Life at the ISA – chapter 2
"Astrophysics…" Canolin shuddered as she exited her previous class in time for self defense class. "I swear my head can explode when I take a look at those equations on the board again." She even wondered how Dr. Doppler could be so keen on such complex mathematical calculations, even if what was taught in the class was basic, and potentially useful in voyages. Well, she knew one thing about physics: if there's potential and it isn't getting any energy, then no work is done, period. She slung her lute to her back and walked towards her next class.
***2 days later***
The new students were given 2 days time to settle into their boarding houses. The usual rules apply, where genders are divided and socializing would only take place at the common area, other than that, no one was to be a distraction from ongoing classes and teachers doing their work. After they were briefed, it was time they were given the opportunity to sign up for extra-curricular activities that made studying at the ISA seem less boring than it seems.
Jim was glad he was promoted to president of the Extreme sports Club, but it was only because their previous president has graduated, thus it was an automatic promotion from his vice president position. Although he didn't do as many extreme sports as the X-president, he was still determined to bring it out of the sandbox this year, and hoped to learn new moves he could incorporate to his solar surfing. The last few years, there weren't many members who could stay committed, and those that stayed…some graduated, some dropped ISA, some never came back. Jim shuddered at that thought. As soon as the doors of the hallway opened for the new students, he was hoarded by a bunch of girls, which obviously gave him a big shock as he stared at the girls writing their names messily while squealing Jim's name, and in a fraction of a minute they all dispersed and the forms were full – all 50 members, including about 5 of the old members and 45 girls. Since when did girls enjoy extreme sports anyway? He stared at the name list for a while before he finally took notice of a young boy in his preteens standing there gawking as well.
The black haired boy turned a frown, "Is it full?"
Jim sighed, "I'm afraid it is, I'm sorry."
The new kid frowned and walked away sluggishly, until something in Jim's head clicked, "Wait, what's your name kid?"
The boy turned his head, "Who, me?"
"Yes, you," Jim replied.
"Uhh…" he scratched his neck, fingers fiddling with his long ponytail as well, "Ian Murray."
A moment of epiphany struck Jim, this was Canolin's biological brother he saw when he persuaded Canolin to at least relieve her guilt by seeing her brother again. What was he doing here? He wasn't sure. He thought that the usual maximum 50 members rule could be bent a bit; he doubted the girls could last the entire semester, "I think we can still make room for one more…"
"Jim?" the other older members were skeptical of his sudden decision. Jim explained himself briefly before Ian dashed to their table again, "Good golly, sign me up! I can't wait to show off some of my solar surfing moves!"
"Sure you would, kiddo. I can't wait to show you mine as well."
With that sentence, Ian seemed to switch personalities and shot a glare at Jim, who surprised Jim, and he spoke in an evil, raspy tone "We'll see…Mister."
The seniors still remained faithful to their clubs too, but at one point Frieda wanted to join extreme sports as well, but seeing that it was already taken up by the new girls in school, she only sighed and went back to seeing what Canolin was doing.
Canolin immediately signed up for the music band in school as the lutist, and placed her name there first before others could get that first position. She eagerly awaited other people signing up for the band, but then a familiar face caught her off guard as he began lining up for the music club as well.
"Ian?" she gawked at the sight of her biological brother, who was at freshman year.
"Yvonne! I mean- Canolin! Your name is a mouthful!" Ian shot back a wave at her.
She hastily approached her brother, "What are you doing here? I thought you still have middle school to go to?"
"Well you said listen to my heart and set your own course, and I always wanted to be a spacer. Since the ISA allowed humans above 12, I waited for my birthday in January and here I am!"
Canolin slapped her palm against her face; she didn't think he would interpret it literally! Wait, actually yes, she wanted him to find passion in life, but why here? Why now? She wasn't ready to see him again, or was she? She only had to cover up her clouded emotions with "Yeah, well…good job finding your dreams, brother. What are you signing up as?"
"The drums of course!" he took out a pair of drumsticks and twirled them around skillfully and air drummed to a beat in his head.
Frieda couldn't believe what she was hearing, Canolin used to be Yvonne and Ian her little brother was here? Oh my, new possibilities of making her stay away from Jim were crawling over her head now, she could use Ian to her advantage, if she can find a fault between the two of them. But right now she had other things to attend to, like promoting dance club and saying how it's more awesome than other culture clubs like the Neo-Sidth appreciation club, which to no surprise Canolin joined as well.
***Meanwhile***
Eliana stroked her short hair and silver fur as she watched herself in front of the mirror. She wasn't the type to take part in extra curricular activities, so she only joined the Art club with Dolphy. The school day ended up with not so much homework and a project that she and Dolphy teamed up with to do, on diseases during spacing and what vitamins would prevent them. To be honest, she would like to complete her spacing course in the ISA and then get out to the Etherium once again battling enemies and pirates. Their last mission proved to be something she wouldn't forget, but she regretted not being able to do so much or be as helpful as Jim was. She still had to admit that she was the type that would stick to the books instead of taking a great risk, which probably earned Jim the fame and respect he got.
Dolphy did tell her how Jim's life was living in a broken family and it really was a great achievement for him to be able to fix himself during his first space voyage to Treasure Planet. Dolphiana would've loved to experience firsthand how it was like to be facing a supernova, a black hole, a band of pirates and narrowly escaping an exploding planet. Unfortunately her parents had plans for her and she went off to planet Ichlybe instead. The trip there, compared to Treasure Planet, was definitely less exciting. But ever since Jim successfully helped her convince her parents to send her to the Interstellar Academy, her life was a lot more exciting – excluding the freshman and half of junior year – and this was how she met Eliana anyway.
The snow leopard anthro walked away from the mirror and took her notebook out and began planning how they would research for their project.
Author's Note: I've probably half-assed this. I don't really know why the feeling of "not knowing what to do" has struck; I'm still at first year IB dangit! I should have this feeling only when IB is over (in which the case is so for my seniors) sigh, is this a sign of writer's block?
