Farewell

The second test had finished. Out of our group only I passed it, and only Lenka was able to activate the pod, but she was never able to repeat her breakthrough. Before leaving I came to her room to say good-bye. She hugged and kissed me, wiping away a tear.

“Lenka, I am so sorry that you…” started I, but she interrupted me.

“Don’t worry, I am not crying because I flunked the test. But it’s always sad to lose friends. We had a good company here and there were many happy moments, but I don’t think I’ll see anyone again, especially you.”

“Why?” I was genuinely surprised. “When I become a capsuleer I’ll be able to travel to any place in New Eden, so for us it will be easier to meet.”

“Don’t make any promises, you don’t know what you will become. Capsuleers are different, they don’t associate with mere mortals. I don’t want you to feel guilty every time you remember me.”

“You are not ‘a mere mortal’, Lenka. You are one of my best friends and I swear we’ll meet again!”

“Well, if you insist, what about this station in a year’s time?” she asked with a smile.

“Deal! But will you be able to come here? The interstellar travel is not cheap.”

“Oh, sorry, I haven’t told you yet – I am not leaving. Professor offered me a role in his team; they need surgeons.”

“Wow, that’s great!” exclaimed I, genuinely happy for Lenka. “So if Prof finds a way to turn everyone into capsuleers you’ll be one of the first to join our ranks?”

“I don’t know about everyone,” she smirked, “but in my view, Professor’s endeavour will be a tremendous success if he manages to make a capsuleer out of just one person, namely, me. This assignment gives me unlimited access to the pod in my free time, so I plan to continue my exercises.”

“Whew, you are a cunning one!” I cried out. “I didn’t realise that your new job had such perks. So your second test still continues, and I believe it won’t be long before you complete it successfully.”

“Thank you. And where are you heading?”

“I am going to Caldari Navy station. Professor did his job – activated my brain-machine interface – and now I can start proper Navy training.”

“Good luck, capsuleer! You’ll be a legend. And don’t forget us, landlubbers.”

“Thank you, Lenka. I won’t,” said I and quickly left the room before emotions overcame me.

Leave a Reply