Cody III, Chapter 5 Cody's stepped over scorched hull fragments scattered around his ship. His breath hitched, eyes scanning the jagged metal wounds and the dark scorch marks that marred the once sleek vessel. The air tasted of burnt circuits and defeat. He crouched low, fingers tracing a deep gash in the ship's side—a testament to the ferocity of the supernova that had damaged the ship. "Can it be fixed?" he whispered, not to anyone in particular, but to the ship itself, as if it could respond with reassurance. Engineers were erecting crane towers, pulling burned hull plates away, and setting up machinery that would be used during the repair. He stood, dusting off his hands, and locked eyes with the shuttle that would ferry him to the other World Ship, Destiny. It sat poised, its hatch open like a welcoming embrace to the cosmos. Cody squared his shoulders and strode toward it, the sound of his footsteps steady and determined against the metallic floor. Tara, his parents, and the three Ara stood next to the shuttle, waiting to see him off. "Training waits for no one," he mumbled to himself, steeling his nerves for the journey ahead. Captain Archer said it would take six months to repair the ship, and he was just getting in the way. He hugged his parents, and Tara. Fang gave him a nod. None of them were permitted to go with him, not where he was going. The shuttle interior was stark, functional. Straps dangled from the seats, awaiting passengers. Cody chose a window seat, securing himself as the engines hummed to life. The vibrations traveled through his body, setting his heart racing with anticipation. He peered out as the world outside blurred into a streak of colors, the force pressing him back into his seat. The shuttle made five stops at other landing platforms, picking up other kids with expressions that ranged from excitement to cautious trepidation. Once every seat was filled, the pilot announced, "Next stop, Destiny." "Next stop," Cody echoed, his mind already racing through the possibilities that awaited him. Captain Archer had offered him a six month slot at the Academy—a place shrouded in mystery, but had been training the sons and daughters of world leaders and other key figures across the galaxy for a thousand years. The only way to get to the Academy was by personal invitation from Captain Archer. Cody shook his head. It wasn’t a wonder the human species had advanced so far, and so quickly in the last two-thousand years. Captain Archer was personally educating the future leaders of the galaxy. The shuttle's clamps latched onto the Destiny with a finality that echoed through its hull. Cody unbuckled, his eyes wide as he shuffled to the exit. The hatch hissed open, revealing a cacophony of voices and footsteps. He stepped out into the spaceport, a sprawling canvas of motion and chatter. Students buzzed around him like vibrant, exotic insects. They hailed from worlds Cody had only glimpsed in holo-vids, their attire a kaleidoscope of cultural heritage. Some bore the unmistakable air of born leaders; confidence etched into their stride, an effortless command of space, and others the piercing gazes of those that would become the Captains of industry. Excitement surged within him, mingling with a twinge of nervousness. His fingers brushed against the fabric of his worn jacket—a silent reminder of home and the journey that brought him here. "Destiny," Cody whispered, as if saying it aloud would solidify his presence in this new realm. He followed the flow of students, the signs overhead pointing towards the Academy like guiding stars. Corridors branched off, arteries pulsing with life. Laughter and debate filled the air, snippets of conversations about quantum mechanics and interstellar politics drifting past his ears. "Did you see the latest probe data?" one student asked another, her four eyes blinking asynchronously. "Affirmative. Gravity wells near the Nebula are intensifying," replied her companion, his skin shimmering with a metallic sheen. Cody marveled at the diversity—the range of the human species, the myriad ways humanity had adapted across the stars. He had known genetic mutation had occurred on many planets, but he’d never realized how wide-spread it was. But then, here he was, a human dragon, a draconian from a distant world, and not a single person even glanced at him. His gaze lingered on a pair of classmates, their hands animatedly conjuring holographic models that danced between their palms. Cody tipped his head to the side. That had to be biomechanical augmentation, there was no way humans had mutated to create holograms. "Where you headed, newbie?" A voice pulled him from his observations. "Academy," Cody responded, catching the eye of a fellow traveler whose grin was as bright as the twin suns of his homeworld. "Follow me. It's a maze here," the student offered, and they fell into step together. "Thanks," Cody said, grateful for the gesture. "No problem," the boy laughed, winking. They navigated the labyrinth, the signs now clear beacons amidst the flurry. Cody's heart raced with each step, a drumbeat to his newfound chapter—one of training, growth, and looming destinies. "Here we are," announced his guide, gesturing