Chapter 31 - A bigger unknown

Ring.

After the bell rang, all the students could see Professor Lundström slipping out, having just let slip a small blunder. The classroom dissolved into a confused murmur as the cadets gathered their things. Alex, Ivan, and Robert lingered near their desks, exchanging glances.

"What was that?" Alex said, frowning as he tucked his tablet away. "The professor bolted like a ghost was chasing him."

Ivan crossed his arms, letting out a dry chuckle."He probably realized he messed up. Did you hear what he said about the lunar base? It sounded like it's already up and running."

Suddenly, Robert sidled up with a mischievous grin, jumping into the conversation."What if it's true? Maybe they're hiding a secret base on the Moon! Or he just wanted to impress us with a bad joke and chickened out."

"Tch, pig, have you finally stopped sleeping?" Ivan clicked his tongue at Robert with a crooked smile, while Robert flashed an awkward grin back.

"Hey, hey! I sleep just enough, thank you," Robert shot back, scratching the back of his neck. "Besides, not all of us can have your natural charm, Ivan."

Alex shook his head, holding back a smile, and turned to Amira, who was organizing her things a few steps away."Hey, Amira, do you know what class is next?"

Before she could reply, Robert raised a hand, seizing the chance to dodge the awkward moment."Wait, wait, speaking of classes... Did I tell you guys how great I did in yesterday's tests? I almost led the simulation, you know!"

Ivan raised an eyebrow, his tone sharp as ever."Almost doesn't count, pig."

Just then, the classroom door burst open. Captain García strode in with a firm step, her impeccable uniform and piercing gaze silencing the room instantly.

All the cadets, including Alex, Ivan, and Robert, snapped to attention, hands shooting to their foreheads."Salute, cadets!" she barked, her voice slicing through the air."Ma'am, yes, ma'am!" they replied in unison, the echo bouncing off the walls.

Captain García nodded with satisfaction, spotting a glimmer of hope in this group of kids."Good. It seems you've learned something from our instruction," she said, gesturing toward Lieutenant Leonardo, who stood at the entrance.

Lieutenant Leonardo stepped into the room, saluting the Captain with a crisp military gesture, which she returned with equal precision.

The cadets saluted the Lieutenant in sync. He studied them for a moment before speaking, his voice firm yet deliberate."Cadets," he said, projecting his words, "what I'm about to tell you is confidential. The lunar academy isn't just a plan; it's operational. But this information stays within these walls, understood?"

He paused, letting the words sink in.

Some cadets exchanged uneasy glances. Alex kept his eyes forward, while Amira furrowed her brow slightly.

"To prevent leaks," the Lieutenant went on, "all communications with your families will be reviewed by the instructors. Letters, messages—everything."

A murmur rippled through the group. Robert let out a low huff, and Ivan muttered something under his breath, annoyed. Amira crossed her arms, visibly displeased.

"Silence!" thundered Sergeant Petrov's voice from the back, sharp as a whip.

The cadets straightened instantly, though the tension lingered.

The Lieutenant raised a hand, easing the atmosphere."It's for your safety and the Confederation's," he added, looking at them sternly.

"We trust you."Lieutenant Leonardo continued, clasping his hands behind his back.

"The lunar academy is a strategic target, and any leak could jeopardize not only the project but your lives and those of your comrades."

Alex swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the Lieutenant's words. Ivan clenched his fists, clearly irked but silent. Robert seemed to hold back a sarcastic quip, knowing it wasn't the time.

"We rely on your discipline and loyalty," the Lieutenant said, locking eyes with each cadet. "You're here because you're the best. Don't let the Confederation down."

With that, he gave a small nod to Captain García, who returned it with approval."Cadets, dismissed," she ordered firmly.The cadets lowered their hands and relaxed slightly, though the air remained heavy.

As they gathered their things, Alex approached Ivan and Robert, picking up their interrupted chat."This is getting more serious by the minute," Alex murmured, sliding his tablet into his bag.

Ivan snorted, crossing his arms."Of course, now they'll even check what we write home. What's next? Implants to read our minds?"

Robert, ever the joker, chuckled."Hey, if they implant chips, at least make them give us superpowers, right?"

Amira, who had joined the group, shook her head, though a faint smile slipped out.

"I'm not sure if I should worry more about chips or the fact my mom can't complain about my letters without someone reading them first," she said with a sarcastic edge.But even the jokes couldn't fully lift the tension.

As they headed out of the classroom, Alex paused, realizing he'd left a question hanging. He turned back to Amira, who was adjusting her backpack strap.

"Hey, Amira," he said, scratching his neck awkwardly, "I asked you earlier what class was next, but with all this, it slipped my mind."

Amira blinked at him, then smiled faintly."No worries, Alex. It's 'Technological History of the Confederation' with Professor Karasov. I think he's talking about the advancements that got us to the Moon today."

Ivan let out a low groan.

"Great, more tales about how the Confederation's the best thing ever," he muttered, though a hint of curiosity crept into his voice.

Robert perked up instantly, rubbing his hands together."Hey, that sounds cool! Maybe he'll spill how they built that base without anyone noticing… or how they're shipping us up there!"

Amira shook her head, letting out a soft laugh.

"Don't get too excited, Robert. Knowing Karasov, he'll spend half the class droning on about propulsion engines or something just as dull."

Alex nodded, lost in thought as they walked down the hall.

The idea of a class on the tech that made lunar colonization possible intrigued him more than he'd admit. Maybe, buried in Professor Karasov's lecture, they'd catch a hint about what Lundström had accidentally let slip.

For now, though, the Lieutenant's warning hung over them, a stark reminder that their path to the Moon was closer—and more real—than they'd imagined.