(no subject)
Title: Three Grams, Part V
Author's Name: frostian
Artist's Name: felixmackey
Genre: RPS, AU
Pairing: JA/JP
Rating: R for language and violence
Warning: Main character death
Summary: Jared Padalecki’s closest friend is Jensen, a hybrid doll he rescued as a child. As they grow up, Jensen takes on the role of tutor and mentor, preparing Jared for the arduous task of entering a prestigious tech to continue his father’s tremendous legacy. But the greatest lesson is one that can only be learned, not taught, as Jared realizes that just because a creature isn't made of flesh and blood does not mean it can't have a soul.
Disclaimer: Fiction, fiction, and a side of fiction.
By the time Jared was finally allowed out of the medical clinic, two weeks had passed. He didn't bother to ask what had happened to Jensen's body. He had read up on certain laws while hospitalized: all expired dolls were to be taken to a special reclamation center to be processed as some of their parts were made of toxic materials. And, truthfully, Jared didn't care. What made Jensen special no longer existed: his soul, as the ancient Terrans had coined so long ago, was gone. And the shell was nothing but a trophy of Jared's cataclysmic failure to save the person who mattered the most to him. So, he was only too glad when his father told him that he had taken Beaver's offer to handle Jensen's remains.
Two more months passed without incident and Jared hadn't yet learned to function without Jensen. The first thing Jared realized was the fact that he missed Jensen’s noise. Not that his companion was by any means noisy, but it wasn’t until Jared had to sleep without Jensen that he discovered the absence of the comforting hum. He vaguely remembered the slight sound Jensen generated when he first joined the family, but Jared had quickly gotten used to the noise and adapted to it within days.
So, now, in the crushing peace that terrorized his bedroom, Jared couldn’t fall asleep. It would take him hours to get any rest, and when he finally did, it was uneasy at best. Waking hours were better: his family kept him company, and then there was Chad who best understood Jared’s sense of desolation. He didn’t offer any words of solace or tried to cheer him up. Instead, he would just sit with Jared, letting him take comfort in his presence. He was also the only friend Jared would tolerate. Others dropped by but his parents would gently turn them away, telling them their son was in no condition to see anyone.
The truth was none of the family members were capable of dealing with company after such a devastating loss. And Jared knew they weren’t lying about the depth of their grief. He’d heard both his parents weep at night, and Megan constantly walked around the house, as if looking for something. Or someone. He also heard his mother speaking quietly to Jeff at his tech, informing him of their loss. Jeff logged off without a word. Two weeks passed before he accepted another call from them.
After spending another fruitless day, Jared reluctantly got ready for bed. He was digging around for his nightclothes when he caught sight of something on Jensen’s cubicle, partially hidden under a keffiyeh. Jared pulled aside the scarf and discovered a stack of magnetic boards that Jensen used to practice his penmanship. He flipped through them, admiring for the first time how beautiful the script was. What he had earlier deemed arcane and useless now seemed elegant and so personal that for a moment Jared could almost hear Jensen’s stylus scratching the screen as he wrote whatever came to mind.
Jared found a blank slate at the bottom. He was about to toss it aside when a thought came to him. He sat down and dug around for Jensen’s stylus. It took him a while to remember how Jensen held it, but he was able to grasp it well enough to began writing the alphabet.
After two hours of laborious writing, Jared fell asleep in the cubicle.
The next morning, he was able to sit down and eat with his family. It was the first time he was able to do so since Jensen’s death. Jared then spent the entire afternoon practicing his penmanship. He swam through waves of frustration but persevered. He also discovered that anything he wrote on the pad was stored in its memory and could be downloaded. Jared immediately accessed the house's main data core and quickly discovered Jensen's scribbles.
He flipped through them, taking comfort from Jensen’s writings. Some puzzled him. Some made him smile. The last one though, that one made him tear up immediately.
"What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories."
He knew, Jared realized. He knew he wasn’t going to live. That’s why he was working me so hard. He wanted to make sure I do the right thing.
