"Let's go, Rudforest."
The officer that stood by the classroom door was not one Jim recognized. He didn't miss the full space ranger uniform, nor the standard issue blaster on the ranger's hip. That in addition to the laser that came standard with the uniform.
Jim's heart dropped into his stomach. He'd thought they'd have time for a quick goodbye. But class was barely out and they were already here. 628 was coming from halfway across the school, would he even get a chance to say goodbye?
Matt worked his way out of the stilled crowds. "Jim?"
Jim didn't answer, just gesturing at the ranger standing in the doorway.
Matt immediately brightened up. "Burnside!"
"Burnside?" Jim could only stare at his friend in confusion.
"Matthew!" The ranger immediately turned around, a bright smile across his face. "Good to see you! It has been a while, hasn't it?"
"A couple years, yeah. Thank you for coming." Mathew clasped hands with the man. They pulled each other in, pounding one another on the back twice before stepping away.
"Don't worry, young man. We'll take care of your friend." Burnside promised. He reached over to ruffle Matt's hair. Matt pulled a face and swatted away his hands, though not hard enough that Burnside might think he meant it.
"All good, Matty?" Braxton asked as he finally joined them at the door.
"Yeah." Matt smiled. "We're good."
Braxton nodded and clasped hands with Burnside. "Good to see you again, man."
"I'm sorry. How do you both know him?" Jim was beginning to feel very left out.
"Sorry Jim," Matthew finally turned to include his friend. "This is Justin Burnside. He was a trainee the first time I met him. The next time we met, he recruited me into the forces. He met Braxton because he requested to be the one to drop me off at the academy. They've kept in touch since."
"I see. Well, um…"
"Couldn't ask for a better man to escort me off the planet!" Braxton declared happily. "Alright you lazy lumps. Go get some dinner. I'll write to you once I'm settled on Matt's home!"
Matt hugged Braxton tightly. Braxton's expression softened. He squeezed his friend in, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"I'll be okay, Matt. I promise. I always get through things. My path is just taking a different course now, that's all. But we'll still do all the things we said we would. I promise. Go on then. Jim is going to need you."
Matt reluctantly drew away.
Braxton turned and extended a hand towards Jim. They clasped hands, pulling each other in for a brief hug. Jim stepped back with a stiff upper lip. He wasn't about to let anyone see him cry. Matt held back his tears as he watched Burnside escort Braxton down the hall.
Jim shoved his hands in his pockets. "I guess all that's left to do is to wait for a verdict."
"Sy suggested I write to him."
"What?"
Matt didn't seem to hear Jim's answer. Wasn't even acting as if he remembered Jim was there. Just staring after Braxton. "He said it might help. Call in a favor. Anyone who could put in a good word. Burnside was the only one I could think of. What if it's not enough? What if I didn't do enough? What if I lose him?"
Jim slowly wrapped his arm over Matt's shoulder, squeezing him gently. "Hey. Matt. It'll be okay. I promise. C'mon. Nothing we can do now. Let's just go eat."
Slowly, reluctantly, Matt let Jim guide him the opposite direction down the hall.