Super Slice of Life chapter this one is. Again it is sort of a filler chapter.

“What’s this?” Spitfire asked. She was holding a wrapped box, turning it over in her hands. And it was a pretty sizable box.

“Uh, a Christmas gift?” I said.

“You got me something?”

“Well yeah, that’s typically what you do this time of year.”

We were sitting in our dorm. A small Christmas tree stood near the window. Dane was out with his family today so most of the station was empty.

Spitfire frowned, “But I didn’t get you anything.”

“Relax,” I laughed, “It’s alright. Consider it thanks for being my friend.”

“Oh-uh, alright,” she said.

We sat in silence for a while. The holographic campfire in the center of the room crackled sending little flecks of light all over…

“Well?”

“Well what?”

“Are you gonna open it?”

“Oh right,” Spitfire said before tearing into the wrapping paper. She pulled out a large square box, that had the entire outside scratched off leaving only the brown cardboard visible.

“Gotta open it this time,” Jett smiled.

“Can’t make it easy for me can you?”

“Nope.”

“Ugh, fine,” she opened the box and pulled out a sky diving helmet. Similar to mine.

“No way,” she said with a grin.

“Oh yeah,” I returned, “The wings are in our room but considering it will be your first time you’ll be tethered to me when we jump. Speaking of which I just got my old set fixed.”

She dug into the box and pulled out the rest of the suit.

“Figured that if we’re going to a national park we might as well arrive looking bad ass.”

“This is gonna be so awesome!”

“You think the tricks you guys do are dare devilish? You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

“Oh really?” Spitfire smirked, “That a challenge?”

“Humans don’t come with wings. And high orbit is a pretty long way to fall. When we’re in the atmosphere is where the real fun begins.”

“I’ll bet,” Spitfire said before reaching over and hugging me, “Thanks Jett, you’re a pretty cool guy.”

“Thanks, I try.”

“Merry Christmas Jett.”

“Merry Christmas Spitfire.”

***

The next day later Christmas was over. Dane and most of the others would be returning. Snow still filled the station and the school dome above.

Spitfire and I stood near the airlock waiting for Snowball to return.

“Ready?” she asked.

“Ready,” I said crunching down the snowball in my hand with my prosthetic arm.

The airlock cycled and the door opened. Various students walked out of the transport. They were all talking and smiling with each other, generally looking forward to having a good time during their week off. Dane being Dane decide to make an entrance and got off the ship last.

Dane walked out of the ship.

“Alright guys, I saw you from the transport window,” he said, “What’ve you got?”

A snowball flew down the corridor and hit him in the face.

“What?” he dropped his duffel on the corridor floor, “Oh ha ha ha, real funny Spitfire, real funny. Got anything else?”

“Yeah,” I said, “This. Charlie Horse!”

I beaned my snowball at him and beaned him in the gut.

“Oomph! Ow,” Dane yelled.

Spitfire and I laughed before taking off running. Dane recovered and shouldered his duffel bag before running after us towards the dome. We ran up a ramped corridor and emerged on the edge of the large open space. Snow coated the large park that surrounded the school. It was a pretty weird scene. The trees still had their leaves on them yet a foot of snow coated the ground beneath them.

“Hey you asshole! That fucking hurt!” Dane yelled.

“I know! Maybe if you had better control you could shut that off!”

“Fuck you!”

“Love you too asshole!” I laughed as the three of us covered the area towards the school.

Spitfire ran parallel to me, “Think he’ll catch us?” she huffed.

“He’ll try, but he won’t.”

“Yeah,” she said gleefully.

We ran towards the school, laughing all the way. There’s no greater feeling in the world than laughing with friends and family. Though we may be a dysfunctional and hoshposh family, we’re a family none the less. And there’s no one I’d rather be with.

***

Well with the cold weather and everything all the students had to double up on the pajamas but no one really minded. It was good to be enjoying the winter season, even if it was on a space station in one of the most bizarre ways possible.

Spitfire and I had to double up on blankets to keep warm. Mainly for her sake as I didn’t really need to stay warm but hey. Soon school was starting up again and it was back to the old grime. Vigorous work needed to be done in preparation for the trip.

Spitfire practiced her Jumping on a regular basis and was convinced she would be able to go home soon. Which was good for her, she could get back to her other family and friends and we’d go on with our lives as if nothing… happened.

Gosh this was getting harder. Each day she stays the harder it’s gonna be to see her go. I know she doesn’t belong here and by rights we never should have met. But the fucking universe in its infinite wisdom felt the need to toss us together and let us form a nice family only to rip it apart. She could not choose to stay here. Though she fit in nicely, forgery would only work for so long. A girl with Wings would raise more than a few eyebrows. She needed to return home.

