Chapter Text
Shiro had been going around for a few days now to find the next whole generation of cadets for the Garrison. Today, he was in a freshman classroom at a high school. It was a regular looking school, filled with kids. He entered a classroom and the teacher introduced him.
“Class, this is Takashi Shirogane, the youngest pilot to lead a mission.” She introduced. The class gave a quick applause to welcome Shiro before going off and whispering to each other. Everyone in the class seemed excited… well, except for one kid who was just starring out the window.
Shiro started his usual speech. “The Galaxy Garrison has sent me to schools in the area to help find the next generation of Astro explorers.” He said, “Who’s ready to find out if they got what it takes?” The whole class raised their hands, except for that one kid…
“Well,” Shiro spoke, “we’ll see who will be going with a test!” The classroom filled with groans. Kids didn’t really seemed to want to be pilots as much anymore. “The test will be with video games.” Shiro revealed. The class was much more excited now. “Oooo” and “ahhh” fill the room.
Shiro lead all the kids to the parking lot, where the simulator was. “This is the best simulator we have.” He said. “Cadets, not much older then you, practice with it every day. I still practice with it sometimes.” The kids looked very excited. “So, who wants to go first?”
Soon enough, the kids were trying out the simulator. Everyone was failing at it, which wasn’t a bad thing. The simulator was pretty hard for most people, even pilots. “Seems like no body has made it past level 3” Shiro announced, and then looked over at the kid not paying attention. “Looks like you’re the only one left, think you’ve got what it takes?”
The kid looked up, and softly nodded. He walked into the simulator and sat down. Some enough, he was past level five. Everyone was shocked at this, he was doing really well. Comments like “the emo kid is doing it!” Or “no way Keith is doing this!” We’re being thrown around.
The teacher walked up to Shiro once again. “I’ve composed a list of the kids I think should go to the Garrison.” She said, handing Shiro the list. Shiro looked at the list, the kid still going, and then back to the teacher. “Is this kid on there? Looks like he’s ready to fly the real thing.”
The teacher looked at the kid. “Keith? He’s a bit of a discipline case. I don’t think he’d really fit in at the Garrison.” She said, before grabbing another kid to show Shiro. “This is James Griffin. He has the best grades in school, I think he’d be a wonderful choice.” She said.
That’s when Shiro hears, and sees his car being driven away.
After a long chase, he ends up at the juvenile detention center. The cop is chewing out the kid. “Do you know what you’ve done!? Once this guy presses charges on you, you’re going to be in juvie for a long time!” The officer yells. The kid, now known as Keith to Shiro, looks down.
“Who said I was pressing charges?” Shiro speaks up. Both the officer and Keith turn to him in shock. “W-well sir,” the officer says, “this kid stole your car. That is a huge crime. I would only expect you to change him for it.”
Shiro shook his head. “Nope. Kid is off the hook in my opinion. And besides stealing my car, he didn’t break any other laws.” Shiro smiles. “So, seems like he is completely off the hook to me.” The officer nods at Shiro’s words. “Yes… I guess he is.”
Shiro walks out with the kid by his side. “I don’t get it.” Keith says as they get to Shiro’s car. “I steal your car and you respond by… helping me out? Why… why did you do that?” He asks as Shiro gets into his car.
“Yeah, so you owe me one.” Shiro says, as he hands Keith a card. “Be at this address tomorrow at 0800 hours.” Keith stares down at the card. “You get a second chance.” Shiro says before driving off to go back to the Garrison, leaving Keith to stare at that card.
That night Keith lays in his bed, looking at the card. What if it’s just a set up? Keith thinks. There’s no way I’m getting into the Garrison. He stared down at the card once more. But… it wouldn’t hurt… right? Right. It’ll just be a second test and maybe… maybe I will get in.
Keith gets up early the next morning. To get to the Garrison in time for this test, he has to be on the very first bus. A long shower and some good hygiene only take a few minutes. He gets dressed in his usual clothes and grabs the card from the day before.
He stands out in the cold morning air, almost shivering. Can this bus be any slower? He thinks. Did he show up to the bus stop extra early? Yes, but the city bus drivers are never on perfect timing, everyone knows that.
Finally, the bus comes to the bus stop and lets Keith on. Keith scans his bus card as he gets on the bus. The bus driver gives him a thumbs up and he goes to take a seat. The bus is empty at this time of the morning, which Keith wasn’t complaining about. It was nice and quiet. He could fall asleep, but unfortunately he had to stay awake.
Soon enough, he arrived at the Garrison. Cars with parents wishing they’re kids good luck filled the parking lot. Keith got off his bus and started to head in, when Shiro was him. The man ran up to Keith. “Hey! You came.” He said.
Keith sighed. “Well… I did need to make it up to you…” he mumbled. Shiro chuckled. “Sure. Go inside and show them your card. Then follow the directions they tell you.” He said. Keith nodded and headed inside. It was going to be a long day.