Jared wondered if Jensen had faith in him when he said he would find the two grams. Jared wanted to believe Jensen did, but he couldn’t be sure.
So, Jared took comfort in the rote work of practicing his handwriting. However, it was completely different story when bedtime descended. The grating voice in his head - not unlike a pinprick that slowly made his soul bleed out by puncturing little holes - freed itself from the mental cage he built around it. And it tormented him endlessly, not with savagery but with sly consistency. It made him remember all the little cruelties he inflicted on Jensen. The times Jared snapped at him, losing his temper because of petty grievances. All the lies he told Jensen not because he was embarrassed of the truth but because he was too lazy to tell it.
When Jared woke in the morning, the first thing he would do was crawl into Jensen’s bed. After a while Jared ignored his bed altogether. Not long thereafter, he got rid of it.
Witnessing Jared’s steady descent into suicidal despair, Chad proposed something that startled his friend out of his grief.
“Do you want to learn about the physiology of dolls?” he offered.
“What?” Jared looked up from the magnetic pad he was practicing.
“Do you want to know how Isaac removed Jensen’s earring?”
“Why would I be interested?”
“You know, just in case someone else needs it done,” Chad answered nonchalantly.
Jared remained silent until Chad was preparing to leave. “I’m interested.”
Chad turned to him. “I’ll talk to Isaac.”
“Thanks.”
Jared was able to finish his dinner that night. And hold a semi-coherent conversation with his family.
The next day Chad took him to Isaac’s small homestead outside Praides. Isaac offered only tea before plunging into work. As complicated as the lesson was, Jared had little problem keeping up, and managed to successfully duplicate what Isaac was doing by the end of the evening.
Isaac handed over a set of tools and said, “I got more stuff I can teach if you’re interested.”
“Yes, I am.” Jared packed the tools into his bag. “When?”
“Tuesday evening?”
“That’ll be fine. Thanks, Isaac.”
“My pleasure.”
Jared ambled out into the night. Chad dug in his pocket for payment.
Isaac stopped him. “Don’t need anything. Just get that boy back here. He’s as close to death as I’ve ever seen.”
“Okay,” Chad said then furiously scrubbed his face with the sleeves of his tunic.
“Go, take care of your friend.”
Chad nodded and trotted out after Jared.
It took Jared almost four months to master what Isaac was willing to teach. He couldn’t learn everything as it would take years of formal apprenticeship, but he was content with what he now knew.
“So, that’s it,” Isaac said as he passed a bottle of home-distilled rice wine to Jared.
Jared took a healthy swig. “Thanks, for everything.”
Isaac sighed and snatched back the bottle. “I thought you’d like to know something. Jensen … he was sick for a while.”
Jared wanted to spit out the alcohol but forced himself to swallow. “How long?”
“Since you were seventeen.”
Jared could almost guess the day: it was when Jensen sat him down and strongly lectured Jared on the virtues of focusing his studies for the entrance exam. He was so adamant that Jared, shocked by Jensen’s uncharacteristic vehemence, readily agreed to his tutor's numerous plans for his education.
“He held on for two years,” Isaac said hoarsely. “I never heard of anything like that my entire life. I know you think he did it because he was worried about you: that he was hard-wired to take care of you at all cost. But that isn’t the truth. You gave him freedom by treating him as an equal, Jared. You allowed him to nurture his soul, and that's why he stayed. That's also why he loved you.
“And the thought of leaving you behind scared him so much that even while his body was shutting down bit by bit … he somehow managed to hold on.”
Jared began panting like he’d just run a race, and clutched his stomach as he slid out of the chair and onto the floor. He curled himself into a little bleeding knot of pain as the numbness that had shielded him for months flaked away like dead bark.
Isaac bent down and place his hands on Jared’s shoulders. “He loved you so much that he fought death, and won. At least for a while. Remember that, Jared. Remember that once upon a time you were loved that much by someone like Jensen.
“You hear me? Don’t forget. Never, ever forget.”
