18th Period: Universe History Class

While on our way to the cafeteria, I was greeted by Alyson and Athena of the Rosewood House. She approached the table with a single military personnel by her side. She bore the Athens House Crest on her right arm. When Athena noticed me she turned around quickly as she tried to walk away from me. 

"Athena it's me Henry, please don't leave me again," I said in a low whisper. 

The tension in the cafeteria was palpable as Athena's figure receded into the distance. I rose from my seat, my heart pounding in my chest. 

"Athena," I called out again, louder this time. 

I could feel the eyes of the entire mess hall on me, but I didn't care. I needed her to know. 

"I still have feelings for you and I always will!" I called out and yet again she ignored me. 

Suddenly, her bodyguard stepped in between us, her stern gaze icy beneath the harsh fluorescent lights. 

"That's enough!" she warned, her hand instinctively moving to her side. 

"She doesn't need your problems. She has enough to worry about on her own already without you adding to it!" Her voice echoed off the metallic walls, a cold reminder of the rigid regulations and emotional walls that separated us. 

A hush fell over the cafeteria. The clatter of trays and silverware ceased as students and faculty members alike ceased their conversations to cast curious, sympathetic, or disdainful glances our way. My throat constricted, and my hands clenched into fists. 

"I don't want to cause any problems for Athena," I stammered out, looking past the bodyguard to where Athena stood. 

"I just... I need to talk to her," I replied. 

Her bodyguard's eyes softened ever so slightly, but she didn't leave Athena's side. Athena, however, hesitated. She turned, her face shadowed and unreadable. Her eyes met mine in the harsh light of the cafeteria. There was a sadness in her gaze, a resignation that hit me square in the chest. 

"You've made your feelings clear, Henry!" the bodyguard said, breaking the silence, "Now, sit down before you cause more of a scene!" 

Reluctantly, I complied, sinking back into my seat. The noise in the cafeteria slowly resumed, the brief drama forgotten by most. But I couldn't forget. I wouldn't forget. Athena's gaze haunted me, a beacon in the cold, sterile environment of the university. While I set them, Alyson returned to the table to keep me company. 

Alyson and I enjoyed each other's company for a while before leaving for class as we ate, and when 12:50 pm came around, I left for class. When I got to the classroom I noticed today's assignment posted on the whiteboard. 

"Alright class, take your seat, In the first section we will be covering the StarShips, which was one of our greatest accomplishments. It was the Mantilla who brought us the Mantillan Gates, a device which would allow us to travel great distances in the blink of the eye. The next topic we will be discussing is the five major planets within the alliance. Now everyone I need you to get out your electronic textbook and open the app for Universe History. Turn to chapter 1, and begin reading silently to yourself," said Professor Harmonica as she passed out our class assignment for today. 

I read the article quietly which read, "The development of StarShips over the past 300 years has been a journey of technological triumph and audacious vision. In the beginning, our vessels were rudimentary in design, barely capable of breaching the atmosphere. However, they became the stepping stones to the cosmos, a testament to the indomitable spirit of Mithreans." 

"The initial century focused on propulsion systems, striving to reach beyond the gravitational pull of our home planet. We challenged the very laws of physics, developing engines capable of faster-than-light travel, a concept which was heretofore the realm of science fiction." 

"The second century was defined by advancements in navigation and communication systems. The vast expanse of the cosmos was no longer a labyrinth of stars, but a charted map for our Starz Captains. Improved long-range communications ensured that no StarShip was ever truly alone in the cold depth of space, fostering a sense of unity even in the farthest reaches of the galaxy." 

"The final century saw the integration of advanced defense and tactical systems. This era solidified our role as the military backbone of The Saints of Scholastica alliance. Our StarShips, spearheaded by the Black Reaper under the command of Triston of the Darkhawk House, became the embodiment of both exploration and protection, securing peace and knowledge throughout the known galaxy." 

"The evolution of StarShips over these three centuries is a testament to our resilience and determination. As we continue to explore the vast cosmos, our StarShips serve as a beacon of our technological prowess and fearless spirit. May the power of our vessels bring us ever further, and may we never forget from whence we began." 

"Our mission as the military back bone of The Saints of Scholastica as our future becomes brighter than ever! Let us continue pushing the boundaries of space exploration together as we search for the secrets of the unknown. There are many mysteries out there to be unlocked and it is up to us to answer them! Let us embrace our destiny and discover these wonders with open arms, exploring new frontiers and unlocking the potential of our StarShips." 

"There's no limit to what we can achieve with our StarShips. From hyperdrive engines to advanced weapons systems, shields and more - the future of space exploration is ours for the taking! Let us continue reaching for the stars and writing a new chapter in galactic history together." 

Soon after I found myself caught in another daydream while I waited for class to end. Suddenly, something appeared on the radar of the Black Reaper, an intergalactic starship. Triston's seasoned eyes narrowed as he surveyed the unexpected anomaly. 

"What's that?" he asked, his voice echoing through the StarShip's command center. 

His crew, a group of dedicated engineers, navigators, and scientists, scrambled to decipher the readings. 

"Unknown entity approaching rapidly, Captain," reported Lieutenant Zara, her fingers dancing over the touch-sensitive console. 

"It's not matching any known StarShip or celestial body in our database captain," replied Athena, my seasoned navigator. 

The mysterious blip drew closer, its trajectory unwavering. The crew held their collective breath, a mix of trepidation and excitement filling the air. Unchartered territories and unknown entities were not new to them, but every encounter brought with it a fresh wave of anticipation. 

"Prepare for possible contact," I ordered, my gaze still fixed on the radar, "And brace for impact." 

The command center buzzed with heightened activity as preparations were made. As explorers and protectors, the unknown was their call to arms. Our StarShips, a token of Mithrean technological prowess, were ready to face whatever lay ahead. Every new encounter, every new discovery was a step forward in our mission - to explore, to understand, and to safeguard the vast cosmos. 

Suddenly, the sound of the university bell jarred me back to Mithraeum and the daydream soon evaporated. Then I found myself back in Garcinia Institute, surrounded by the familiar buzz of classmates swapping notes. The celestial battles and cosmic mysteries of my daydream felt like they were galaxies away. But as I packed up my Devilan Notebook and looked out at the twin stars through the window, a small smile played on my lips. Who knew? Maybe one day, will indeed reach out to the distant corners of the cosmos. For now, though, the mysteries of the universe would have to wait until the day I could see them with Athena standing faithfully by my side.