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“Wait,” Apollonia said. “Joining the . . . response thingy means I don’t have to study?”
Jaya’s disapproving frown made Apollonia immediately reconsider her words. But they did seem to sum up just what Jaya had just said to her.
“Not exactly,” Jaya said. “I said that it will count as part of your necessary practical experience. If you did not do them now, then you would have to get these practical experiences later. But it does not mean that you will not have to study at all.”
“But it’s still at least a break from study,” Apollonia said with a grin.
“You have just gotten a break from study,” Jaya noted dryly. “Going to Earth.”
“That wasn’t exactly a vacation,” Apollonia said.
Well – the first part had kind of been that. But the second half had been stressful as all hell.
“If you keep finding excuses to not do what you need to do to chase your dreams,” Jaya said, “then one day you will find yourself old and with nothing accomplished.”
“But will I be tired?” Apollonia asked reasonably. At least, she felt it was a reasonable question.
Jaya did not seem to think so. “I do not mean to be a slave driver, Apollonia, but I am trying to help you onto the path you wish. I am pleased – truly – that you wish to help the ship. It is the exact kind of attitude an officer should have. But just do not forget that not all things are exciting or enjoyable. Yet we still have to do them.”
Apollonia could feel another joke on her tongue, but swallowed and instead tried to consider Jaya’s words.
The woman had played pretty straight with her – and she was right, she had been helping.
“So I’ll keep studying in the evening,” Apollonia said. “If I’m not . . . like run into the ground by training.”
Jaya smiled brightly, suddenly looking far less intimidating, and Apollonia found that she was warmed by it.
“That is a good plan, Apollonia. And if you still wish my help – contact me. I may be busy in the coming days, but I will try to find time to help you.”
Other Terrestrial 