fiction

Episode 55: Boot Camp

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A picturesque view of The Hunderder Space Defence and Communications Network Academy, featuring a grand building surrounded by autumn foliage, a central fountain, and decorative statues. The scene includes mountains in the background and futuristic aircraft on a roof terrace, with students and visitors walking around the campus.

The Hundeerde Space Defence and Communications Network Academy:
Theden University

At 07:50 the Hundeerwagon containing Seb, Raven, Lewis, Scott, Timo, Hans and Toby entered through the wrought iron gates of the Hundeerde Space Defence and Communications Network Academy at Theden University. The Hundeerwagon pulled up smoothly at the drop-off zone, situated next to the finely manicured gardens. A circular garden and fountain sat within the grounds, home to an armillary sphere sculpture made of brass rings, with the golden academy star at its centre.

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Episode 54: Farewell

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Late summer — Year 6

As the last weeks of summer drew to a close, thoughts at Headwall turned to both the new school year ahead for those of the younger boys staying at Headwall and also to those who would shortly leave. Some would be going to Theden University, and Seb and Raven would also be heading to Theden, to take their places at the Hundeerde Space Defence and Communications Network Academy as cadets.

Patrick and George were in the living room poring over their elective choices for their last year at high school.

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Episode 53: Grey Flight

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Summer — Year Six

The Graufels massif, the highest mountain on Hundeerde, rose sheer and vast from the floor of Graufelstal Valley, its peak and side ridges trailing off into a jagged chain of lesser alpine peaks that made them seem like foothills in comparison. The boys had seen Graufels before from the air, which only became visible after crossing the headwall saddle.

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Episode 52: Carrier Pigeon

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Graduation Ceremony — Veldmeer High Gymnasium: Spring, Year 5

The whole school had assembled in the gymnasium which had been reset with rows of chairs and a stage set up at one end. In addition the families of the graduating students were also present. Principal Brandt was in full flight giving his end of year address.

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Episode 51: Formal

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Autumn — Year 5

Another summer had come and gone, and the final year of high school for the boys in the upper class had begun. Along with the beginning of autumn, came Seb’s 18th birthday, another significant milestone, five years had now passed since a thirteen-year-old boy walked down the ramp of the Chasetail. For Seb, each year had presented its own unique challenges and triumphs, learning to fly a glider and going solo, his notebook, containing drawings of things that he could not express with words, unresolved grief that still surfaced at unexpected moments and new friendships forged with old ones strengthened.

However, the biggest challenge of his life so far still lay before him. Asking a girl to the high school formal.

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Episode 50: Old Light

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Spring — Year 4

Angus was about to turn ten, a significant milestone, moving from single to double digits. The cake, as usual was baked by Charlie, chocolate, moist, with rich dark chocolate icing — right down the sides, and covered in chocolate shavings. On top, two candles: a number one, and a zero, befitting a birthday of special magnificence. The twin flames of light signifying him becoming another year older. In addition, a huge bowl of pink and white marshmallows, and along with chocolate, one of Angus’ firm favourites. Angus, for once, was firmly the well-deserved centre of attention in a full house warm with celebration.

Just before eight o’clock, Grandpa Jake slipped into his den expecting his familiar call from his friend Marvin Huxley. It was not long before he returned to the party and came over to Lewis with a look of cryptic intrigue.

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Episode 48: Puppy Love

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Autumn Year 3

During breakfast on Seb’s sixteenth birthday Grandma Bella slipped a small wrapped package next to Seb’s plate of scrambled eggs. It contained a full set of graphite sketching pencils. Seb was pleased, as his 6B in particular had become almost a stump.

Seb: Thanks, Grandma, that’s just what I needed.

Grandma Bella looked at Seb kindly and smiled.

Grandma Bella: You’re welcome. Happy birthday Seb.

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Episode 47: Camera

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Morning – Kitchen (Summer Year 3)

Baking day. The smell of baking had drawn Seb to the kitchen, in the hope that something fresh and warm may have just come out of the oven. As Seb wandered into the kitchen Rebecca greeted him warmly. Rather than shooing wandering boys away, she was more likely to ask if they would like to help with something and she knew just the right thing for Seb.

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Episode 46: Sky High

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Last Day of Term – Veldmeer High School

Lewis and Hans were reviewing their end of year results on their tablets. Predictably, Lewis had topped almost every subject — all except one. He glanced over at Hans’ marks, and in particular Hundeerde History and Literature. Lewis had scored an excellent A; Hans had scored an A+. What shocked him most wasn’t the mark itself, but that, actually yes, a little part of him did mind that Hans had beaten him. It was a small, uncomfortable discovery about a competitiveness he hadn’t known existed.
The bell rang and the annual stampede to the lake was underway. This year, Lewis managed twelve minutes.

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