Morning arrived quietly over the Academy.
Sunlight spilled across the stone walkways as first-year cadets slowly returned to their routines.
The laughter from yesterday hadn't completely disappeared.
Everywhere Gamma Squad walked...
Someone recognized them.
A pair of second-years saluted David as they passed.
A group of first-years stepped aside.
One excited cadet whispered,
"...That's the Champion."
David rubbed the back of his neck.
"...I'm never getting used to this."
June walked beside him carrying one of the stuffed animals he'd won from the arcade.
"...Personally..."
"...I'm enjoying every second."
Lucian glanced sideways.
"You're carrying a dragon to morning assembly."
"It boosts morale."
"It boosts embarrassment."
"It boosts both."
Nyra laughed.
"I still can't believe you talked the attendant into giving you that."
"I negotiated."
"You annoyed him."
"Negotiation."
Mira smiled.
"I think he simply wanted you to leave."
"He respected persistence."
Castiel quietly adjusted the strap of his academy bag.
"There is statistical evidence supporting Mira's explanation."
June sighed dramatically.
"...You people make optimism very difficult."
David smiled.
"...Yet you keep trying."
"I do."
"And one day..."
"You'll all thank me."
Lucian answered immediately.
"...Unlikely."
Everyone laughed.
For just a little while...
It felt like yesterday had never ended.
They entered the main administration building.
Cadets moved in every direction.
Some collected schedules.
Others filed mission reports.
Several instructors hurried past carrying stacks of documents.
Near the center of the lobby...
A large sign read:
ACADEMY MAIL OFFICE
June stopped.
"...Mail?"
Nyra smiled.
"I forgot."
"Our families usually write after the tournament."
David looked surprised.
"...Really?"
Mira nodded.
"It takes a few days for letters to arrive."
June grinned.
"...Maybe my parents finally admit I'm their favorite."
Lucian looked at him.
"...You're an only child."
"I know."
"I'm still waiting for confirmation."
They stepped inside.
Behind the long wooden counter...
An elderly Academy clerk looked up from her ledger.
She smiled immediately.
"...Gamma Squad."
David nodded politely.
"Good morning."
The woman closed the ledger.
"Oh, I've been waiting for all of you."
June leaned toward David.
"...That sounds important."
The clerk disappeared through a doorway into the storage room.
Silence settled over the group.
Then...
A loud rattling sound echoed from the back.
June frowned.
"...Should we be concerned?"
The sound grew louder.
Wheels.
Wood scraping across stone.
The clerk reappeared...
Pushing a large mail cart.
Completely covered in envelopes.
Packages.
Scroll tubes.
Official document cases.
She parked it in front of them with a satisfied smile.
"There we are."
Silence.
David blinked.
"...Is..."
"...Is all of that for us?"
She checked her ledger.
"...Mostly."
June slowly looked at the mountain of mail.
Then at David.
Then back again.
"...Boss..."
"...What did you do?"
Lucian answered before David could.
"...He defeated Kael Starwyn."
June nodded thoughtfully.
"...Right."
"...That'll do it."
The clerk began sorting through the stacks.
"Cadet Mira Solen."
A modest pile.
"Cadet June Kade."
A slightly larger one.
"Cadet Nyra Valecrest."
Several elegant envelopes.
"Cadet Lucian Bloodthrone."
Heavy black envelopes bearing crimson wax.
"Cadet Castiel Nightvale."
Nearly as many as Lucian.
Then...
The clerk reached toward the largest stack.
She lifted it with both hands.
"Cadet David Wyn."
The pile landed on the counter with a noticeable thud.
Everyone stared.
David looked genuinely alarmed.
"...Those are mine?"
The clerk smiled.
"They've been arriving since yesterday morning."
June slowly circled the stack.
"..."
"...I think..."
"...You've accidentally become famous."
David laughed awkwardly.
"...This seems excessive."
Lucian looked at the seals.
"...No."
"It seems expected."
David carefully picked up the top envelope.
Then another.
Then another.
His expression slowly changed.
"...These are..."
Each envelope carried an embossed family crest.
Deep blue wax.
Silver wax.
Emerald wax.
Black wax.
June leaned over his shoulder.
"...Who's writing to you?"
David quietly began reading the seals aloud.
