First Contact (Galactic Axia Adventure) by Jim Laughter Page A

called each student forward to receive their graduation certificate. As he handed each their graduation documents, the commander also announced their accomplishments and specialties. Delmar felt like he was in a dream when his name was called. He vaguely heard the commander give a brief summary of his record.
    Of the forty-seven survey graduates, eighteen had also qualified in the flight school as either pilots or captains. According to Axia protocol, new captains not only received their full license and captain plate, but they also received a fine quality sword. Although it seemed strange to some in this modern era, Delmar remembered the history behind the weapon.
    “In the close quarters of a ship, often a blaster is too strong of a weapon,” the instructor had taught. “Although a blaster or other energy weapon may take out your enemy, it can also damage the ship, killing you just as dead as the one you shot. The answer turned out to be the sword. Deadly even to a Red-tail, it will only scratch the paint of vital equipment.”
    After he’d returned to his place among the other graduates of his class, Delmar noticed that there was an additional note attached to his certificate. It instructed him to meet the next morning with the other flight-qualified graduates to receive their ship assignments.
    Upon completion of the ceremony, the commander led the student body in a round of applause for the graduates and then dismissed the assembly to a reception in the school cafeteria. Feeling alone in a crowd of virtual strangers, Delmar found himself staying close to his fellow flight-qualified students.
    Expectancy was high among the flight graduates when they met later as the notes had instructed them. Beyond that, there was little more information. They were still talking among themselves about this when their training trooper-first strode into the room and took his place at the front. The light conversation died while they all watched him carefully.
    Trooper-First Berlon scanned their faces, knowing the question that was on each of their minds. He’d personally shepherded these students since their arrival on Rodar eleven months ago. Each of their strengths and weaknesses had become well known to him, and he’d tried to help them overcome and conquer their individual fears and doubts. Now they’d graduated and were ready to move on with their lives.
    “I’m going to skip all of the preambles,” Berlon began with a smile. “But first I have some interesting news.” He turned and looked directly at Leatha.
    “It was discovered that the controls of the trainer you used malfunctioned during your check ride,” he said to her. “As a result, we’ve decided to allow you to retest if you so desire.” Every eyed turned toward the shocked young woman.
    “When can I do it?”
    “A trainer is ready now, if you’re interested,” the trooper-first answered. “Shall I notify Control to expect you?”
    Her grin was all the answer he needed. Leatha started to get up to leave when he stopped her. “Before you leave, I want to ask the rest of you a question.”
    Leatha stopped and everyone looked puzzled. “Do you want to go over the subject of assignments now or shall we wait until this afternoon after Leatha’s check ride?” Almost as one the group agreed to wait.
    “Good,” Berlon said, stepping out from behind the lectern. “Let’s reassemble at two. Class dismissed.”
    Several hours later they were again together in the classroom. Leatha was still looking a bit flushed from her successful check ride. She fingered her new captain’s plate unconsciously. The second check ride had gone much better than her first. Not only did she land smoothly, but she raised her score on the range several notches.
    Everyone was congratulating Leatha when Trooper-First Berlon entered the room. They all quieted as he again resumed his place at the front.
    “First, I want to congratulate Leatha on her check ride.” Everyone