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[Weeeee!  I finally added the next chapter for you lovelies!  It is kind of short, little less then usual again I think, but I promise you will love it!  Thank you all so soo much for reading and liking and commenting!!! Enjoy May<3]

Chapter Nine

            Finally. 

The day that seemed so far away is here.  We have worked our butts off to make it to this. 

Graduation. 

I can’t help but feel nervous. 

So many thoughts keep swirling through me.  What is going to happen after this?  Will I be accepted into the ESDR?  If I am will I get to see Logan again?

 I mean even if I am picked by some miracle, my chances of making it near his fleet are like 1 in 100, an even then each fleet is super busy by now, with the attack coming.

“Jaycen Falcon.”

 I had zoned out during the ceremony, probably not very nice to the other recruits, woops.  But at my name being called, I relax from attention and head to get my certificate of completion.

“Congratulations, Falcon.”  Training Officer Handley said as he shook my hand.  “Before you go, face front at attention.”  He winked at that. 

Uh-oh, what does that mean?

“I am proud to announce to you all the many achievements of this fine recruit.  Jaycen Falcon started off as the top ranked Recruit this year.  He worked hard every day to hone his skills and keep his positon.  For his dedication and hard work, Falcon was asked to help train the recruits to make this speedy graduation.  And he did a fine job of it.  So first and for most.  Jaycen,” Officer Handley turned towards me.  “I would like to personally congratulate you on behalf of the Torent Region Space Academy for becoming the highest points holder this Academy has ever seen.”

Shock. 

Utter Shock.

 I’m speechless. 

Highest points holder.  Th-that means I beat Logan!  Oh man, too bad that cocky pilot isn’t here for me to rub it into his smug mug.  Not that I really would.  But I would have been nice for him to be here for this.  Sigh.

“And Next,” Handley’s grin got wider, if that’s even possible.  What could be better then highest points? “Jaycen Falcon, based on ranking number one for your graduating recruit class, you have formally been accepted into the Elite Space Defense Rangers!”

Oh man, don’t cry.  This is the best freaking day ever! All that hard work and my dream is finally coming true!

When my senses return after that, I notice the uproar of applause.  They must like me.  Or more likely they now how big a deal the Rangers is.  Yeah that’s more right I think. 

Amazing. 

My life has been made, haha.  Maybe Logan will find out and come to congratulate me tomorrow.  You know because he had a hand in training me.  And I highly doubt Foxer would pass up the chance to say he was the one who taught me everything.  But a small part of me can’t help but hope it would be for a more personal reason. 

Stupid I know, right?

Four more recruits were accepted into the Rangers with me.  The top five of the class were chosen.  A pretty high number, but considering the threat coming, not surprising they need more people. 

OH and wouldn’t you guess it, Grady made it onto the Rangers too.  How wonderful.

***

We were all sent out to the edge of the region straight away.  Every recruit this year was going to be used in some way to defend the area.  The ESDR was the first string really, but that’s just because no one really wants to fight, so defend first, and offend only if necessary. 

After registering, we were each given our fleets for the Rangers.  They told us straight out though that since we were new, we would not make our own fleet, or be paired together in an existing.  We would each be sent to a fleet and trained by professionals basically.  Makes sense.

I’m about to read through my paper work when I notice a particular strut out of the corner of my eye. 

No. 

It can be. 

My day just got better. 

Trying to keep the grin off my face, I look fully towards the man approaching me.  The man I have been missing these past weeks.

“Officer Foxer.” I said with a slight nod.  My heart is about to beat out of my chest.  Was he really coming to talk to me?  No I bet he just was passing by.

“I think is safe for you to drop the Officer now, Falcon. I’m not you trainer anymore, and if I recall, you’ve gone and graduated.”  That grin, oh I’ve missed it.

“I have.”  I couldn’t help the smirk tugging at my lips.

“Mmhmm, and just had work your way past my record to I hear.”

“Yeah.”  Gah!  Why am I blushing? I worked hard to do that, stop feeling embarrassed!  Don’t look like a silly boy if front of the hunk!

“Probably because you got some of my skill added to yours.” 

Yup! There it is folks.  What did I tell you, couldn’t help but give himself credit.  Just bump up that ego some more.

“Maybe.”  I chuckled a bit at that.  Oh man.

“Well, come on then!”  He waved me forward. 

Huh? 

“What?”

“Let’s get a move on, I gots lots to show ya before we head out for today.”

“What do you mean?”  I am so confused right not.  Don’t I need to go to my fleet?

Don’t get me wrong, Logan showing me around would rock my socks, but what about meeting my team members?

“Fleets waiting, Falcon.”  Smirk.  With that I looked down at my paper work.  There in a big letter was my fleet.  Fleet J.  The famous fleet to one Logan Foxer.  Fighter pilot extraordinaire. 

“What?  You think I didn’t know how good a pilot you were gonna be?”  At my stunned expression, did he just compliment me?, he continued, “Top fleets get first pick for who they want to join their crew.  So course I’d pick the best.  Wouldn’t want anything less, being that I’m the best myself!” 

“Wha-hu… ok.”  This was just, I don’t even know.  Scary?  Amazing?  Both?

He slung an arm around my shoulders and led the way.

Logan chose me to be on his Fleet?  Wow, I mean that’s great.  But why can’t I stop wondering stupid thoughts.  Did he just pick me for my skill?  Or can I hope that maybe he missed me like I missed him? 

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