"House Nightvale..."
"House Bloodthrone..."
"House Ashenford..."
"House Stormrath..."
"House Duskryn..."
"House Ignivar..."
"House Icewind..."
"House Ferronax..."
"House Solaryn..."
"House Sylvryn..."
"House Veydris..."
"House Tidalith..."
Silence settled across the room.
June slowly counted them.
"...One..."
"...Two..."
"..."
"...Eleven."
Lucian folded his arms.
"...Every Great Family."
David looked through the stack again.
His brow furrowed.
"...No..."
"...Not every one."
Everyone immediately understood.
House Starwyn.
There wasn't a single envelope bearing the silver star crest.
June scratched his head.
"...That's strange."
"They're the only ones who didn't write."
David looked quietly at the remaining letters.
"...Maybe they're still angry."
Lucian shook his head.
"...No."
David looked toward him.
Lucian's eyes drifted toward David's uniform.
Specifically...
The inside pocket.
"The other Houses sent letters."
A small smile crossed his face.
"...House Starwyn sent its Lord."
David instinctively touched the inside of his jacket.
He felt the familiar shape of the silver contact card.
The one Cosmic Lord Kael Starwyn had personally placed in his hand.
His smile slowly returned.
"...You're right."
June looked between the two of them.
Then nodded.
"...Actually..."
"...That's much more impressive."
David returned the silver contact card safely to his pocket.
Then he looked toward the remaining envelopes.
Not every seal belonged to one of the Twelve Great Families.
Several represented powerful former Houses, military organizations, government divisions, and civilian expedition companies.
June reached toward one of the heavy black envelopes.
The crimson crest pressed into its wax was unmistakable.
"...Bloodthrone."
Lucian glanced toward it.
David looked at him.
"I thought House Bloodthrone wasn't one of the Twelve anymore."
"It isn't," Lucian answered.
"But we're still one of the Great Houses."
June carefully placed the envelope on top of David's stack.
"So..."
"The current Great Families want him."
"The former Great Families want him."
"The military wants him."
"The government probably wants him."
He looked at David.
"...At this rate, the restaurants are going to start recruiting you."
David laughed.
"I think you're exaggerating."
The mail clerk quietly placed another envelope on the counter.
Unlike the others, it carried no family crest.
Instead...
A silver military seal had been stamped across its surface.
An immense starship crossed before a distant planet.
Beneath it were the words:
**ASTRALIS FRONTIER**
David stared at the seal.
His smile disappeared.
He knew that insignia.
He had seen it before.
On old equipment stored inside his childhood home.
On expedition photographs his parents had kept hidden in the back of a cabinet.
On the corner of documents David had never been permitted to read.
Nyra noticed the change in his expression.
"...David?"
He carefully lifted the envelope.
A name had been written across the front in firm, precise handwriting.
**Cadet David Wyn**
Beneath it...
**Personal Correspondence**
David broke the seal.
The room grew quieter as he unfolded the letter.
At the bottom of the first page rested a signature.
His breath caught.
"...Commander Hale Varic."
Lucian looked toward him.
"You know him?"
David slowly shook his head.
"...No."
"But..."
He looked back at the Astralis Frontier seal.
"...I know the name."
June leaned closer.
"What's it say?"
David hesitated.
Then began reading aloud.
> **Cadet David Wyn,**
>
> First, allow me to congratulate you on your victory in the Academy Tournament.
>
> I have watched every recorded match available to Astralis Frontier Command.
>
> Your performance was extraordinary.
>
> Not because you won.
>
> But because of how you fought.
>
> You demonstrated patience when others would have rushed.
>
> Restraint when others would have sought glory.
>
> And responsibility when victory was already within your grasp.
>
> Those qualities are rare.
>
> They are also familiar.
David stopped.
The last word seemed to settle heavily over the room.
Nyra watched him carefully.
"...Familiar?"
David continued.
> I served beside your parents.
>
> Dorian Wyn and Lyra Wyn were among the finest people ever to wear the Astralis Frontier insignia.
>
> Your father possessed an instinct for danger that saved more lives than official reports will ever record.
>
> Your mother possessed the rare ability to see hope in places everyone else had already abandoned.
>
> Together...
>
> They made every expedition team stronger.