Jared slept for two straight days after that. Then, the first thing he did when he woke was to go to a vendor who specialized in one thing: paper. Jared spent half his personal savings placing a special order for reams of genuine paper and pens, along with bottles of black ink.
Jared returned to pick up his purchases two weeks later. That night, he began filling out his applications not on the handhelds the schools had sent, but on paper. After he was done, Jared realized his handwriting was almost identical to Jensen’s.
The knowledge brought him great comfort.
Andrea Academy
Penn I, Pickler System
Dean Cunanan re-read the application, reluctant to handle the paper any more as he had flipped through them not once but three times.
“I agree, this is quite remarkable,” he said to Doctor Julia Weir, acting Dean of Admissions.
She smiled and nodded eagerly. “Isn’t it? He’s made two mistakes but that’s because he used too much imagination. Something I don't see often in the applicant pool.”
“So, this is Gerald Padalecki’s son? The second one?”
“Yes, the older one is finishing up his studies in Grovin.” Weir looked put out by the fact that the oldest son wasn’t enrolled in Andrea.
“Doesn’t the second son have one of those sex dolls as a companion? That’s rather questionable preference, don’t you think?”
Weir shook her head. “I heard about that rumor so I asked around. The family adopted one. It seems Jared Padalecki found it tossed in a garbage heap and brought it home. They gave it a name: Jensen.”
“I’m afraid to ask what it did for the family.”
“He was like a son,” Weir answered. “Anyway, that hardly matters: it died almost a year ago.”
“Really? So, there won’t be any complications arising from that rather unconventional leaning.”
“None.” Weir looked eagerly at her boss. “So, what do you think?”
“If we really are his top choice, then I see no reason why we shouldn’t offer him early acceptance.” Cunanan tapped the paper with his index finger. “This really is remarkable work he’s done.”
“I’m glad you approve,” Weir said. “He has lovely penmanship.”
Cunanan nodded in agreement. “Yes, he most certainly does. I haven’t seen handwriting since my childhood.”
“I’ll contact the family immediately.”
“Do that.”
Cunanan held onto the application and studied the answers long after Weir’s departure. It really was a coup for his school to have someone like Jared Padalecki as a cadet, but to know that the future member of Andrea was also blessed with such intelligence and fiery imagination just made the success that much sweeter.
He traced over the written words with his index finger. “Remarkable,” he whispered.
Jared was grateful his mother made enough food for the trip that he had at least one decent meal for the three days he traveled to reach the other end of Pickler System. He finished off the last of the lavender lemonade and wondered when it would be like to live on Penn I. The only other planet he’d visited was Aban II where his grandparents lived. He remembered the lushness and the humid nights with distaste.
Penn I was described as a busy metropolis. He thought that description was suitable for its capital, Navarre. He didn’t realize it was also fitting for the entire planet. When Jared was ushered out of the satellite port and into a private craft belonging to Andrea, he had a chance to study Penn I from the aft viewing window.
He gave a whistle of admiration.
“It’s something else, isn’t it?”
Jared looked at the person standing next to him. The girl smiled. “Name’s Kristen Bell.”
“Jared Padalecki.”
Kristen blinked. “Oh, wow, you’re…”
“Yes, that Padalecki.”
“From Grayan I?” Kristen’s eyes widened. “My uncle is transferring there because of his job. He says it's wild but beautiful place.”
“It is,” Jared agreed. “I miss it already.”
Kristen pointed at Penn. “The planet’s the biggest trading post for the entire Pickler System. Brunel is headquartered there, too.”
“Of course, that would explain all the traffic,” Jared said as he pointed to the starcruisers docked along numerous satellite ports - all proudly displaying the name of the fleet owner: Brunel Flight.
“You didn’t read up on Penn before coming here?”
“I saw no reason to,” Jared answered. “I doubt I’m going to have any time outside of my studies.”
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the Desert Messiah,” a mocking voice said from right behind them.