No. I can’t think about it now. When she leaves, she leaves. She’ll be returning to where she belongs. Everything will be right again and I’ll have done my job. There’s nothing I can do about it so there. End of discussion.

So life continued onward as usual. School assignments, the buildup to the big trip, it was an exciting time. Spitfire was having a ton of fun each day. Every day was a new adventure for her. Come to think of it, every day was an adventure for me too ever since she arrived.

Things were looking up. For the first time in a while, things were looking up.

***

January 12th, 2413. Present day.

I was sitting under a tree in the snow reading a book. The snow was still here and wouldn’t be leaving until about the middle of March so there was a nice cushion of fluff under the tree to sit on. My extra credit project was due soon so I was rereading as much of my book as possible before I sat down to write the dissertation. A task that would take me no more than ten minutes.

Spitfire walked up, “Hey what’s up?”

“Wha?” I looked up, “Oh nothing, Just doing some reading for a project. How’d you find me?”

“You weren’t in study hall so I figured I’d find you here.”

“You know me too well.”

“I know. So what’re you reading?”

I replaced my bookmark and turned the book over, “This my dear is Cloud Atlas. One of the modern classics of the early 21st century. And let me say it is a difficult read. I had to read it like six times before I got everything in it.”

“What’s it about?”

“Difficult to explain. It deals with reincarnation and how your actions now define your next life. It also deals with concepts of linkage. Like no matter what world you end up in, you will be linked to certain people. No matter what world or life you’re in, you share your life with others. It’s a cool book.”

“Hmm, so basically no matter where we end up in life we’ll always be linked to those people?” Spitfire asked, “I don’t know about you but I like the sound of that.”

“Well it also comes with a downside. I mean can you imagine an eternity with Dane?”

Spitfire laughed, “No I can’t.”

“Well it’s horrible. Just kidding, but the downside to it is that the bad people in your life are also connected to you.”

“Ew, I don’t like that part.”

“Hey, everything is connected. Death life birth, Future present past, they’re all the same according to this book. It doesn’t matter what order you go.”

“Cool concept. Maybe we’re like that. This little family we got. The four of us, you think that maybe that’s us?”

“Who knows? I can tell you this much, if I do die eventually I wouldn’t mind running into any of you guys again.”

“And this is all in a book written some four hundred years ago?”

“Well yeah, I mean this author was way ahead of his time. There are philosophies, ideas, and quotes in here that amazing and relevant to everyday life.”

Spitfire sat down next to me, “Like?”

I started flipping through pages, “Let’s see here, ah ha, here’s a good one. “My life amounts to no more than one drop in a limitless ocean. Yet what is any ocean, but a multitude of drops?” That’s a good one.”

“Yup. Any others?”

“Ah there are some others in here but I’m too lazy to look them up.”

“Having one of those days?” Spitfire asked.

“Having one of those days. Apparently androids can feel lethargic. Though lethargic for me is just being too lazy to open up this book.”

“Are you also too lazy to read some to me?” She asked hopefully.

I smiled, “No I’m not. Where do you want to start?”

“From the beginning.”

“Alright, just know that it’s a hard read.”

“It’s alright.”

“Okay, from the beginning. The Pacific Journal of Adam Ewing…

Thursday, 7th November-

Beyond the Indian hamlet, upon a forlorn strand, I happened on a trail of recent footprints…”

***

Deep inside the school, inside one of the science labs overlooking the park stood a white haired boy. He watched the two under the tree. He smiled both for his brother’s obliviousness and the love struck look of the girl sharing the space next to him. She had a look of utter content as Jett read unheard words from a book in his hands.

Dane sighed. In ways he was just starting to realize he was envious of his brother. He had something that Dane had desired for a long time. Even if he was oblivious of its existence. Jett had the love of a girl. Not lust, which is something Dane had more than enough experience in, but true unconditional love. She saw him for who he was and through thick and thin still harbored feelings for him. And Jett remained almost blissfully unaware.

“I guess being a bit inhuman is a blessing my friend. More so than you know.”

That was the one thing Dane was looking for. Something to ratify all those years and trillions spent on the project. Something to prove they weren’t just machines. If just one of them could prove that they were more than a bunch of circuits and servos then the experiment would have been a success.

But Dane was looking for it for other reasons as well. The Casanova could have any girl he wanted yet what he wanted most still eluded him. Someone to care for. Someone he truly cared about.

Dane pulled out his phone and looked at the recording on it. Against Jett’s wishes he would send it to his father. Not out of spite but out of necessity. His father deserved to know the situation.

