Spaceships were coming in and out of the space parking platform, known as the great Navinasick Academy. A prestigious universal academy dedicated to training young pilots, scientists, engineers, doctors, and everything else related to space studies. Amidst the bustling noise from the spaceship engines and the families and friends saying goodbye to the new Navin freshmen, a young Altean with chocolate-brown hair and a confident smile watched his family's rented spaceship depart, growing smaller and smaller.
When the spaceship was far enough, out of his sight, a very comforting voice caught his attention.
- LANCE!
The Altean turned with a smile when he saw who had called him. Another boy, tall and huge, was waving at him. Lance tightly gripped his cart loaded with bags as he ran to his friend.
- Hunk?! Did you really make it? I thought you had given up on space after the camp on Altea.
The boy, Hunk, looked a bit embarrassed at the memory, a little awkward. They had both piloted training ships simulating a space race, and let's just say that experience didn't agree much with Hunk's lunch.
- It wasn't that bad... Besides, I'm not signing up for piloting classes. Just thinking about it makes me queasy.
- Lucky for the cleaning crew then - Lance joked as the big Hunk rolled his eyes, still smiling.
Lance and Hunk had met a few months ago at a space camp on Altea for kids between 15 and 17. Hunk still had trouble making friends. His father was Balmeran and his mother was human, making him one of the few hybrids around, which caused him trouble in many places he went with his family.
It was no different at Altea, where others avoided him. Except for Lance, who was the only one to befriend him. They kept their friendship even after the camp.
- They've already posted the dorm lists - Hunk started walking into Navinasick, pulling his bags - I haven't had time to check it out yet.
- It would be super cool if we ended up in the same room!
The two passed through the gate and entered a slightly smaller hall than the parking area behind, but still crowded with people.
Hunk scratched the back of his neck - It would be a huge relief if that happened...
- The person who ends up with you will be very lucky! Best roommate in the world! - Lance said confidently. Before Hunk could reply, they stopped in front of one of the electronic screens on the wall - Want to put your name in first?
Hunk shrugged indifferently, so Lance typed in his name and waited for the response - I just hope I don't end up with any idiots...
The screen changed, displaying two more names along with Lance's. Room 305, Keith Kogane, Lance Charles McClain, and Tsuyoshi Hunk Garrett. Lance went silent.
- Hmm, Lance?... Who's with you?... Lance?
Lance grabbed Hunk's arm, causing him to lose his balance - We're in the same room! - He shouted, celebrating and shaking Hunk - We're in the same room, Hunk! We'll be roommates!
Hunk leaned closer to the screen, not fully believing until he saw his name next to the Altean's.
- One less thing to worry about... - He sighed with relief.
- We have to go quickly! I want to get the best bed! - With that, the two ran down the corridors with Lance pulling Hunk, barely paying attention to the other people around them.
=--=
In one of the long corridors, with mirrored windows looking out onto the aerial training deck, Shiro was behind the immense glass walls, observing the new training ships arriving. The human looked at the runway with a mix of happiness and anxiety, adjusting his messenger bag at his side.
