I won't lie, I asked myself if this chapter was done.

Scarlet Fever: Part Eight

Andromeda Academy - Luna

While on break from his placement in the American Republic, Jacin decided to take a trip home since his parents remained behind to handle the immense repairs following the earthquake. For the most part, the debris has been cleaned up and in industrial waste bins in the parking lot. The bare bones of the school were fixed and some interior choices were changed. Might as well have seized the opportunity to refurbish the old place.

The new tiling does brighten up the place. His mother must've had a say— or all the say— in the matter.

Jacin has never seen this school so empty before. He's used to seeing his fellow cadets waking to their next class or training, recruiters from their ally teams, and visiting generals getting a glimpse of the future forces. Now it's just him walking through the halls and the occasional construction or maintenance worker. Sometimes, he would receive a salute from one of them as if he was of that rank yet. Jacin would nod respectively and smile a little.

The new tiling was a little slippery every other step and there were some new plants in corners, so he's impressed.

Jacin walks into the mailroom and the secretary hands him an envelope. Usually, he would use a key and a cubby to retrieve his mail, but the repairs haven't made it to this sector yet. It's not a priority compared to the main office and their dorms.

"Thank you," Jacin tells her as he heads out.

That's when he realizes it's a letter from the University of Artemisia. His body freezes upon seeing their dark blue and purple emblem. He can't read anymore. He doesn't want to know what the letter says … but he does.

Jacin knows that he's a shoo-in for any program that he could link with the military co-op. Everyone knows that. Even if he wasn't a military kid, he has the grades and the training to be accepted in a heartbeat.

But there's always lingering doubt. The what if…?

Iko accepted an offer combining military technological studies with fashion design while Kinney went into a military history program with the opportunity to specialize in a certain field later in his university career; both with the military co-op. They got their offer letters a few days ago with many other cadets once they returned from their displacements following the earthquake.

Jacin knew his letter would be coming later because, aside from applying to biomedical studies, he applied to a pre-medical program with the military co-op. It was a chance to be a military doctor instead of an active soldier.

Jacin keeps the envelope closed as he heads back to his dorm. His heart races in tune with his quick steps until he closes his bedroom door behind him.

Then he doesn't know what to do. Should he be standing? Sitting at his desk or on his bed? Should he call Winter although it's dawn where she is?

Aces, get it over with. Jacin tears over the envelope. Even if he doesn't get what he wants, he'll have something he can use to re-strategize something. His father would be so proud of him for using some military tactics just now.

Jacin pulls out the folded letter.

"Cadet Jacin Clay, we are pleased to inform you of your-"

Jacin's eyes dart to the bottom of the letter where he sees a table with the two programs he applied for, both biomedical and pre-med have acceptances with the military co-op.

Jacin lowers the letter and sits at his desk. He opens his laptop and pulls up the University of Artemisia's online application portal. He checks his admission status and sees the same table on his screen with the two acceptances.

Two.

He has 30 days from the date of the letter to accept either offer.

Jacin glances at the letter. 28 days left.

Jacin doesn't hesitate to accept the pre-med offer, but he pauses before closing his laptop.

It's all set in stone now.

He'll study and practise pre-medicine in the military. Aces, he'll be in the military. Aces, he'll be a military doctor. Despite being in a military life since he could basically walk, the slap in the face is different now. A militaristic post-secondary program is different than school. Nobody in Andromeda Academy feels like they're in the military until they are officially recruited. Although the earthquake wasn't planned, he and his fellow cadets got impromptu placements abroad which is a trait in these programs.

He thought the acceptance would hit more, but he hasn't processed it.

Jacin changes into a sweatshirt and jeans, putting the letter in his back pocket. He leaves his dorm and heads back to the main building of the school, walking into his father's office since the door is already open. Jacin sees the family pictures and medals decorating the walls. He can't help but wonder if his father would still be serving overseas if he wasn't injured decades ago and took over as the dean of his alma mater.

"Jacin, come in," his father says. "What brings you here?"

"I got in," Jacin responds, showing his father the letter.

"University of Artemisia?" Commander Clay says, taking out his glasses before opening the letter.

"Yup. Both programs."

His father smiles as he stands up. He circles his desk and hugs Jacin tightly, clapping his back.

"Jacin, that's amazing. I'm so proud. So, you need to talk about them or-?"

"Pre-med."

"I guessed you'd go with that one."

"I already accepted it online and said no to the other one. It's official."

"Let's go out for dinner. We'll celebrate with your mother. And for Iko and Kinney's acceptances as well."

-o-

Jacin heads to the student courtyard where he sees Iko and Kinney hanging outside. It was heartwarming to see the school fill back up with cadets, casually playing sports outside or simply chatting. Nobody's in uniform since the return to Andromeda hasn't officially started, so it's different but calming.

Just like him, they couldn't wait to be back.

Iko and Kinney sit on a bench together and wave him over once they see him.

"Got dinner plans?" Jacin asks them.

"No," Kinney responds.

"I was gonna make another garbage bowl," Iko responds. "I have old tacos in my mini fridge … or not cause I think those were in there before the earthquake. It's pretty impressive they survived the disaster to become a new one."

"Gross. Throw those in an actual garbage."

"My parents are taking me out for dinner and now we're going with them and their money," Jacin tells them.

"Nice," Kinney says excitedly.

"Very nice," Iko adds with a clap. "What's the occasion?"

"We're all going to The University of Artemisia," Jacin announces.

Iko and Kinney pause and process the news before Iko squeals and hugs Jacin and Kinney nudges him excitedly.

"Pre-med for the military," Jacin tells them.

"Spades, man, we're gonna have a Doctor!" Kinney exclaims.

Okay, so the weekly (ish) updates will end for now. I still have to write the final two chapters for this arc. I'll be back when both of them are done!