Stone entered the academy from the partially restored docking bay but the first person that he was greeted by was Gampu.
"Commander," Gampu said. "I am pleased to inform you that you will be handing out the diplomas."
"No, you're not pleased," Stone said.
"I am," Gampu said. "I am officially not on the command roster."
"Do they know?" Stone asked.
"Not at all," Gampu said, shaking his hand. "If I told them, and only them, nothing would have changed in how they handled the situation." he lowered his hand on to the arm rest. "You are now a full fledged Commander."
Gampu handed a padd to Stone that felt heavier in the man's hands than it did normally.
"You are going to stay?" Stone asked, looking down toward the man.
"No," Gampu shook his head. "I am not."
"What do I tell them?" Stone asked.
"That you're filing in for me upon my request," Gampu said. "I am taking a ride with my dear friend Marcia Giddings to Planetary Command."
"With me!" Peepo's voice came from behind. "If you're leaving the academy then so am I!"
"You are a vacuum toy when it comes to another ship, dear old friend," Gampu said, looking over toward his right where the manu-droid came to a stop beside him. "They need you for the academy."
"I sent my resignation immediately after you did," Peepo said, his child voice replaced by the more adult and familiar deep voice. "As your brother says, humans rely too much on machines. It's about time they take control."
"Ah, Robot," Stone said. "You have aged very well."
"Affirmative," Peepo said. "How was the battle?"
"It went just the way I wanted it," Stone said.
"Peepo," Gampu said. "there are lots of parts here that Marcia's ship may not have."
"I have everything that I need," Peepo said.
"Except your original shell," Stone said. "whatever happened to it?"
"That is a story for another time," Gampu said. "I got him out before losing him forever."
"I really wish I could have brought Dragos to justice," Stone said, shaking his head. "This victory doesn't feel as right."
"Speaking of victories," Gampu said, then handed a device to Stone. "I came across a fellow who insisted from behind bars on the Galarian system that he was Dragos and his friend Baktok were being held captive. Recently got out of stasis as it turned out. Requested for me, specifically, and was very well aged than how you last saw him. This call will set them free but into your custody."
Stone's eyes looked down toward Gampu.
"How long have you known?" Stone asked.
"After the twins came into my life," Gampu said. "You may be angry as you like but it stopped Dragos for good."
Stone looked down toward the device then back toward Gampu.
"You will never be able to serve again," Stone said. "Not as a teacher."
"I know," Gampu said.
"What are you going to do after this?" Stone asked.
"We still have a lot of learning to do out there," Gampu said.
"A lot," Peepo added.
"It could turn out differently than what we all expect," Gampu said. "I could be exiled for twenty-six years from the academy and from serving in the federation," he had a small smile. "Lenient. If they are ready to forgive sabotage."
"Maybe," Stone said. "That would be a miracle."
"Something I don't count on happening," Gampu said. "But this happened." he twirled his finger in a circle then leaned back into the chair. "Who knows what is next out there?" he had a shrug at the question. "It could be kind being out there again for me and him."
"Kind is a stretch," Peepo added, earning delighted laughter from the older man who patted on the manu-droid's head then looked up toward the acting commander.
"Goodbye, Commander Stone," Gampu said.
"Goodbye, Commander Gampu," Stone said, reaching his hand out.
Gampu reached his hand out then grasped on to the man's hand and shook it.
"And good luck," Gampu said.
Stone let go of the man's hand then walked on past them.
"We did good," Peepo said, as Gampu wheeled over to the doorway.
"A lot of good," Gampu said, waving his hand in front of the console. "Let's hope that the officers won't get drawn in to my court martial."
"You know Christopher Gentry will!" Peepo said.
"That is what I am concerned about," Gampu said, as the door opened then looked on with a smile toward the small seeker that was sleeker and more agile held on by a docking ramp. A woman with graying hair came out then leaned against it looking on expectantly toward Gampu. "Oh, Marcia."
Gampu's commander demeanor was swept away exiting the corridor then Peepo looked around.
"Goodbye, Jason," Peepo said, then floated off into the docking bay. "Wait for me!"
The door closed behind Peepo.