Wearing Power Armor to a Magic School (102/?) WiP 1

Hey everyone! Here is the Work in Progress for Chapter 102 I hope you guys enjoy! :D

My hand flinched as soon as I finished writing, causing the complex orchestra of servos, motors, and actuators to stop dead in their tracks.

I took a moment to pause, to bring up my ‘hand’ and the pen held dexterously between its fingers halfway up to my face, as one thought resonated loudly within my head.

‘This moment could’ve been his.’

Every experience, from the conspiracies to the intrigue, to the highs and the victories, to even the boring and mundane — all of it was supposed to be his to live out. 

But that opportunity was taken from him.

What’s more, even the mere act of realizing what he’d accomplished was stolen from him.

As his brain didn’t even have the time to process the sight of the world he’d just crossed into before his untimely demise. 

… 

“It’s always difficult being the second. Especially if you overshadow the first.” Captain Li’s words reverberated deep within the confines of my mind. “It’s even more difficult when you know they didn’t even get the chance to reap the rewards of their sacrifice. Not even a single second of it.” He stated in that unmistakably inspiring cadence, during a conversation tackling this very topic. “But it’s important to understand that those are the sorts of risks you take from being the first, and in a way, you shouldn’t really get too caught up in it — as their duties are fulfilled regardless of the outcome. Either they live on to carry out the rest of their duty, or they die, and their duty is carried out through the second. No matter the case, Prometheus’ flame spreads further through their actions.”

“And so consumed by his flame, we honor their sacrifices, by tending to the torch of progress — until we too become fuel to the fires of Prometheus.” I recalled finishing that quote for him. “You quoted Jackie Setanta for a reason, didn’t you?”

“Am I that obvious?” He replied with that signature sly grin.

“Yes. But what’s more, the historical allegories are just too painfully similar to ignore.”

“You are the Jackie Setanta to Pilot 1’s Jebediah Herman.” He spelled it out.

“The latter died just after First Warp, the former went on to finish the first warp expeditions, and then some… this is why I’d rather we not make any comparisons before I even have a single accomplishment under my belt.”

“A fair decision, but my point still stands — you shouldn’t feel guilty for assuming the role Pilot 1 was meant to play, Emma. If anything, you should focus on getting the job done, and giving it your all. That’s how you honor those who came before, and whose shoulders you now stand atop of. You’re already halfway there by understanding the gravitas of being at the very top of the unbroken chain. And I know that you’re more than capable of bridging the other half, if not outright exceeding it.” 

“I aim for nothing less, Captain.”

… 

“That script… I’m assuming that’s your native language, Emma?” Thacea inquired with a soft coo, pulling me right out of my reverie as I turned to face her with a swoosh of my cape.

“Yeah, it is.” I nodded in acknowledgement.

“What does it say?” Thalmin quickly added.

“It’s a tribute.” I began. “Just a short little tribute to my predecessor who wasn’t able to survive the journey. A man whose role I now fill, and through his sacrifice, I owe my very existence here in the Nexus to.” 

“The first earthrealmer student.” Both Thacea and Thalmin surmised simultaneously, their voices dipping down into a more somber tone. 

“I respect the thoughtfulness, Emma.” Thacea acknowledged, craning her head to the wall.

“He would’ve been proud to have handed the banner over to you.” Thalmin spoke with a dip of his head, prompting me to respond in kind.

“I can only hope so, Thalmin.” I responded with a sigh, before turning towards Ilunor who had now seemingly ransacked the store, piling up pens at practically every available countertop.