He tapped a few icons and pressed send. He returned to staring out the window. Spitfire could be seen laughing with Jett face palming. He smiled.

“Wish I could find something as special as that.”

But maybe, just maybe, that something was just a little ways through the looking glass.

***

George was standing on the Night’s observation deck overlooking the Earth. The ship maintained standard orbit while it taxied around to the space dock.

His phone beeped. He reached into his pocket and removed the device.

“A video from Dane? Alright let’s see what the hell this is.”

He tapped a button and pulled it up. He was about to press play when a voice spoke up behind him.

“How’re things going George?” Hawk asked.

The Admiral turned, “Hawk you always manage to find me whenever I go somewhere for solitude.”

“In case you forgot, this is my ship and as long as you keep you flag on it I’m going to know where you are.”

“The joys of regulation,” the admiral grinned.

“So how are things going with your son?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t heard anything out of the school recently. No reports, nothing, so that’s either good or bad. But with my luck this year I’ll bet it’s something bad.”

“What’s something bad?”

“Dane sent me a video. God only knows what’s on it.”

“Well why don’t we take a look? Can’t be that bad.”

“Have you met my son?”

“You need to be more optimistic.”

“Ugh,” George sighed, “Fine. Here’s the video. Prepare for the worst.”

“Don’t need to tell my twice.”

The admiral held up his phone and pressed play. A recording began to go across the screen. The background was the dorm café with snow all around it. Various students were walking behind in the background. The camera focused on Jett who wore an unamused expression.

“No,” he said.

“Really? You’re really gonna say no to her?” Dane’s voice. The camera moved to bring Spitfire into view who was turned to Jett and was waving, “I mean she’s like the cutest thing in the school.”

“No.”

“If you do it I’ll never bring up her stealing your first kiss again.”

The Admiral’s eyebrows raised, “What? She got his first kiss?”

“Keep watching,” Hawk said.

The video continued.

Jett sighed, “Fine.”

“Great!” Dane clapped, “Spitfire there’s handcuffs in the broom closet right there. He’s all yours.”

“GOD NO!”

The camera shook. The view changed to facing the ground before returning back up to Spitfire who was laughing.

“Relax Jett. We’re just messing with you.”

“I hate both of you.”

“We love you too asshole,” Dane laughed. The camera changed to the trio walking over to one of the tables in the café. They all sat down. Jett raised a cup to his lips and began drinking. Spitfire sat next to him with a warm smile on her face.

“Merry Christmas Jett,” she said before leaning in and kissing his cheek.

The Admiral blinked. He shook his head and blinked again. He paused the video and rewound it back to the point of contact before pausing it.

“What the hell happened to that android. Did he get hit by a train recently?” he asked.

Hawk laughed, “I don’t know about you sir but I’d say your son has got a secret admirer.”

“I’d never thought I’d live long enough to see that.”

“Either she’s crushing on him or they’re already dating. In which case I’d say you’re late to the party on that one.”

“I’m asking Dane what their relationship is,” the Admiral said before resuming the clip, “But first I’m finishing this video.”

The video began playing again. Dane’s voice came over the speakers.

“I am so showing this to your father.”

A tea cup flew from Jett’s hands and shattered just out of view of the phone.

“Alright, alright. Still going on Facebook though.”

“I will KILL YOU.”

“Alright I won’t do it. Merry Christmas to you too asshole.”

Jett smiled, “Merry Christmas snowball. Merry Christmas Spitfire.”

“Yay and now we’re all one big happy family,” Dane laughed.

“You better not show that to anyone.”

“Oh relax cupcake. See? I’m turning it off.”

The video cut out there. The admiral was speechless. His son appeared to be friends with a girl who was FOND of HIM. Fond of HIM! There was no question about it. She had taken an interest in his son. If only he wasn’t on the other side of solar system. This would be something to see.

“Well George I’d say things are going just fine,” Hawk laughed, “I’ll just leave you digest this.”

Hawk turned and left the deck, laughing all the way to the door.

“Jesus Christ,” George sighed, “What the hell am I missing over there?”

***

Well February 17th was rolling around. And that means it was time to get ready for the field trip. Things were looking up among the group. While Jett, Dane, and Spitfire worked hard to finish their school work in time while Gin went to renew her passport and got packed for the trip to Earth.

The horizon was bright; the stage was set for the romance of a life time. But behind the curtain of positive and happy feelings, something was lurking off the record. Something on the other side.

