Chapter Six
The Academy
Upon her arrival at the G.L.E.E. Academy, Taz had
been swept away by a small legion of personnel in crisp
green uniforms, asked a thousand questions she didn’t
know the answers to, and stripped down for a full physical
examination in what was the single most embarrassing
experience of her life. The G.L.E.E. personnel seemed
skeptical about her size and age, but Commander Li had
gotten her a letter of recommendation signed by the
Admiral himself. A letter like that was as good as gold, and
soon enough Taz found herself handed three smartly folded
cadet uniforms and directed to the nearest bathroom.
Staring at herself in the bathroom mirror, Taz turned
from side to side to get the full effect. The cadet uniforms
were a plain beige, not as impressive as Up’s camouflage,
and even the League’s smallest size was swimming on her.
She pulled her belt tighter, smoothed the front of her shirt,
and wove her hair, which needed a good wash, into a tight
braid.
“Cadet Taz, at your service,” she said aloud, and
immediately felt silly.
When she emerged, Up was waiting, and she hadn’t
realized how much she’d missed his comforting presence
until she felt a rush of relief.
“Have you been discharged yet?” he asked.
Taz cast a glance at the nearest green uniform and
shrugged.