grandly to the towering doors of the Academy. "Thank you," Cody said, his voice steady despite the flutter in his chest. "See you around, First Son of Ara." Cody was taken back, startled. “You know me?” “Of course I do, everyone does, but you won’t find any special treatment here,” he said. “There’s other kids just as important as you. Welcome to Destiny.” “Aren’t you going to the Academy?” Cody asked as his new friend began to walk away. “Of course not, I’m a Sophant. See you around, kid, lots of lost students today to get where they belong.” Cody watched the boy walk away, he looked so real. As far as Cody knew, robotics were nowhere near that level of sophistication. It must be one of the advanced technologies that came from the first evolution of human kind. Just what other marvels were hidden inside this ancient World Ship? The epic symphony of the doors closing behind Cody gave way to a hush as he entered the Academy's grand atrium. Sunlight streamed through the vaulted glass, casting prism-like shadows on the floor. A man in a uniform with a patch that said, Destiny, was already briefing the arriving students. Cody quickly found a place to sit in the back. "Your training will not be easy," continued the man on the stage speaking, his silver eyes scanning new students like a blade. "We will push you beyond your limits. Physical prowess in the combat arenas, and mental fortitude in the classrooms are the challenges you will meet. Are you ready?" The man waited a moment, but the students only sat quietly, unsure what to do. “I said, are you ready?” This time the students shouted: “Yes, Sir.” “I didn’t hear you,” the man shouted. Cody joined in response: “YES, SIR!” Cody grinned and his chest swelled. There was something here, something he couldn’t put his finger on, but there was something about this he liked, as if someone had just given him a cold glass of water he hadn’t known he needed. "Then let's begin," the man shouted, then jumped down from the stage. “Follow me.” Bags and suitcases dropped with a thud on the cold pavement outside the crowded arena. With no time to prepare, Cody and the other new students were thrown into the fray. They were instructed to find partners and Cody searched the sea of unfamiliar faces for someone his size. A burly instructor pointed at a boy with thick fur resembling that of an angry bear. Without warning, the boy charged at Cody, and taking advantage of his opponent's lowered stance. He grabbed onto Cody's horns and swung him around, causing him to crash to the ground in a daze. Cody's eyes blazed red with anger as he realized his opponent had attacked before the instructor gave permission. It went against everything Cody believed was right and wrong, and in a moment of pure instinct, he let out a deafening roar like a dragon might. The sound shocked nearby students and caused them to jump back in surprise. With newfound strength and determination, Cody got back up and attempted to grapple the bear-boy to the ground. But before they could continue, the instructor called for a break and motioned for some men in white uniforms to approach. They covered Cody's claws and horns with plastic tips, making them safe for sparring. With a nod from the instructor, the intense match resumed. As competitors ducked, weaved, and threw punches with lightning speed, Cody felt himself growing increasingly exhausted. He tried to push through but eventually collapsed on the ground, his scales turning a sickly pale color. The instructor called for another of the white-clad men who quickly fitted Cody with a breathing device, explaining that he needed a higher oxygen mixture due to his planet of origins thicker air. The all-day sparring event continued until darkness fell and only 27 students remained, deemed fit enough to attend the academy. Exhausted but filled with a sense of accomplishment, Cody slumped onto a cold metal bench among his new peers. The harsh fluorescent lights reflected off his sweat-drenched skin, creating a beautiful yet eerie display. Around him, students laughed and chatted, taking a well-deserved break before the next challenge. "Hey," a voice bubbled beside him. "You're Cody, right? The First Son of Ara?" Cody turned, facing a lanky figure with skin reflecting a subtle turquoise sheen. Eyes wide, set in an angular face, held curiosity rather than malice. Gills fluttered slightly at his neck where a breathing device similar to Cody’s was fitted. "Renn," the amphibian introduced himself, extending a webbed hand. "From Carina." "The water world, nice to meet you," Cody replied, clasping Renn's hand. Their grip was firm, a silent acknowledgment of kinship between outliers. "Exploration is my calling," Renn said, his voice tinged with excitement. "Ever since I saw the star maps in my father's study." "Mine too." Cody's eyes lit up. A shared dream connected them, two souls hungry for the unknown. Their camaraderie was cut short by a looming shadow. A bulkier student, sneer etched into his features, descended upon them, eyes fixed on Renn. "What's this? The swamp boy making friends?" "Leave him alone," Cody's words sliced through the tension, sharper than any blade. "Or what?" The bully squared