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“Perfection,” I said, and as the horn blasted again, I held my hand out. “You ready to graduate at the head of the class?”
Solo laced his fingers through mine. “Damn right. Let’s do it.”
IT WAS STRANGE… I’d always expected this day, the day I proved my worth to everyone, to be the best day of my life. Instead, the ceremony had passed in a bit of a blur as I thought about what would come next.
The graduation itself was held outside on the tarmac under the glaring summer sun, a makeshift stage in the center with several jets stationed behind it. Speeches were made by our commanding officers, as well as the head of NAFTA, and then Solo and I had been presented with our awards. We each received the Elite trophy, and the plaque that had been updated with our names would be seen by all who entered NAFTA.
As proud as I felt to have made it through and come out on top with Solo beside me, the magnitude of what I’d accomplished no longer felt all-important. It felt good, don’t get me wrong, but even if I hadn’t won, I couldn’t say I’d feel any different than I did standing on the stage to the wild applause of my family and fellow trainees. Though seeing my father actually smile was definitely one of the highlights.
“Christ, it’s a scorcher,” Solo said under his breath as he pulled at his collar. “Who thought long-sleeved uniforms in the middle of summer was a good fuckin’ idea?”
“I think it’s almost over.” I nodded toward Commander Levy, who had taken over the microphone and seemed to be wrapping it up. Sure enough, a couple of minutes later, he said, “Congratulations, ladies and gentlemen,” and several confetti cannons boomed, coating the crowd with the colored paper. On such a hot day I wasn’t sure sweat and confetti was the best combination, but hey, it looked festive, and today was all about celebration, after all.
“Finally,” Solo said, jumping to his feet. “The drinks and AC are calling.”
Trophy in hand, I followed him through the crowd, which was quickly migrating to the auditorium for the reception, clearly as in jeopardy of heat stroke as we were.
Once we were inside…sweet relief. I wiped the sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand and entered the room with Solo, only to stop in my tracks at the visual in front of us. The auditorium wasn’t just decorated for the occasion, oh no. There were so many balloons and streamers and photo background opportunities that it would suffice for any child’s birthday party.
“Is there a petting zoo too?” Solo said.
“I’m scared to find out. Come on.” I nudged his elbow. “Time for those drinks.”
But we didn’t manage to get even two feet away before someone behind us called our names. I turned to see what Commander Levy wanted, but all I could focus on were the envelopes in his hand.
38 Solo
I KNEW EXACTLY what was coming when Levy stopped us from our much-needed trip for alcohol, and the envelopes he carried only proved it.
He was about to give us our next missions. The time I’d carved out here with Panther had already come to an end, and once we opened those envelopes, everything would change.
“Gentlemen,” he said, holding out his hands. “Congratulations on being top of the class. How does it feel?”
“Well deserved,” I said at the same time Panther replied, “Incredible.”
Commander Levy shook his head and tried to hold back a smile, but I knew he’d miss my antics when I was gone. I mean, who wouldn’t?
“Well, no one can say you lack confidence, Solo, that’s for sure.”
“I’m pretty sure no one’s said that since the first hop, sir.” The one where the massive rendition of my cock and balls were on display for everyone in the city to see.
He let out a long sigh. “I see you’re going to make me regret this.”
“Regret what, sir?”
Commander Levy tapped the envelopes in his palm as he looked between the two of us. “As you know, the Elite is not just a training program for the best of the best. It also opens up job opportunities for those who do well, and you two weren’t just top of the class, you’re also two of the most talented pilots we’ve seen come through here. I don’t say that lightly or to blow up your ego”—he directed that toward me—“but to let you know that you have options, should you wish to consider them.”
“Options?” Panther said. “Like the ability to choose our missions? Or destinations?”
“It’s a little more than that.”
Panther and I looked at each other, the confused expression on his face matching the way I felt.
“Uh… I’m afraid I don’t understand,” Panther finally said for the both of us.
After we set our trophies down on the ground by our feet, Commander Levy handed me three envelopes and then gave three to Panther. “Based on your strengths, we’ve been in communication with those who could offer you a different path in your career. It’s up to you to decide what that may be.”
