anton and he did, over and over again.
There were plenty of professors like Tredway, but it didn’t take long for Renn to charm them into liking him, despite their best efforts.
It wasn’t a trick or disingenuine. He respected each of them greatly.
All of Renn’s professors were excellent instructors and he in turn was an excellent student.
He had his favorite professors, but each were serious and committed to their work of instilling into their students that space travel was not for the faint of heart.
Renn wasn’t the only one who thrived his first year.
Nate wasn’t speaking lightly when he mentioned he was “too smart for his own good” the day they first met.
Nate was a certified genius. He never needed to study nearly as much as Renn to fully understand a concept or pass an exam. But what he lacked was discipline.
His mind was always moving, giving him little time to organize himself.
It would take a mere second for a person to guess which side of the room was Nate’s—always disorganized and messy.
He wasn’t filthy by any means, but somehow, in the chaos, he thrived.
Renn surprisingly wasn’t bothered by it because, while they were opposites in many ways, their ideas and humor were perfectly aligned.
Whatever fate in the universe that had decided Renn and Nate would walk the Earth at the same time, made sure that they would somehow cross paths because they had quickly gone from new roommates to best friends in no time at all.
Much like the year before, they shared many of the same classes their second year, and the same dorm.
“What does it take to go to space? I asked this question on your first day when you started your journey here and while you have learned much, we are just getting started,” Professor Shapiro began, beginning year two of Spaceflight Training.
To answer her question . . . it took everything—physical, mental, things that Renn hadn’t even considered.
In blatant terms, space was dangerous. It followed the laws of physics and science, not human agendas.
Could you die? Absolutely. But would it be an epic adventure that only few could obtain? He planned to find out.
Their first year consisted of more technical terms and academics of space concepts such as how a spacecraft functioned and what made it possible for humans to travel for long periods of time as they had been for decades now.
The second year was more hands-on learning to prepare for the real thing next year—when they would spend time off-Earth.
Professor Shapiro continued to go over the syllabus for the year, which was basically a list of all the simulations they would be running through.
“This schedule is insane,” Nate whispered, tapping though his Nextab. “Remind me why I agreed to do combat skills with you?”
Renn kept his eyes on Professor Shapiro as he spoke. “We had to pick an extracurricular.”
“But why this one? It’s not like either of us are going to be a security officer.”
“It’s just to give a variety to our skill set,” Renn whispered harshly, trying to get him to drop the subject.
“Oh. I see. This is Captain Elias Anton’s idea.
‘A captain needs a variety of skills to be the best captain he or she can be,’” Nate teased, leaning back in his chair, quoting a phrase he had heard a plethora of times from Elias.
Not long after meeting Nate, he started to join Renn in some of his weekly meet-ups with his father.
Renn rolled his eyes, but his best friend wasn’t wrong. His dad has given them both an influx of recommendations and insight to their studies. Most of it was useful, but Nate wasn’t on that captain’s path, and he didn’t want to be either.
“Okay, yes, my father suggested it. But it does sound useful, and you had to pick something anyway, so we might as well do it together.”
“Anything you want to share with the class, Cadet Anton?” Professor Shapiro’s stern voice cut through the air and everyone turned to look at the two of them from where they sat at the back of the classroom.
“Apologies, Professor. I was just telling Cadet Hayden that I am looking forward to this year of Spaceflight Training with you. The simulations sound . . . thrilling,” he said brightly. A few of the students laughed.
“They are, Mr. Anton. Now, please stop chatting with Mr. Hayden. I’d hate to already start the new year with you two in detention.” She gave them a dubious look.
“But we had so much fun last year! Don’t tell me you haven’t missed it!” Nate exaggerated loudly. More people in the class laughed again.
“All right, you two. That’s enough.” She shook her head as if she was annoyed, but she was also smiling.
Things were off to a great start, and Renn couldn’t think of anywhere else he’d rather be.
After a couple of classes, and lunch break, the first combat class arrived. Renn and Nate, who did so begrudgingly, changed into workout clothing before entering the large gymnasium.
“Oh yeah, we are definitely in the right place,” Nate said, studying the class that was mostly first and second years cadets. Renn sensed the air was full of anticipation and dare he say, violence.
“There’s definitely some tension here,” Renn said, half laughing. A few of the students looked their way, a few glaring.
“Are you sure about this?” Nate asked with a tight-lipped smile, unease lining his voice as he stared around the room. Before Renn could reply, a tall, bulky boy came up behind them.
“You’re Aldrenn Anton,” he said—not a question. They both turned around, their brows raised, when they saw the boy addressing them. He had dark hair and eyes, and a face that looked menacing even for a young man.
“I am,” Renn replied coolly.
“Colin Locke,” he declared, lifting his head a little and puffing out his chest. Renn looked to Nate who was just as confused. The name wasn’t familiar to him either.
An awkward silence hung between them.
“You know, of the Locke family.” He crossed his arms, anger spreading on his features.
Elias had told Renn about other famous families who had generations that attended The Academy, but Locke wasn’t one he had mentioned.
He wished he would have, if only to warn him.
Colin was obviously looking for their recognition and praise, but Renn had none to give and so far, wasn’t too impressed.
“I am a fifth generation Locke at The Academy. Many members of my family have held significant roles at SEA, and we’ve made huge donations throughout the years.”
Renn nodded, trying to be polite, but Nate had other ideas.
“Cool story, bro,” Nate said, and Renn grimaced. While he knew Nate was trying to keep things less serious, Colin’s expression told him that he wasn’t amused.
“And who the fuck are you?” Colin spat, as if he was just now noticing Nate standing there.
“Hey. There’s no need for that. He’s kidding.” Nate ignored Renn’s statement and instead held out a hand to Colin.