his shoulders, a mountain of intimidation. The next moments unfolded with swift inevitability. Cody rose, heart drumming a war rhythm. His stance shifted, instincts honed by recent trials taking over. When the bully lunged, Cody sidestepped, arm shooting out. Palms met chest, and the bully tumbled backward, crashing to the ground with a thud that echoed. "Stay down," Cody warned, red fury smoldering in his gaze. Whispers rippled through the crowd. Cody Branson was not just a title. He was a force. The bully looked to the instructor for help. The uniformed man only shook his head. “You started the fight, either stay down, or finish it. We’re not here to babysit you.” Several days later, as the hum of anticipation filled the training room, Cody stood before a rack holding weapons that hummed with latent energy. "Energy swords," Renn stated. "Precision and control are key." Cody lifted one, feeling the weight, the promise of power. He ignited it, and a blade of pure luminescence sang into existence, casting stark shadows on the walls. Another of the advanced tech that would never be permitted to leave the Destiny. "Begin," the instructor commanded. Holographic assailants materialized around him. Cody moved, a dance of light and shadow. He struck, each blow a whisper, each dodge a breeze. Energy sword cut through simulation; his focus never wavered. "Adapt," Renn’s voice cut through the hum of combat. Cody pivoted, adjusting to the shifting patterns of attack. He anticipated, reacted, and subdued the virtual enemies with a flourish. "Enough," the instructor called out. Cody disengaged the blade, breaths steady now. Sweat trickled, but his hands were calm, certain. "Tomorrow, we push further," the instructor promised, a glint of approval in his eyes. Cody's fingers flew across the console, equations and simulations blurring together as he calculated trajectories and energy dissipations. The physics exam demanded every shred of his focus, each question a labyrinth of possibilities. Sweat beaded on his forehead, yet he navigated the complexities with an almost instinctual precision. "Time," the proctor announced. Hands went up. Screens dimmed. Cody exhaled, tension unraveling from his shoulders. The room thrummed with anxious energy as students awaited their results. "Branson, top score," the proctor called out. A murmur swept through the room. Cody's classmates eyed him, respect mingling with envy. He offered a small nod, accepting the silent accolades but already thinking ahead to the next challenge. In the training arena, Cody fell into step with a squadron of cadets. They moved as one, darting between obstacles, laser fire stitching the air around them. Commands snapped back and forth, succinct and clear. Trust wove between their movements, a silent language of cooperation. "Cover me!" a voice shouted. Cody pivoted, unleashing a barrage of suppressive fire. A teammate dashed forward, securing the objective. Cheers erupted as the simulation ended, victory emblazoned across the scoreboard. "Teamwork," Cody muttered to himself. "It makes us stronger." Night draped over the academy when Cody crept toward the courtyard with a band of conspirators. Laughter, hushed and conspiratorial, accompanied their mischief. The statue of the school’s lion loomed in the darkness, regal and unsuspecting. "Quickly," one boy hissed. With deft hands, they adorned the statue. A frilly wig perched atop its stone mane. A bra stretched comically across its chest. Cody stepped back, a grin splitting his face. The lion now looked absurdly human, dressed for a night out. "Someone's coming!" another whispered in panic. Shadows scattered as footsteps approached. Cody ducked behind a pillar, heart racing. The Commandant's stern voice cut through the silence, a bark of surprise and then a growl of displeasure. "Vandals," the Commandant shouted. Cody heard another voice, a familiar voice, but they were talking too soft for him to make out what they were saying; probably discussing what they’d do to whomever pranked the lion. “Where’d they get it this year?” Captain Archer said in a low voice. “I left the bra in the laundry room for them to find,” the Commandant whispered, “but I don’t know where they found the wig.” “A little controlled mischief is good for boys,” Captain Archer replied. Cody held his breath, muscles coiled to sprint. But the footsteps faded, the search moving elsewhere. Relief washed over him in a silent wave. He slipped away, the thrill of the prank warming him against the chill of the night. "Close call," he whispered to the stars. Stars flickered above, distant and indifferent to the lone figure below. Cody stood at the threshold of the obstacle course, its shadowy maw beckoning him into darkness. His pulse quickened, a drumbeat in his ears as he surveyed the expanse before him. "Begin," a voice commanded from the control tower. With a steadying breath, Cody lunged forward. His claws gripped the synthetic terrain, propelling him into a labyrinth designed to deceive and disorient. Holographic walls shimmered into existence, twisting corridors into puzzles only instinct could solve. He ducked, weaved, and dodged spectral threats that lurked around each