Jared slowly turned around and confronted his tormentor. The stranger was stocky but broad, built as if to withstand Grayan's sandstorms. However, there was a startling lack of intelligence in the face, and combined with the flashy if also expensive clothing, Jared knew he was looking at a brat. Probably dangerous; still, only a brat.
“I was right,” the student said. “So, the rumors are true. We have a Padalecki among us. I feel so blessed.”
“And now I wonder what was the criteria for acceptance to the academy,” Kristen snapped. “Or is that because your father paid your way in?”
“Be careful how you talk to me,” the boy hissed.
“Yeah, be careful,” Jared echoed. “Make sure you use simple words. Otherwise, he might get confused.”
The boy made a move towards Jared then stilled as a proctor approached them. The woman didn’t say anything but gave a stern look to all of them. The bully left but not before giving a wink at Jared.
“Do you know who that is?” Jared asked Kristen.
Kristen made a face. “His name is James Kander. Nobody knows how his family became so wealthy, but the rumor is that his father is a kingpin in the black market.”
“You hang out with an interesting crowd,” Jared said dryly.
“Hey, it’s not my fault that he lives near my house!”
“Where is your home?”
Kristen blushed and pointed to Penn. “I live in Navarre, actually.”
Jared frowned. “Then why are you here?”
“My mom insisted that I share the cadet experience with everyone else,” Kristen explained. “I told her it was stupid, but she wanted me to meet fellow classmates the traditional way. I mean, Andrea is only thirty-minute walk from my house!”
Jared burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Kristen asked.
“No, it’s just that…” Jared took a deep breath, “that Kander’s parents did the same to him.”
Kristen’s laughter was louder than his.
“So, cadets, you are now the beneficiary of an education that is tailored to your specific goals, whatever they may be,” Professor Kripke said. “I just hope they are as noble and befitting of the sacrifices your families have made in order to get you here.”
The young professor flipped through the roster. “So, Cadet Padalecki - what is your focus?”
“Engineering,” Jared answered quickly. “Aquatilium, specifically.”
The room buzzed immediately as conversations broke out between the cadets.
“Really?” Kripke looked genuinely pleased by Jared’s choice. “I see you’re going into the family business, then.”
“Yes, I am,” Jared said. “My father constantly talks about all the improvements his aquatilium projects require. I thought I’d give him a hand.”
“Messiah,” James hissed from his seat.
Jared was suddenly overwhelmed with the desire to turn around, jump the two rows that separated him from Kander, and then bash in his face. But he did nothing. In fact, Jared didn’t even bother to glance at his tormentor as he was suddenly hit with a memory.
Jared could almost feel Jensen’s rough hands gently restraining him as he recollected Jensen’s words: “Patience is the one weapon the powerful do not possess. Remember that.”
In that instant, Jared could swear he caught the scent of strawberries perfuming the air.
“So, besides name calling,” Professor Kripke snapped, “what else are you proficient at, Cadet Kander?”
“It’s going to be a while before he gets an answer,” Kristen whispered.
Jared had to bite his bottom lip to hold in his laughter.
Message from Padalecki, JT. Cadet Nineteen
Origin: Andrea Academy, Navarre
Accept or Decline? Accept
Mom, like my last missive, I’m doing well. Kristen and her friends are making sure I don’t disappear into the stacks of work that have grown around my carrel. Tell dad I am grateful that he splurged for a single room for me. The rooms to the right and left of me are occupied by first year cadets rooming together, and I’m pretty sure two of them will be dead before the academic year is over.
I have been accepted to the internship program dad recommended. So, I won’t be coming home for a while. Something tells me you knew I wouldn’t be. But I wonder if you guys would like to come visit. I know Megan would love Navarre. It has some of the most fascinating historical centers in the entire Pickler System. Then there’s the shopping. As picky as she is, I’m sure she’ll find what she wants here.
Miss you.
Message from Padalecki, JT. Cadet Four
Origin: Andrea Academy, Navarre
Accept or Decline? Accept
Dad, I thought you should know I have been accepted to the accelerated program. The test wasn’t as hard as I thought. I would like to think it’s because of my intelligence, but something tells me it’s due to my study habits.