>
> Not through authority.
>
> Through trust.
David's hands tightened around the letter.
No one interrupted.
Not even June.
> Your father taught those around him how to survive.
>
> Your mother reminded them why survival mattered.
>
> Watching you during the Tournament...
>
> I saw both of them.
>
> Not merely in your appearance.
>
> In your choices.
David's voice grew quieter.
> Astralis Frontier would be honored to welcome you upon your graduation.
>
> I am prepared to reserve a place for you within Frontier Command.
>
> Not because of your parents.
>
> Not because you became Tournament Champion.
>
> But because I believe you possess the same qualities that once made Dorian and Lyra Wyn irreplaceable.
>
> Should you wish to learn more about their service...
>
> Or about the final expedition they undertook...
>
> Contact me directly.
>
> Some truths should come from those who were there.
>
> Until then...
>
> Continue trusting the people beside you.
>
> Your parents always did.
>
> **Commander Hale Varic**
>
> **Astralis Frontier**
Silence filled the mail office.
David stared at the final lines.
The letter trembled faintly between his fingers.
Nyra spoke first.
"...He knew them."
David nodded slowly.
"...Both of them."
For years...
His parents' expedition history had existed only in fragments.
Old photographs.
Locked documents.
Stories that always ended before he could ask the questions that mattered.
Now...
Someone who had actually served beside them had reached out.
Someone who knew what happened.
Someone willing to speak.
June's usual humor remained absent.
"...Are you going to contact him?"
David looked down at Commander Varic's signature.
"I don't know."
Lucian studied him.
"But you want to."
David didn't deny it.
"...Yeah."
Castiel's eyes remained fixed on the letter.
"He offered information about their final expedition."
David nodded.
"He did."
Mira spoke softly.
"That may be more valuable than the position."
David carefully folded the pages.
"...It is."
Nyra rested one hand gently against his arm.
"You don't have to decide today."
David looked toward her.
She smiled.
"Keep the letter."
"When you're ready..."
"...the answer will still be there."
David looked back at the envelope.
Then placed it carefully beside the silver contact card from Cosmic Lord Kael Starwyn.
Two offers.
Two different paths.
One connected to his future.
The other...
To the past his parents had left behind.
Silence lingered around the mail counter.
David carefully folded Commander Hale Varic's letter.
Unlike the others...
He didn't place it back on the pile.
Instead...
He slid it into the inside pocket of his uniform.
Right beside the silver contact card Cosmic Lord Kael Starwyn had given him.
Two pieces of paper.
One connected him to his future.
The other...
To his past.
Nyra smiled softly.
"...I think your parents would be proud."
David looked down at the pocket.
"...I hope so."
Lucian quietly cleared his throat.
The sound drew everyone's attention.
He reached for one of the heavy black envelopes resting neatly on the counter.
The crimson wax seal bore the unmistakable crest of House Bloodthrone.
Crossed blades.
Encircled by a crown.
June leaned closer.
"...That one looks important."
Lucian nodded once.
"...It is."
He carefully broke the seal.
Unlike David...
Lucian didn't smile.
He simply unfolded the parchment with practiced precision.
His eyes moved across the page.
Steady.
Calm.
Only David noticed the almost imperceptible lift at the corner of his mouth.
June immediately noticed that David noticed.
"...Good news?"
Lucian looked up.
Without hesitation...
He handed June the letter.
"You may read it."
June blinked.
"...Really?"
Lucian nodded.
"Gamma Squad has nothing to hide from one another."
June smiled.
"...Thanks."
He cleared his throat dramatically.
Then began reading aloud.
To Lucian Bloodthrone,
Heir to House Bloodthrone,
Your conduct throughout your first year at the Academy has brought great honor to our House.
Reports from instructors, military observers, and independent evaluators speak not only of your strength...
But of your restraint.
Of your judgment.
And of your willingness to place your squad before yourself.
These qualities reflect the ideals upon which House Bloodthrone was founded.
June glanced up briefly.
"...That's a good start."
Lucian folded his arms.
"...Continue."
June nodded.
By unanimous decree of the Bloodthrone War Council...
You are hereby recognized as Commander-Designate of the Bloodthrone Vanguard.
Upon your graduation from the Academy...
