Gampu walked through the hall in good spirits passing through as some cadets came by lifting crates. It was any ordinary day within the academy but it was more special. More important than that. And very dear. Things were looking up for the newest newcomer's future. There was certainty knowing that every was going to be okay from here on out. He stopped in front of a doorway then waved his hand. The door whirred open then Gampu entered Loki's quarters holding a see through ball with water that gently swirled from side to side.
"Commander!" Loki said. "What is the news?"
"The news is that as the commander of this station I am obligated to give you a welcoming gift," Gampu handed the bowl into Loki's hands. "A aquarium."
"What is in it?" Loki asked. "It's so. . . alive."
"A part of Earth," From behind Gampu entered a cadet lifting up the white stand then placed it onto the counter beside the doorway. "Now, you have the ball." Loki peered into the aquarium as the cadet exited from the door. "Right where you can hold it."
"Is there more of these?" Loki asked.
"There is more green in this galaxy, Loki," Gampu said. "Plenty of them."
"I love it," Loki said, holding his hand out. "Thank you, Commander."
"You are very welcome," Gampu shook Loki's hand. "By the time I am done with you, you will be a very wise young man."
"More wiser than I am right now?" Loki asked.
"By four years time I will make sure of it," Gampu said. "As your teacher."
"I look forward to that," Loki grew a big smile.
"You will dislike it," Gampu warned. "Children find this very boring."
"If I get bored doing nothing then that's the cost of learning," Loki said. "But if I am learning then how can I get bored?"
"You will see what I mean," Gampu said, putting his hand on Loki's shoulder. "Perhaps I should have warned you that earlier before the essay."
"I wouldn't have listened to you," Loki said.
"Yes," Gampu said, bemused. "You would have done it. Regardless of my warning. I will see you first thing in the morning."
"Commander?" Gampu stopped in front of the door then turned toward Loki with his brows raised. "Thank you."
Gampu smiled back.
"You are welcome, Loki," Gampu unlinked his hand from behind his back then waved it in front of the panel and walked out of the room.
Loki placed the aquarium into the white stand. From inside of the aquarium was several small trees that stood out from above the layer of water acting as a forest from around the tall rocks that acted as pyramids in a jungle. The small rounded green ball seen within the mess of trees felt like company to the young boy. He was striken with a fact: every two weeks the water must be replaced. The balls must be moved every so often as well to retain their shape. A beep from the door drew Loki's attention from the aquarium toward the door.
"Enter," Loki said.
"Here is your uniform," Tee Gar handed the bundle to the child. "Exactly to your measurements."
"Wow," Loki said, feeling the top of the uniform. "Feels so warm. So soft. Cozy, even!"
"Uniform replicator just made it fresh," Tee Gar said. "Your boot replicator is currently down being modified in over your foot print."
"I will take it," Loki took the clothing.
"Welcome to the academy, Cadet Loki," Tee Gar said, shaking Loki's hand. "I will be your doctor for the next four years."