Academy Bound by J.C. Mastro

Author:J.C. Mastro [J.C. Mastro]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: John Mastro
Published: 2022-08-03T00:00:00+00:00

After Fleet Ops, my friends and I split up to attend our spec track courses. Russ and Joel went to their Advanced Math, while Sam and I went to Command and Leadership taught by a stern and intimidating Captain Volkov. It was uneventful as he just reviewed the upcoming curriculum. I’m excited for what the class promises to teach. It’s going to give me the tools to overcome my anxiety and be a good leader—assuming I don’t freak out every class from Captain Volkov’s presence. The guy probably eats nails for breakfast.

Our third period, Alliance Military History, starts well. Our instructor, a Major Muirwood from the European Union Army, begins the class with a discussion on the state of current events contrasted with history and where society has come from.

“Winston Churchill—a brilliant man, by th’ way—once said, ‘Those who fail te learn from hist’ry are condemned te repeat it.’”

He’s an interesting character. Tall and wide, with a hefty orange-red beard and antique reading glasses on his nose. His Scottish accent is as thick as his arms, but his voice is kind and lighthearted. The type of guy you give lots of room to pass on the street, but who’s more likely to hug you than smash you flat.

“Churchill, only a few years out from vict’ry in World War II and with the Cold War brewin’, was warnin’ the world not te forget the mistakes that led to that war in the first place, lest we repeat ‘em. We find ourselves in similar times, would ye agree wi’ that?”

No one replies or raises a hand.

“Let me put it more plainly, then,” he says. “With the current Alliance and ICW cold war tensions flarin’, should we be more thoughtful of what got us to this point?”

“What’s there to think about?” says Russ’s bunkmate Marcus Griffin across the room. “The ICW broke away and started a war that killed thousands. If they act up again, the Alliance puts them down like before.” He’s a Marine spec cadet. I haven’t met him yet.

“Tha’s a rather harsh viewpoint, Mr. Griffin,” Muirwood says patiently. “Not entirely incorrect, though over simplified. The question is why did the ICW do tha’?”

“I’ll tell you why,” says another male voice. Softer, but carrying a lot of weight. It’s Alex Trejo from the Jupiter belt mining colony. “The Alliance squeezed the ICW until they couldn’t take it anymore.”

“What are you talking about?” says a slightly accented female voice. It’s the Alliance senator’s daughter and Sam’s bunkmate, Shani Ghali. “The Alliance has always cared for and nurtured the far colonies.”

“Nurtured?” Alex says. “How? Through high taxes, low pay, and demanding all mining resources be sent back to Earth?”

“That’s an exaggeration,” Shani says. “How would you know anyway? Are you from an ICW colony?”

“I’m from the Belt on this side,” Alex says. “We deal with the same things there. Life is hard. Something you wouldn’t understand.”

“I think we’re gettin’ away from the point here,” Muirwood says, patting the air with his large hands. I agree and doubt he meant to start a political debate.

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