Command of the Vanguard shall pass into your hands.
From that day forward...
You will bear responsibility for the military strength of our House.
Continue to grow.
Continue to lead.
Continue to bring honor to the Bloodthrone name.
Your House watches with pride.
Lord Magnus Bloodthrone
The room grew quiet.
June slowly lowered the parchment.
"...Commander."
Lucian nodded.
"...Eventually."
David smiled.
"I honestly can't imagine anyone better suited."
Lucian met his eyes.
"...Thank you."
Nyra smiled warmly.
"Your father must be incredibly proud."
A faint smile crossed Lucian's face.
"...He doesn't often say it."
He gently tapped the letter.
"...But today..."
"...He did."
For just a moment...
The future Lord of House Bloodthrone looked less like an heir...
And more like a son.
June suddenly grinned.
"So..."
"When you're Commander..."
"...Can I still interrupt your meetings?"
Lucian answered without hesitation.
"...You'll probably be the reason I need meetings."
Everyone laughed.
"I'll take that as permission."
"It wasn't."
"It sounded close enough."
Next to Lucian's stack...
Lay another collection of dark envelopes.
Even before anyone reached for them...
The black wax seals gave them away.
House Nightvale.
Castiel quietly gathered them together.
Unlike Lucian's...
His letters came from several different places.
Military Intelligence.
Government ministries.
Strategic Command.
Special Reconnaissance.
June slowly looked from the pile...
To Castiel.
"...Either you're secretly the most dangerous person in this room..."
"...Or everyone thinks you are."
Castiel considered the question.
"...Possibly both."
June blinked.
"...That wasn't reassuring."
Mira laughed softly.
"It really wasn't."
Castiel selected the first envelope.
The seal was unlike the others.
A silver crescent moon surrounded by stars.
The official seal of the Head of House Nightvale.
He carefully opened it.
Read silently.
Then...
Like Lucian...
Offered the letter to June.
"You may read it."
June looked around dramatically.
"...I'm beginning to enjoy this responsibility."
Lucian sighed.
"...Power has gone to his head."
"It got there years ago."
June cleared his throat.
To Castiel Nightvale,
House Nightvale has observed your progress with great satisfaction.
Throughout your first year at the Academy...
You have demonstrated exceptional discipline...
Sound judgment...
Tactical brilliance...
And unwavering loyalty to those entrusted to your command.
By decree of the Night Council...
Upon your graduation from the Academy...
You are hereby appointed Commander-Designate of the Nightvale Covert Operations Division.
Continue sharpening your mind.
Continue serving with honor.
The future of House Nightvale will require leaders capable of seeing what others cannot.
By my authority as Head of House Nightvale,
Scion Lady Seraphine Nightvale
Silence.
June slowly lowered the letter.
"...Covert Operations."
Castiel nodded once.
"...The position I've been preparing for since childhood."
David smiled.
"So your future was already planned."
"...In many ways."
Lucian nodded.
"As was mine."
Nyra looked between them.
"I suppose that's the burden of being born into Houses like yours."
Neither heir argued.
Instead...
They quietly smiled.
Because she understood.
Then Castiel reached for another envelope.
This one bore the seal of the United Planetary Government.
He unfolded it.
Read for only a moment.
Then passed it to David.
David read aloud.
Cadet Castiel Nightvale,
Your aptitude evaluations have placed you among the highest strategic minds of your Academy class.
Upon graduation...
The Directorate of Strategic Intelligence would be honored to offer you a commission within the Intelligence Service of the United Planetary Government.
Positions currently reserved include:
Strategic Intelligence.
Counter-Intelligence.
Human Intelligence.
Special Reconnaissance.
June stared.
"...They offered you four jobs..."
Castiel nodded.
"...Yes."
He reached for another.
Military Intelligence Command.
Another.
Planetary Recon Bureau.
Another.
Deep Space Surveillance.
By the fifth letter...
June simply leaned against the counter.
"...Everyone wants you spying on somebody."
Castiel thought for a second.
"...That is an accurate assessment."
The room erupted into laughter.
Even Lucian chuckled quietly.
David looked at Castiel.
"...What are you going to do?"
Castiel didn't hesitate.
He gathered every government offer into one neat stack.
Then placed the Nightvale letter on top.