Jensen would’ve been proud to have fostered such a dedicated student.
So, I’ll be home a year early. I thought you’d be interested to know my internship program has changed. It’s been transferred to another planet - a mining outpost called Verdu. From what I understand, their water supplies are so severely limited that even with your aquatiliums in place, they have to take extreme care when using water.
I’ll send you updates as soon as I get there.
Remember the bully I told you about? He was kicked out for cheating. Not that anyone is surprised, but it’s the way he did it that will go down in the school’s annals.
He somehow got his hands on Professor Kripke’s test beforehand. As far as Kristen and I can figure, he must have accessed the school's data core and downloaded the test. That’s not what’s funny. What’s funny is the fact that he tried to solve the problems himself. And got every one of them wrong.
Yes, all his answers were wrong, so when he copied them onto the actual test - he copied down wrong answers.
The idiot didn’t even try to bribe someone who could actually answer the questions correctly!
Nobody can figure out why he didn’t, but we’re having a great time trying to come up with reasons that are consistent with Kander’s personality.
I thought you’d like to know Kristen has convinced me to join her family for celebratory dinner when first year is officially over. I wish you guys could join us, but I understand your reasons to stay on Grayan. If I had a choice, I’d stay home, too.
Speaking of home, I got a message from Chad. He is now Prima Honor. Yes, Little Mayhem has won highest honors in his class. He swears he didn’t do anything to the review board: no bribery or blackmail involved. I wish he would come back to Grayan when I do. I miss him, though his daily recommendations on what pranks to pull on the faculty are quite entertaining.
I miss all of you.
Message from Padalecki, JT. Cadet One
Origin: Advani Hospice, Verdu
Accept or Decline? Accept
As you must have guessed from my frequent reports, daily life on Verdu is exciting, to say the least. I was under the impression that mining life was dull. It most certainly is not.
I am usually up by sunrise with the other engineers. We have quite a bit to do even before we reach an aquatilium. And when we finally get to a reservoir the workload doubles automatically. But it’s interesting, and I am fascinated by what Verdans do with the aqautiliums after they’re established. The local population is still getting used to the idea of having water for more than basic needs, so they are quite reluctant to use up their daily quota. In fact, I’ve seen them hoard water pellets, as if they expect their supplies to be cut off the following day.
I also wanted to tell you I got a chance to do the trick Isaac taught me before I left. I made two friends, Misha and Tom, who needed my help. I was only too happy to show what little I know. Their families were very grateful, though I don’t know why, it was so simple a task, I was almost embarrassed by their appreciation.
Anyway, give mom and Megan a hug from me. One more year, and I’ll be home!
Miss you all.
Message from Padalecki, JT. Cadet Prima Honor
Origin: Andrea Academy, Navarre
Accept or Decline? Accept
Dean Cunanan had the brilliant idea of holding graduation in the evening, followed up by a formal dinner to congratulate Andrea’s sixty-three graduates. This bonanza of celebrations has been scheduled two weeks from its original date.
I can’t believe this. Why would I want to spend two more weeks in Navarre, waiting for some pompous bureaucrats to get their act together, so they can strut in front of us?
I think it’s obvious that I’m furious with this. Because I am the Prima Honor Graduate, people expect me to attend. I’m not sure why this is so: Kristen would be much better at giving the speech anyway.
By the way, thank you for tracking down Kristen’s uncle. She was so worried when he went missing. You should’ve seen her face when she found out that he was discovered in a brothel. I thought she was going to take a cruiser to Grayan so she could strangle him. With her hair.
It took me days to convince her that from the name of the brothel and the fact that he had a week pass fully paid by his boss, his work was definitely appreciated.
I don’t know what I’m going to do with graduation. I’ll probably have to attend. It’s quite possible Dean Cunanan will station guards around the school to ensure that I don’t leave before graduation. He might even place me under house arrest of sorts.
I’ll contact you as plans become formalized.
I can’t wait to come home.