***

So here I am,

I’m writing this at three in the morning while you sleep. You look so peaceful lying there. I like seeing you peaceful. You’ve been such a lost soul ever since I met you. Seeing you peaceful is like a breath of fresh air from this crazy life you lead. It brings me peace in this crazy world. And not just here. You’ve brought something into my life I never even knew I was missing. I can’t get you out of my head. You. Just five months ago I never even knew you existed. And now I can’t imagine life away from you. Funny, I’ve been here for five months now. Celestia only knows what’s going on at home.

Home. Where is home? I used to think it was where I lived. My house, my room at HQ, maybe even my parent’s house. But now? Home is where ever you are Jett. I just wish I could tell you. But every time I work up the courage to tell you I can’t. You always knock me off my feet with every little thing you do. These feelings-I can’t explain them. I just know that I love you Jett Halsey. I’ve never felt that before. Frankly it’s scary yet so exhilarating at the same time. I’ve never felt this nervous since my Wonderbolt tryout. And even that was nothing compared to this. Everything about you from your laugh to your wicked cool eyes to your metallic left arm. You may think you’re flawed, but your perfect to me. Don’t ever change.

You know, I’ve been able to go back for a while now. But I can’t. I feel so conflicted right now! I want to return home but I don’t want to leave you! And I know I can’t have both! I just

I just wish you could come with me.

Spitfire looked up from her writing. Jett turned over in his bed. He clutched the blanket a little tighter, muttered something before flopping back over and resuming his slumber.

Spitfire smiled sadly.

You stir a lot in your sleep. I guess you’re not completely peaceful. I guess I’ll quit writing now. You’ll probably wake up soon anyway.

Spitfire sighed and closed her journal. She wrapped her arms around herself wishing they were Jett’s. She longed to hold him, to tell him how she felt; but she couldn’t. She just couldn’t. The attraction she felt for him was something different. While she did find him physically appealing, sex was not the first thing that crossed her mind when she saw him. Everything was personality related. The physical aspect of him came as bonus. A very lovely bonus. She blushed thinking of how guilty she was of having the occasional fantasy involving him.

She sighed and tucked her journal into her mattress. She’d be mortified beyond belief if he found out what was inside. She crawled under her blankets and wrapped her wings around herself in a protective cocoon as she had always done.

Funny; the only time she didn’t do that was when she fell asleep in Jett’s arms. Something she wished she could do again.

***

February 17th 2413.

Well here we were. A few months of hard work and it was time for our reward.

We were all standing near the number 6 airlock in hanger 7. We were in a large group of people. Various other students and their chaperones stood in wait as the airlock cycled.

We each had packed enough for a long time. We all had huge military style duffel bags with multiple pockets. Everything was packed nicely.

“So what’re you all looking forward to?” Gin asked.

“Vegas,” Dane said.

“Finding a peaceful part of the planet to read a book.”

The three of them turned to face me. Spitfire included who had a sly grin on her face.

“Are you serious?” she asked.

“Yeah really dude?” Gin asked.

“What’s wrong with you?” Dane asked.

“What’s wrong with wanting to read a book,” I asked.

“Uh, everything? Dude, we’re going to have fun on this trip,” Dane said, “Fun. As in hitting every club in Las Vegas. Skinny dipping in freshwater caves. Base jumping off Angel falls. Sex with the locals.”

“Alright the last one is off my list already.”

“Well how about just spending some time with us?” Spitfire asked.

I turned to her and smiled, “I think I can do that.”

The airlock cycled and the door opened. Mr. Stone walked to the front of the group of students.

“Alright class! Now, we’re gonna file onto the transport and have a one hour flight to the space port before we have a five day fast flight to Earth.”

We all cheered.

“Alright I know you’re all eager to get going so I’ll shut up for once. You can all begin boarding.”

We all began filing onto the ship.

***

Spitfire sat down next to Jett. He was looking out the window at the interior of the hanger bay. She smiled.

“Hey, do you mind if I take a nap for a while?” she asked.

He turned, “Knock yourself out.”

“That was a horrible pun,” Spitfire said.

“I know,” he grinned smugly.

“Hmm,” Spitfire sighed and closed her eyes as she leaned into Jett’s shoulder. She let one of her arms fall onto his arm as she wrapped herself around it. Soon she was asleep as the shuttle accelerated out of the station.

In the seats behind them sat Gin and Dane. Gin pulled out her tablet and started to type before handing it to Dane.

She looks like she likes him.

Because she does. Dane replied.

So I bet he’s clueless?

Yeah.

How clueless is he exactly?

She’s kissed him twice.

Jeez. That clueless?

You have no idea.

They both shared a laugh as the ship flew towards the edge of the Jovian system.