"...Exactly what I planned before they arrived."
David smiled.
"...Stay with Gamma Squad?"
Castiel looked around at the five people standing beside him.
His friends.
"...Until graduation..."
"...There is nowhere else I'd rather be."
Lucian answered first.
"...Good."
Nyra smiled.
"We weren't planning on letting you leave."
Mira nodded.
"I think we'd have followed you anyway."
June grinned.
"...Besides..."
"...Who else is going to explain statistics to me?"
Castiel actually laughed.
A quiet...
Genuine laugh.
"...No one."
Everyone smiled.
For a brief moment...
The mail room no longer felt like an Academy office.
It simply felt...
Like Gamma Squad.
For a few moments...
No one reached for another letter.
The mailroom felt strangely quiet.
Not because there were no voices.
But because every envelope seemed to carry another piece of someone's future.
Nyra looked down at her own stack.
Most of the envelopes carried military seals.
Long-range reconnaissance units.
Marksman divisions.
Frontier scouting teams.
Several had already begun offering her future placement after graduation.
June leaned over.
"...Everyone wants a sniper."
Nyra smiled.
"They want someone who can hit what she's aiming at."
June nodded.
"Exactly."
She sorted through the envelopes until her hand stopped.
One letter looked different from the others.
No military seal.
No official crest.
Just her name written across the front in familiar handwriting.
Her expression softened immediately.
"...It's from my dad."
David looked toward her.
Nyra carefully opened the envelope.
As she unfolded the letter...
A small pressed wildflower slipped free.
She caught it before it reached the floor.
Mira smiled.
"...That's beautiful."
Nyra gently held the flower between two fingers.
"He always puts one in."
June tilted his head.
"Every letter?"
She nodded.
"He says every message should carry something worth keeping."
For once...
June didn't joke.
Nyra placed the flower carefully on top of the envelope.
Then began reading.
> **My dearest Nyra,**
>
> By the time this reaches you, the Awards Ceremony will already be over.
>
> First...
>
> I'm sorry.
>
> I promised I would be there.
>
> I believed I could finish my assignment and return in time.
>
> Duty had other plans.
>
> I know you'll tell me not to apologize.
>
> You always do.
>
> But I wish I could have seen you standing on that stage.
Nyra paused.
Her eyes remained on the page.
David watched her expression carefully.
She continued.
> Every report I've received says you fought with courage, patience, and honor.
>
> I watched every recording they transmitted from the Tournament.
>
> More than once.
>
> Probably more times than I should admit.
>
> You looked confident.
>
> Strong.
>
> Certain.
>
> Your mother would have been so proud of you.
Nyra's voice faltered slightly.
Only for a moment.
Then she continued.
> I am proud of the soldier you are becoming.
>
> But even more than that...
>
> I am proud of the woman you have become.
>
> Never allow this world to convince you that kindness is weakness.
>
> Your mother never believed that.
>
> Neither do I.
Silence settled over the mailroom.
Even the clerk behind the counter had stopped working.
Nyra read on.
> I also hear you have found something rare.
>
> Good friends.
>
> A squad that trusts one another.
>
> Protect that.
>
> Victories fade.
>
> Rankings change.
>
> Titles pass from one person to another.
>
> But people who stand beside you when things become difficult...
>
> Those are worth holding onto.
Nyra looked briefly around at Gamma Squad.
Her smile trembled.
Then she lowered her eyes back to the letter.
> I'm sorry again that I missed the ceremony.
>
> When I return from duty...
>
> I expect a full account of everything.
>
> Including the parts you will try to leave out.
>
> The fishing dock still needs repairing.
>
> The roof over the cabin still leaks.
>
> And no...
>
> Neither problem fixed itself while you were gone.
Nyra laughed softly through the emotion in her voice.
June smiled.
"...I like him already."
She continued.
> Come home safely when summer begins.
>
> The house is too quiet without you.
>
> Trust your friends.
>
> Listen to your instincts.
>
> And remember...
>
> No matter where duty carries you...
>
> You will always have a home waiting for you.
>
> I love you, sweetheart.
>
> I could not be prouder.
>
> **— Dad**
Nyra slowly lowered the letter.
No one spoke immediately.
She looked at the pressed flower resting on the counter.