corner. A trapdoor yawned open beneath him. Cody's reflexes snapped his body sideways, fingertips grazing the edge as he tumbled onto solid ground. Grit bit into his palms, a stinging reminder of reality amidst illusion. He scrambled up, heart thrumming. "Focus," he whispered to himself, eyes darting, searching for patterns in the chaos. A whirring sound sliced through the silence. Cody rolled as darts hurtled past, their tips glinting with artificial malice. He sprang up, using the momentum to hurdle over a tripwire that glowed faintly with malevolent intent. Sweat mingled with determination on his brow. Each step became a testament to his endurance, each breath a chorus of his resolve. The course tested him, a crucible meant to forge will from fear. "Nearly there, Cody," the voice encouraged, laced with static. Cody's vision blurred, muscles screamed, yet he pressed on. A chasm stretched before him, illusions of depth playing tricks on his perception. He sprinted, coiled, and leapt. Midair, he felt time suspend, every lesson of physics and faith etched into his flight. He landed hard on the opposite ledge, legs wobbling but intact. A final barrier loomed ahead, a wall of light and sound designed to overwhelm senses. Cody charged, calling upon every shred of his draconian heritage. Red fire flared behind his eyes, a beacon amid confusion. With a roar, he burst through the barrier, emerging into open space. Stars blinked down, witnesses to his triumph. Chest heaving, he collapsed to his knees, the weight of exhaustion anchoring him to the spot. "Course complete," the voice announced, a note of respect threading the words. Slowly, the academy stirred to life around him. Lights flickered on. Students leaned over the observation balcony, murmurs of awe cascading among them. Mentors nodded, their stoic facades cracking with pride. "Did you see that?" "Incredible!" The whispers swirled into an anthem of admiration. Cody rose, strength renewed by the swell of adulation. He limped from the course, a victorious gladiator basking in silent ovation. In this moment, he understood the journey he had undertaken, the boy from Ara transformed by trials into something more. "First Son of Ara," they called him. And he felt it, deep within, a title earned not given. Cody stood at the edge of the practice field, his gaze sweeping over the array of holographic targets that lay dormant. The early morning light cast a golden hue on the metallic surfaces of the training droids, their potential for simulated combat unfulfilled in the stillness. He inhaled deeply, the crisp air of the Destiny's controlled environment filling his lungs, tinged with the scent of ionized particles from the night's rigorous exercises. "Branson," called a firm voice from behind. Cody turned to face Master Tolen, one of his mentors. The seasoned warrior's eyes held a mixture of sternness and warmth. "Today marks the end of your beginning." Cody nodded, his heart thrumming with anticipation. "I feel it, Master Tolen. I am not the boy who stumbled in here six months ago." "Indeed." A hint of a smile touched Tolen's lips. "Your journey is far from over, Cody. But you are ready for what comes next." "Thank you, Sir," Cody replied, his words laced with genuine gratitude. He glanced down at the energy sword strapped to his side—a constant companion in his training—and felt the weight of its presence, a symbol of the skills he had honed and the battles he had fought, both physically and within himself. He unfastened the blade and handed it back. Tolen handed Cody a tablet in exchange. “The next six months of your classwork is on here,” he said. “Complete this work, and find your Father. Then, you may rejoin your class and complete the Academy.” The academy grounds bustled as students crisscrossed the paths, their chatter about upcoming tests and simulations mingling with the hum of machinery. Cody moved through them, his stride purposeful, each step etching the familiar routes into his memory. "Hey, Cody!" Renn's voice cut through the din. The amphibian hybrid fell into step beside him, his webbed hand clapping Cody on the shoulder. "So, this is it, huh? You're heading back to the stars?" "I’ll be back in six months," Cody said, casting a sidelong glance at his friend. “We’ll graduate together.” "Count on it," Renn grinned, his teeth flashing sharp and white against his greenish skin. Their farewell was brief but heartfelt, the understanding between explorers needing no lengthy goodbyes. As Cody approached the shuttle bay, he paused, taking in the faces of those he had come to know—the eager, the resolute, the dreamers—all united in their pursuit of mastery. "That’s the First Son of Ara," whispered a young cadet to another as Cody passed, her eyes wide with admiration. He stopped, turning to acknowledge the title. Not with arrogance, but with the acceptance of responsibility. "Just Cody," he corrected gently, and the cadet nodded, inspired by his humility. At last, Cody reached the shuttle that would carry him back to his waiting ship. He would be back, he would complete what he had started. He took one last look back at the Academy. He’d never known anyplace that felt more like home than here.