That Man's Daughter
"Ms. D'Cia," the woman at the admissions booth began, her hazel eyes sharp and assessing. The booth itself was a sleek, minimalist structure of polished chrome and tinted glass, a small holographic logo of the CMA hovering above. A queue of other examinees snaked behind Euri, their faces a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The woman, whose name tag identified her as Counselor Dubois, had a kind smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "There seems to be a… discrepancy regarding your exam assignment."
Euri shifted impatiently, clutching her datapad. "I applied for the pilot program."
"Yes, we're aware," Counselor Dubois said smoothly. "However, taking into consideration your… extracurricular activities, a decision was made to adjust your placement. By the Principal herself, I assure you."
Euri blinked. Extracurricular activities? "I'm sorry?"
A knowing smile played on Counselor Dubois's lips. "Your piloting records in Terra Nova, under the alias 'Euridicia,' are quite impressive, Ms. D'Cia. Even for someone without formal training. Combined with your Journeyman Mechanic's license," she tapped a few keys on her console, a holographic file shimmering into existence above the desk, "the Principal felt a dual-track approach would be most… beneficial." She offered Euri a pointed look. You've been made. it seemed to say.
Euri's jaw dropped. They know about Euridicia? "But… the pilot exam?"
"Consider it waived," Counselor Dubois said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "You've already demonstrated proficiency beyond the entry-level requirements. Principal Sharma believes your talents would be better utilized within the Mechanics department, specifically the L1 Mechanic's Training Program."
Disgruntled, but intrigued, Euri finally exhaled. Sharma. It seemed the Matriarch's words held more weight than she'd initially thought. "Thank you," she managed, before turning and heading towards the guest quarters, already accessing the Academy intranet on her datapad. Time to find out what Principal Sharma had in store for her.
—
Near the holographic fountain, its cascading water shimmering with iridescent light and filling the air with a gentle whoosh, Sophia Sharma sat on a matte black bench beneath the shade of broad, tropical leaves. The scent of jasmine and exotic blossoms hung heavy in the air. She scrolled through a list of names on her HUD, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow. Her golden monkey earrings, small but intricately crafted, swung gently as she tilted her head. Her gaze landed on a familiar name. "So, that man's daughter finally arrives," she murmured, a wry smile playing on her lips. "I suppose a welcoming committee is in order. One can only imagine what sort of… eccentricities she inherited." With a light laugh, she stood and made her way towards the guest quarters, the click of her heels echoing softly on the paved path.
—
In a small, sparsely furnished office elsewhere on campus, Commander Franz Zimmerman sat hunched over his desk, his dark skin contrasting sharply with the stark white walls. A few strands of grey streaked his close-cropped hair. He scowled at the data streaming across his HUD, relayed from the aerial surveillance drones.
12:26 - Space-time distortion detected. Possible unauthorized warp drive utilization within Earth's atmosphere.
Reckless fools, he thought, already reaching for his comm. Who would risk—
12:33 - Multiple space-time distortions detected. Seven instances. Trajectory analysis indicates miniature jump sequence.
Seven? Zimmerman's blood ran cold. This was no joyride. His fingers hovered over the contact icon for Captain Sanchez when his comm unit chirped, the incoming call notification flashing:
INCOMING: CAPT. SANCHEZ.
"Commander Zimmerman," Captain Sanchez's holographic image snapped to attention, his face grim. "We have multiple confirmed unauthorized hyperspace jumps within restricted airspace. Tracking protocols initiated."
"Report, Captain," Zimmerman barked, his voice sharp.
"First instance originated from a registered examinee, sir. Subsequent jumps appear to be pursuers. Requesting authorization to engage, Commander." Sanchez's eyes glinted with barely suppressed eagerness.
"Belay that, Captain. I want a full profile on that examinee. And dispatch a cadet escort. Discretion is paramount. For now, observe and contain. Apprehend any hostiles attempting pursuit and bring them in for questioning. That's all, Captain." Zimmerman cut the connection. Seconds later, the examinee's file materialized on his HUD.
[Examinee 673066531328 - Euri D'Cia.]
Age: 20.
Registered Exam: Mechanical Engineering.
Qualifications: Special Recognition of Piloting Abilities. Piloting Examination waived. Special Recognition of Mechanics Abilities. Placed into Special Exam of L1 Mechanic's Training Program…
D'Cia. Zimmerman's jaw clenched. That damned Alfius's daughter. May he rot in the deepest circle of Tartarus. Alfius… the brilliant engineer, the charismatic rogue, the man who had stolen the heart of the woman Zimmerman himself had desired for years. Now, his daughter stood before him, a ghost of a man he both loathed and envied. A slow smile spread across Zimmerman's face, a glint of determination in his eyes. If I couldn't have her mother… perhaps I can mold his daughter into something even he could never have imagined.