Then carefully placed it back between the folded pages.
David smiled softly.
"...He sounds like an incredible father."
Nyra nodded.
"...He is."
David glanced toward the letter.
"I hope I get to meet him someday."
Nyra's smile returned.
"You will."
A brief pause.
"He already likes you."
David blinked.
"...He does?"
June slowly turned toward him.
Nyra laughed.
"I may have written about Gamma Squad a few times."
"A few?" June asked.
She looked away innocently.
"...More than a few."
June pointed at David.
"There it is."
David rubbed the back of his neck.
"...Should I be worried?"
Nyra grinned.
"Probably."
Everyone laughed.
Nyra carefully folded the letter one final time and placed it inside the inner pocket of her jacket.
Directly beside her photo strip from the arcade.
Then she pressed one hand lightly over both.
Safe.
Together.
Mira finally reached toward her own small stack.
"...I suppose it's my turn."
June smiled.
"...Let's see who finally realized I'm friends with a genius."
She laughed softly.
"I don't think that's a secret."
Castiel answered.
June looked at him.
"...You know, compliments from you somehow sound official."
"They generally are."
Mira carefully opened the first envelope.
The seal belonged to the Planetary Strategic Operations Command.
She quietly read the first few lines before looking up.
"...It's a scholarship."
Nyra smiled.
"Really?"
Mira nodded.
"They're offering to sponsor my advanced Tactical Strategy certification after graduation."
June grinned.
"...See?"
"I told you."
"No, you didn't."
"I was about to."
Lucian folded his arms.
"...Convenient."
Mira looked back down at the letter.
"They specifically mentioned my Predictability Gift."
She continued reading.
"They believe it has exceptional potential for battlefield planning and tactical command."
June smiled proudly.
"...I knew hanging around me would eventually make you smarter."
Mira looked at him.
"...June."
"...Yeah?"
"...You have that backwards."
Everyone laughed.
The second letter bore another seal.
The Humanitarian Relief Corps.
Mira unfolded it carefully.
Unlike the others...
It wasn't written by an administrator.
It was signed personally.
She read quietly.
Then stopped.
David noticed.
"...Mira?"
She looked up.
"I think..."
"...I'd like to read this one."
Everyone nodded.
She smiled and began.
Cadet Mira Solen,
During the Academy Tournament, reports reached my office describing your actions.
While others celebrated victory...
You were treating injuries.
While others accepted applause...
You checked on defeated opponents.
Compassion is often mistaken for softness.
It is not.
In every war humanity has survived...
The strongest people were not always those carrying swords.
Sometimes...
They were the ones carrying everyone else.
Should your path ever lead beyond the Academy...
Know that the Humanitarian Relief Corps would be honored to serve beside you.
Continue reminding this world that kindness is strength.
Director Elena Ward
Humanitarian Relief Corps
Silence settled over Gamma Squad.
Mira looked down at the letter.
"...No one's ever written something like this to me."
David smiled.
"They saw what we've always seen."
Nyra nodded.
"...You're the one who reminds us to slow down."
Mira blinked.
"...You really think so?"
Lucian answered.
"...Without question."
Castiel nodded.
"...Statistically supported."
June looked at him.
"...Sometimes..."
"...You accidentally say really nice things."
"I've noticed."
Mira laughed through misting eyes.
"...Thank you."
She carefully folded the letter and placed it inside her journal.
"I think..."
"...I'm going to keep this forever."
June dramatically rubbed his hands together.
"My turn."
He reached for the largest envelope in his pile.
"...Let's see who finally recognizes greatness."
Lucian sighed.
"...Brace yourselves."
June broke the seal.
Read the first line.
His smile disappeared.
"...Huh."
Nyra tilted her head.
"What?"
He turned the paper around.
"It's from the Academy Strategic Command School."
David smiled.
"Read it."
June shrugged.
"...Alright."
He cleared his throat.
Cadet June Kade,
Your Academy record has demonstrated an exceptional ability to solve tactical problems under pressure.
While many commanders rely upon established doctrine...
You consistently identify unconventional solutions overlooked by others.
Your written examination ranked among the highest in Academy history.
More importantly...
Your battlefield decisions repeatedly increased your squad's probability of survival.
