System: Seraphel system

  Star: F-Type

  Planet: Luminara Prime

  Orbit: 2.19 AU to 2.24 AU

  Location: Ship Repair Station

  My head hurt as I woke up. The bed was soft but small. I tried to roll and fell off the damn thing. Some sort of field caught me, slowing me just enough that hitting the floor didn’t hurt. Still hit it wrong, given that my arm was twisted under me.

  I had to assume that the noise of me hitting the ground and subsequently scrambling to stand must have alerted someone that I was awake. Standing up, I realized I was naked, minus the sheet that had been covering me. Snatching it up, I tied it around me and scanned the room.

  It was the medical room that Kyla had first brought me to. Multiple things lit up in my vision as I scanned the room. Some in blue, others in red. The information on what each was and why some were red flowed into me without me even thinking about it. Within a minute, I had found the system that Kyla had been using to fabricate our clothes.

  Taking a few seconds to scroll through it, I had it create a simple outfit for me. Pants, shirt, underwear, socks and some shoes. I didn’t care about the colors. I just wanted something to put on. Quickly dressing, I only struggled to get my tail through the holes designed to accommodate it. As I tied my shoes, I asked the system for the ship's location and status.

  “Currently in orbit over Luminara Prime. The ship is being repaired and retrofitted.” Came a perky voice.

  A bit shocked at the sudden unknown voice in my head answering a question that I had asked the system. “Who is this?”

  “I am your personal system AI.” She said.

  “But I thought that the system was unable to fully integrate into my AI. Isn't that why you always talked to me using chat boxes?”

  “Yes, but with the completion of your transformation, there were enough Kitsune nanites to take replace the human nanites. Their systems are sufficiently advanced enough and understood for me to be able to interact as I am. If you would like me to change how the information is presented to you, let me know.”

  “Yeah, what the hell is with the blinking exclamation icon in the bottom right of my vision? It is a bit annoying.”

  “That is to let you know that you have some notifications.” The icon stopped flashing and instead changed shape and color. Now it was a red bell icon. At least it wasn’t flashing anymore. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”

  “Yeah, how do I get out of here?”

  “Where would you like to go?”

  “Down to the planet. I want to get off the ship. Other than that, I don’t care.” Of course, as I said that, the door opened to reveal Kyla standing there. She froze before sighing.

  “I can help you down to the planet after I do a few checks,” Kyla said, gesturing to the bed. “Lay back down for a second.”

  I wanted to just walk out of the room and find my own way out, but something told me that the ship wouldn’t let me leave unless she let me. So, I walked back to the bed and laid down. The bed was soft enough that my tail didn’t feel squished.

  A few circles flashed above me before pulsing as they vanished. “You are in good health. All signs of your injuries have disappeared.” Kyla turned and walked back toward the door. Standing in the doorway and waiting for me to join her.

  Quietly, I followed her. After leading me down a few halls, we got to a spot that I recognized. The airlock that I had been left in was open. On the other side was a very utilitarian hallway. Walking through the second door at the end of the hall, it opened into a giant room.

  A small park sat in the middle. Small trees dotted the park as kids and animals played. “Welcome to Orbital Station Three, Kyla and Jessica. We hope that your time here is peaceful and that you find everything you need.” Came someone's voice from a nearby speaker.

  Based on the fact that Kyla didn’t jump or even react, the automated system was probably something that was common. “There are three academies that are looking to invite you to join them.” Kyla started as she walked over to a nearby board. On the board was a list of names and times. It reminded me of the departure and arrival screens most transportation hubs had back in the human worlds.

  The sight of the boards brought back memories of every planet we had visited while on shore leave. “What are the names of each and their specialties?” I asked, trying to keep my tone as neutral as I could.

  “Starhaven Academy of Navigational Sciences focuses on exploration and navigation. Arcanum Celestial Academy focuses on magic and spell crafting. Last, we have Aegis Defense and Tactical Training Center. It is purely for military training. Does any of them interest you?”

  “Does Aegis have any magic training?” I asked, the thought of joining a military school calming me a bit.

  “Yes, but not as much as Arcanum. They don’t offer classes on any subject that does not have a tactical use.”

  Making my decision, I said, “Then I think I would like to go there.”

  She scanned the board for a minute before saying, “The next shuttle is in half an hour. It is this way.”

  “Do we not need to get some tickets and book a seat?” I asked as I hurried to keep up. My shorter stride made it more challenging now that she didn’t have to slow down for turns.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  “As long as the shuttle isn’t full, they will take us to the academy station. The academy will pay you back for the cost of the ride automatically.” She slowed down as we approached a gate with a woman standing next to it. “We need to head to Aegis.”

  The woman’s eyes scanned something we couldn’t see before glancing over both of us. As soon as she finished, she said, “Unfortunately, we only have one seat open. The next shuttle is scheduled for tomorrow if you would like to book some seats.”

  “I’ll take this shuttle,” I said. Just wanting to get out of there and move on.

  Kyla shot me a hurt look but didn’t argue. Instead, she pulled me into a quick hug. Her voice pleading as she spoke into my neck, “I will mail you whenever I can. Please do the same.”

  The gate attendant gestured at me. “This shuttle will be departing in fifteen minutes. Please find a seat and strap in.” Letting me go, Kyla watched as I followed the attendant's direction.

  Compared to the ship I had just left; this shuttle was cramped. Not as cramped as a drop pod, but nearly so. Quickly, I sat in the one empty seat. Trying not to jab an elbow into the person sleeping next to me as I put on my seatbelt.

  Hissing sounds filled the cabin as the doors shut. The woman stepped into the cabin and started to speak. Her voice came from multiple speakers throughout the cabin.

  “This shuttle services between the Aegis complex and Orbital Station Three once daily. Please strap in and stay seated until we enter our coasting phase. At that point, you may get up and walk about the cabin. Our total trip time is two hours.”

  I felt, more than heard, the ship clanking. A few soft, nudging motions told me that the shuttle was maneuvering around the station. The pilots were likely trying to get out of the local space before turning on the engines. I relaxed and opened my notifications.

  At this point, how much money did I even have? At that thought, the system said, “161 gold, 29 silver, 15 copper. Would you like to look at your spell options?”

  I had time to waste, so I thought, why not? “Sure.” The number of spells overwhelmed me, and the only spells it presented me with were those I could cast, given my current power. Some people will say I was being stupid; hell, I may even say that someday, but I chose four spells from the list before the shuttle started its deceleration burn.

  Yeah, I had an idea of what I wanted to do. Finalizing my selection, my mind was flooded with information. Suddenly, I knew how to cast and use each spell as well as the limitations.