The Decision

Captain Felix Sonomott was in a difficult situation. After the cadet fleet disappeared, he and the rest of the High Wasp crew were forced to testify for the Foundation. The Captain was briefly seen as a suspect, two different attacks against his own students, and now cadets, in a short span of three years.

He tracked the cadets' location to the Unexplored Sector, but without the Foundation's records of planets or systems in the region, it would be like looking for a needle in the haystack.

The disappearance of those people was noticed by the galactic media. News about the disappearance of young people and the incompetence of the Captain and the Foundation were the most debated topics in the following days.

Complaints by families concerned about the safety of their missing children have grown absurdly. Some colleges decided to take a break from classes, until everything was resolved. Some parents chose to take their children out of the academy, fearing for their lives. The topic "Teleportation" was widely discussed, both outside the Foundation, and inside, within politicians and representatives. Those young people had disappeared right under the nose of the Foundation, in its territory, without a trace.

Captain Sonomott and his crew were assigned to search for the kidnapped youth. They were looking for a way to track the unregistered location and, unsurprisingly, they couldn't.

Just based on the tracked armor, they were unable to tell which cadets were alive. Even so, the predominance of the sixth class was clear. The situation changed dramatically when, in some way, two of the armor still traceable, the two belonging to Avey and Vantner, started to move through space entering a system registered by the Foundation. It was now or never.

"Captain Sonommot," Mandy said, addressing Felix. "The President would like to speak with you." He walked over to Mandy, calmly, taking the portable communication ligament. "Mr. President, it is a pleasure to have you on this call." He said, his voice a little shaky with recent events. "You don't need all that formality, Felix." Gamon Ny said, exuding confidence. "Okay then, Ny. The news are incredibly encouraging, two of the screened armor were spotted entering Foundation territory. We have not yet identified the type of ship, but in time we can finally save these kids." He said in a tone of voice now a little happier.

The President was silent for a moment, thoughtful. "I fear that this is no longer necessary, Felix." He said sadly. The smile on the blonde's face disappeared and an expression of confusion appeared. "What are you talking about?" The president stopped for another moment, before continuing. "Attacks on regions, sectors and galactic systems belonging to the Foundation have been carried out in the past two days, shortly after the disappearance of your cadets."

"The main regions are linked to Athor. We fear that any regions linked to them will be attacked. It is no coincidence, Felix. The disappearance of the youth and these attacks are connected." The president said before stopping a third time. "Captain Sonomott, grab your crew and fleet and head to Athor's galactic system. This is an order."

Captain Sonomott leaned against the cold metal wall, sweating and eyes pressed by his eyebrows, expressing anger.

"Do you want me to leave those kids behind? May they die or disappear forever?" The Captain asked with anger and confusion, the veins in his head showing. "Are you telling me to look into the eyes of each of their parents and tell them that we, as caretakers of those kids, abandoned them when they most needed OUR F*CKING HELP?"

Gamon leaned back in his chair, folding his hands. "This is an ORDER, Felix. I'm saying it, like your friend and President. Sometimes we have to do things that we would not like to do, but are necessary. That's how the universe works."

"The universe doesn't revolve around you, Gamon." Felix said seriously. "I will speak again, captain. Go to Athor's galactic system, NOW. Lieutenant Jimm will accompany you."

Felix was in a difficult situation, but his decision remained the same. "We'll finish this conversation later, Ny. I will save these children."

"Felix, if you do, you will be against your President. This is an act of treason against the Foundation. Do you really want to become a new Darny Gevus?" The President asked, his voice shaking and his eyebrows raised. "Do not mention his name. Never." Captain Sonomott responded abruptly.

"Your last chance, Felix." Gamon said, a warning.

Felix was thoughtful, looking at his crew. Everyone remained silent, the conversation was overheard by everyone in the control room. Mandy turned to the captain, whispering something. "Tell him to f*ck himself for me." Felix gave a small smile, which was covered by a serious face in less than two seconds. "Sorry, Ny. I need to do this. I don't give a sh*t about what you think." "Fel---" The call was ended abruptly by Felix, throwing the portable communication ligament on the floor and stepping on it.

"If anyone is against my decision, go to the escape ships and inform the Foundation of your location. I will respect your choices." But no one moved, everyone looked at the Captain, approving his decision. Mandy looked at him with respect. "Where to, sir?" "Kambus system, where they are now."

"And Athor, sir?" The captain looked at one of his navigators, he was a flat-headed man with gray skin.

"F*ck, Athor." He said.