“Nathan Hayden. A real pleasure to meet you.” Colin looked disgusted before shoving it away.
“Not a touchy feely guy. Got it.” Nate held up his hands innocently and backed away. Renn was also tempted to punch Nate for continuing to egg Colin on.
Thankfully, they were saved when the instructor called for their attention. Renn pulled Nate along with him to the other side of the room to distance themselves from Colin, who was shooting daggers with his eyes at their backs.
“Dude. What was that?” Renn asked, clearly irritated.
“I don’t know, to be honest.” Nate shrugged. “There’s just something about that guy I don’t like.”
“Same, but let’s try and keep things civil,” Renn begged. Nate nodded but the mischievous grin on his face didn’t give Renn much to hope for.
“Gather up and be quiet!” Their instructor was a middle-aged man with greying hair and a strong build. “We will begin with learning techniques for the first several weeks. We won’t start sparing until then, and when we do, we start with protection.”
Renn could have sworn several people’s shoulders slumped knowing they wouldn’t get to hit anyone right away. “This will also give me a chance to assess you and pair you up with a sparring partner that matches your strength and skill level.”
There was instantly a pit in his stomach that he would end up paired with Colin. He hoped he was wrong. “All right. Everyone line up and we’ll get started.”
When the class finally ended, all the cadets were breathing hard and sweating as they headed back to the changing rooms. Nate had admitted mid workout that it was more difficult than he expected, which Renn took as a “you’re welcome.
” Nate was already pretty fit and wanted to stay in shape, so at least this would be a challenging workout for him as well.
Since Renn had grown tall so quickly, he was leaner than he was a year ago and wanted to build up some muscle without going overboard.
It was a good fit for both of them, besides Colin, of course.
They were almost to their lockers when Colin turned the corner and nudged Nate hard in the shoulder. “Hey, pretty boy. You better watch your back when sparring begins. Are you sure you are . . .” He looked Nate up and down. “Big enough to take a punch?”
Nate wasn’t weak, but he was shorter and lighter compared to Colin.
Renn stepped between them and placed a firm hand on his chest. “Locke. Don’t.” His voice was firm but calm.
Colin looked down at Renn’s hand, a wicked grin spreading on his face. “And what are you going to do about it, Anton? Tell your daddy?” Renn sniffed a laugh and everyone stopped what they were doing to watch them.
“Nah, I don’t bother him with trivial manners that aren’t worth his time.” He winked and offered him his most dazzling smile. Colin’s face turned a shade of red. “I think I got it handled just fine on my own.”
Whispers broke out among the onlookers.
“I guess we’ll find out, won’t we,” Colin seethed as he glared around the room before landing back on Renn.
“Can’t wait.” Renn turned his back to him, ending the conversation, or so he thought.
“Hey, Anton!” Colin yelled.
Renn should have known better, but he turned and was met with Colin’s fist. He stuck him right in the mouth, hard enough to push him into the wall of lockers. Renn tasted the blood on his tongue in an instant.
Looking back on that moment, he thought maybe he could have began their relationship on a different note if he would have known that years later, the two of them would be face to face in perhaps the most terrifying moment of Renn’s life.
“Oh course it was a Locke,” Elias said an hour later, back at his penthouse.
Renn was dabbing at the cut on his lip with a cold wash cloth.
“Renn got a few good swings in, though,” Nate offered.
Elias was usually fond of Nate’s humor, but he shot him a look that made Nate stay silent.
“I didn’t suggest combat training so you could get in fights with your peers.” Elias sat on the stool next to Renn.
“I know. I’m sorry.” He winced, pushing the cloth harder against his lip.
“It was my fault, sir. I started it,” Nate admitted, sheepishly. “Renn kept asking me to be careful. I truly didn’t know if it would come to this.”
“Lessons are learned the hard way sometimes—some are probably better learned by mistakes. Let's hope this is one of those times,” Elias said. “I tell my cadets this regularly, to some extent: you have to face the worst situations and people at times, but if you can stop it, do it. And I don’t just mean that for captains. It applies to everyone.” He tossed Nate a knowing look as well to make himself clear.
“Preperation and observance keep you alive,” Renn said. It was a phrase he had heard hundreds of times while here at The Academy. While it was meant to be applied to space, it could also be applied here.
“Exactly, and when it comes to people like the Lockes, don’t let your guard down,” Elias said sternly.
Renn eyed his father, waiting for him to go on.
“There are two types of people in the SEA—in life in general. Those who view us as a crew, all of us working together. And those who are looking for anything that only benefits themselves. They’ll do whatever it takes, may even appear to care, but they don’t and never will.”
“And the Lockes are clearly the latter, “ Nate said, his lips turned in a frown.
“Without question.” Elias stood and started pacing around the kitchen.
“I hate to encourage division, especially as a captain, but always follow your instincts. People tend to make their intentions pretty clear whether they mean to or not. And if you are going to be a captain . . .” He turned to face Renn head-on.
“The well-being of your crew is the first priority no matter what happens. "
Renn swallowed at his words, the intensity in his tone growing.
“I understand.”
“Good. Are you two hungry? I can order something in.”
“I’m down,” Nate said brightly, relieved the tension had broken. He made himself at home on the couch and turned on the T.V.
“I guess I better clean up,” Renn said, tossing the bloodied cloth into the sink. When he was halfway down the hall, his father stopped him.
“Hey, if any of the Lockes say anything about the incident, I can take care of it,” he said, gripping his shoulder.
“I know you can handle it, but if Colin is going to be a peer for the foreseeable future, just . . .” He paused and Renn cocked his head.
“Just be careful, Aldrenn.” There was a deep sincerity and warning in his voice.
“I will. I promise.”