Part IV * Conclusion
Author's Name: frostian
Artist's Name: felixmackey
Genre: RPS, AU
Pairing: JA/JP
Rating: R for language and violence
Warning: Main character death
Summary: Jared Padalecki’s closest friend is Jensen, a hybrid doll he rescued as a child. As they grow up, Jensen takes on the role of tutor and mentor, preparing Jared for the arduous task of entering a prestigious tech to continue his father’s tremendous legacy. But the greatest lesson is one that can only be learned, not taught, as Jared realizes that just because a creature isn't made of flesh and blood does not mean it can't have a soul.
Disclaimer: Fiction, fiction, and a side of fiction.
By the time Jared was finally allowed out of the medical clinic, two weeks had passed. He didn't bother to ask what had happened to Jensen's body. He had read up on certain laws while hospitalized: all expired dolls were to be taken to a special reclamation center to be processed as some of their parts were made of toxic materials. And, truthfully, Jared didn't care. What made Jensen special no longer existed: his soul, as the ancient Terrans had coined so long ago, was gone. And the shell was nothing but a trophy of Jared's cataclysmic failure to save the person who mattered the most to him. So, he was only too glad when his father told him that he had taken Beaver's offer to handle Jensen's remains.
Two more months passed without incident and Jared hadn't yet learned to function without Jensen. The first thing Jared realized was the fact that he missed Jensen’s noise. Not that his companion was by any means noisy, but it wasn’t until Jared had to sleep without Jensen that he discovered the absence of the comforting hum. He vaguely remembered the slight sound Jensen generated when he first joined the family, but Jared had quickly gotten used to the noise and adapted to it within days.
So, now, in the crushing peace that terrorized his bedroom, Jared couldn’t fall asleep. It would take him hours to get any rest, and when he finally did, it was uneasy at best. Waking hours were better: his family kept him company, and then there was Chad who best understood Jared’s sense of desolation. He didn’t offer any words of solace or tried to cheer him up. Instead, he would just sit with Jared, letting him take comfort in his presence. He was also the only friend Jared would tolerate. Others dropped by but his parents would gently turn them away, telling them their son was in no condition to see anyone.
The truth was none of the family members were capable of dealing with company after such a devastating loss. And Jared knew they weren’t lying about the depth of their grief. He’d heard both his parents weep at night, and Megan constantly walked around the house, as if looking for something. Or someone. He also heard his mother speaking quietly to Jeff at his tech, informing him of their loss. Jeff logged off without a word. Two weeks passed before he accepted another call from them.
After spending another fruitless day, Jared reluctantly got ready for bed. He was digging around for his nightclothes when he caught sight of something on Jensen’s cubicle, partially hidden under a keffiyeh. Jared pulled aside the scarf and discovered a stack of magnetic boards that Jensen used to practice his penmanship. He flipped through them, admiring for the first time how beautiful the script was. What he had earlier deemed arcane and useless now seemed elegant and so personal that for a moment Jared could almost hear Jensen’s stylus scratching the screen as he wrote whatever came to mind.
Jared found a blank slate at the bottom. He was about to toss it aside when a thought came to him. He sat down and dug around for Jensen’s stylus. It took him a while to remember how Jensen held it, but he was able to grasp it well enough to began writing the alphabet.
After two hours of laborious writing, Jared fell asleep in the cubicle.
The next morning, he was able to sit down and eat with his family. It was the first time he was able to do so since Jensen’s death. Jared then spent the entire afternoon practicing his penmanship. He swam through waves of frustration but persevered. He also discovered that anything he wrote on the pad was stored in its memory and could be downloaded. Jared immediately accessed the house's main data core and quickly discovered Jensen's scribbles.
He flipped through them, taking comfort from Jensen’s writings. Some puzzled him. Some made him smile. The last one though, that one made him tear up immediately.
"What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories."
He knew, Jared realized. He knew he wasn’t going to live. That’s why he was working me so hard. He wanted to make sure I do the right thing.