Strategy cannot always be taught.
Sometimes...
It simply exists.
Upon graduation...
We invite you to join the Advanced Strategic Leadership Program.
June lowered the page.
"...Me?"
Lucian nodded.
"...You."
June opened another.
Recon Command.
Another.
Officer Development Corps.
Another.
Planetary Tactical Division.
Every single letter praised the same thing.
His mind.
Not his jokes.
Not his personality.
His ability to think differently.
He slowly looked around at Gamma Squad.
"...I..."
"...I thought people only remembered me because I never shut up."
David smiled.
"No."
"They remember you because when everyone else panics..."
"...you don't."
Nyra nodded.
"You always find another idea."
Mira smiled.
"And you make everyone laugh while doing it."
Lucian looked at him.
"Morale wins battles."
Castiel quietly added,
"...History has proven that repeatedly."
June scratched the back of his head.
"...I never really thought I was important."
David didn't hesitate.
"You are."
Lucian nodded once.
"...You're one of the reasons Gamma Squad works."
Nyra smiled warmly.
"You keep us together."
Mira reached over and gently nudged his shoulder.
"We'd be a much quieter squad without you."
June laughed.
"...That sounds terrible."
Everyone laughed with him.
For once...
The loudest member of Gamma Squad found himself speechless.
He quietly folded every one of his letters.
"...I think..."
"...Mom and Dad are going to be pretty happy."
David smiled.
"I think so too."
The elderly mail clerk watched the six of them from behind her counter.
She smiled to herself.
"...It's nice."
Everyone looked toward her.
She nodded toward the stacks of letters.
"I've worked in this Academy for thirty-two years."
"I've watched thousands of cadets collect letters."
"Most only read the ones addressed to themselves."
She smiled.
"You..."
She looked at Gamma Squad.
"...celebrated everyone else's first."
Silence.
David looked around.
He hadn't even noticed.
Neither had anyone else.
Because to Gamma Squad...
It had simply felt natural.
The clerk nodded once.
"...Hold on to that."
"...Letters fade."
"...Titles change."
"...Friendships like yours..."
"...don't come often."
Before anyone could answer—
The mailroom doors opened.
Every cadet instinctively straightened.
Commander Vance entered.
Her sharp eyes immediately found Gamma Squad.
Then...
The mountain of opened letters spread across the counter.
A faint smile touched her lips.
"...Finished celebrating?"
June slowly hid one unopened envelope behind his back.
"...Mostly."
"I can see that."
She stepped forward carrying six identical black folders.
Each one bore the Academy seal in silver.
Without a word...
She placed one in front of each member of Gamma Squad.
The room instantly grew quiet.
The atmosphere changed.
No more laughter.
No more teasing.
Commander Vance looked directly at David.
"Squad Leader Wyn."
David immediately stood straighter.
"Yes, Commander."
She folded her hands behind her back.
"I trust you've enjoyed your time off."
"We have, Commander."
"Good."
Her gaze moved across the rest of Gamma Squad.
"Because it has come to an end."
She tapped the black folders.
"The congratulations."
"The interviews."
"The invitations."
"The recruitment offers."
"They can all wait."
David glanced down.
Across the front of every folder...
Stamped in bold black lettering...
CLASSIFIED
Beneath it...
Another line.
OPERATION: KHAROS VALE
Commander Vance's voice filled the room.
"You leave in six days."
"Report to Briefing Room One tomorrow morning at zero-eight hundred."
She paused.
Then looked at David.
"This time..."
"...you will not be returning as cadets completing a field exercise."
Her eyes moved across Gamma Squad.
"You will be returning..."
"...as the Academy's highest-ranked First-Year Squad."
She looked back at David.
"And you..."
"...will be leading them."
David rested one hand on the black folder.
The weight felt heavier than paper.
It felt...
Like responsibility.
Commander Vance nodded once.
"I suggest you enjoy what remains of your week."
"Because when those folders are opened..."
"...your next mission begins."
Without another word...
She turned.
And left the mailroom.
No one spoke.
June slowly looked at his black folder.
Then at David.
"...Well..."
"...That got serious fast."
David looked down at the words:
OPERATION: KHAROS VALE
Then quietly closed his hand over the folder.
"...Yeah."
"It did."