Chapter 3
As Dylan, Rommie and their convoy made their way to the Academy, their escorts explained what they learned there.
"Our primary studies include mathematics and theoretical physics," one of the guards answered. "While learning these core fields of study, we are also taught how to serve and protect our planet."
"We learn how to do this," the other guard cut in, "by learning and mastering the laws of physics."
"So, its like a military academy," Dylan said.
"More or less," one of the guards said. "We have deep pride in our planet and culture. We will do anything to protect that."
"Your academy then uses this knowledge of science then to create technologies to help protect yourselves?" Rommie asked.
"Not exactly," one replied. "We learn how to manipulate the laws of physics to our own will. Telepathy, telekinesis, and temporal shifting are just a few things that we learn at the academy."
"I didn't know that even existed," exclaimed Rommie.
"Although this is very hard on the body at times, our physiology is different than that of most humanoids. By using these abilities they tear apart our nervous system, but, we are able to regenerate it over time."
Rommie nodded, absent in thought.
The group walked for a while in silence, stopping finally in front of a set of large gates.
"We're at the Academy now, the Chancellor will meet you in his office," one of the escorts replied. With that, the escorts briskly walked away, leaving the gate of the Academy open to Dylan and Rommie.
"So," Rommie said, "Do you want to ring the doorbell, or should I?"
"This bucket of bolts had better be safe," Beka warned as they made their way down to the planet.
"Don't worry," Harper said, "I made it myself."
"That's what I was afraid of," Beka said, rolling her eyes
"Oh yes, I'm only an engineering genius. I would so use a pod with, you know, a major hull breach," Harper spat.
"Stop it, you two. You're giving me a headache," Trance said. "Harper, how exactly did you modify this escape pod?"
As they entered the upper atmosphere, Harper explained. "Oh, it's easy, my dear. All I did was take some spare ionic thrusters, fuse them to the hull, link them to an enhanced navigation program, which, by the way, I designed myself, then tied it all to this advanced steering yoke."
"Uhh, English, please?" Trance said
"I took some engines and welded it to a steering wheel."
"Oh."
"Egotistical brat. Stop showing off and just fly the damn craft," Beka said.
"Whatever you say, boss," Harper said darkly.
As they pierced the lower atmosphere, something abruptly sounded in the cabin.
"What's that?" Beka asked pressingly.
"Just one of the engines," Harper said casually. "It's no biggie, I'll just cut another and we'll go down on two engines, instead of four."
"You're sure you know how to do that?" Beka asked.
Harper just smirked.
Then another klaxon sounded. And another. And another.
"Shit!" said Harper.
"Where's that good old engineering genius now?"
"Shut up!"