Jared wondered if Jensen had faith in him when he said he would find the two grams. Jared wanted to believe Jensen did, but he couldn’t be sure.
So, Jared took comfort in the rote work of practicing his handwriting. However, it was completely different story when bedtime descended. The grating voice in his head - not unlike a pinprick that slowly made his soul bleed out by puncturing little holes - freed itself from the mental cage he built around it. And it tormented him endlessly, not with savagery but with sly consistency. It made him remember all the little cruelties he inflicted on Jensen. The times Jared snapped at him, losing his temper because of petty grievances. All the lies he told Jensen not because he was embarrassed of the truth but because he was too lazy to tell it.
When Jared woke in the morning, the first thing he would do was crawl into Jensen’s bed. After a while Jared ignored his bed altogether. Not long thereafter, he got rid of it.
Witnessing Jared’s steady descent into suicidal despair, Chad proposed something that startled his friend out of his grief.
“Do you want to learn about the physiology of dolls?” he offered.
“What?” Jared looked up from the magnetic pad he was practicing.
“Do you want to know how Isaac removed Jensen’s earring?”
“Why would I be interested?”
“You know, just in case someone else needs it done,” Chad answered nonchalantly.
Jared remained silent until Chad was preparing to leave. “I’m interested.”
Chad turned to him. “I’ll talk to Isaac.”
“Thanks.”
Jared was able to finish his dinner that night. And hold a semi-coherent conversation with his family.
The next day Chad took him to Isaac’s small homestead outside Praides. Isaac offered only tea before plunging into work. As complicated as the lesson was, Jared had little problem keeping up, and managed to successfully duplicate what Isaac was doing by the end of the evening.
Isaac handed over a set of tools and said, “I got more stuff I can teach if you’re interested.”
“Yes, I am.” Jared packed the tools into his bag. “When?”
“Tuesday evening?”
“That’ll be fine. Thanks, Isaac.”
“My pleasure.”
Jared ambled out into the night. Chad dug in his pocket for payment.
Isaac stopped him. “Don’t need anything. Just get that boy back here. He’s as close to death as I’ve ever seen.”
“Okay,” Chad said then furiously scrubbed his face with the sleeves of his tunic.
“Go, take care of your friend.”
Chad nodded and trotted out after Jared.
It took Jared almost four months to master what Isaac was willing to teach. He couldn’t learn everything as it would take years of formal apprenticeship, but he was content with what he now knew.
“So, that’s it,” Isaac said as he passed a bottle of home-distilled rice wine to Jared.
Jared took a healthy swig. “Thanks, for everything.”
Isaac sighed and snatched back the bottle. “I thought you’d like to know something. Jensen … he was sick for a while.”
Jared wanted to spit out the alcohol but forced himself to swallow. “How long?”
“Since you were seventeen.”
Jared could almost guess the day: it was when Jensen sat him down and strongly lectured Jared on the virtues of focusing his studies for the entrance exam. He was so adamant that Jared, shocked by Jensen’s uncharacteristic vehemence, readily agreed to his tutor's numerous plans for his education.
“He held on for two years,” Isaac said hoarsely. “I never heard of anything like that my entire life. I know you think he did it because he was worried about you: that he was hard-wired to take care of you at all cost. But that isn’t the truth. You gave him freedom by treating him as an equal, Jared. You allowed him to nurture his soul, and that's why he stayed. That's also why he loved you.
“And the thought of leaving you behind scared him so much that even while his body was shutting down bit by bit … he somehow managed to hold on.”
Jared began panting like he’d just run a race, and clutched his stomach as he slid out of the chair and onto the floor. He curled himself into a little bleeding knot of pain as the numbness that had shielded him for months flaked away like dead bark.
Isaac bent down and place his hands on Jared’s shoulders. “He loved you so much that he fought death, and won. At least for a while. Remember that, Jared. Remember that once upon a time you were loved that much by someone like Jensen.
“You hear me? Don’t forget. Never, ever forget.”
Jared slept for two straight days after that. Then, the first thing he did when he woke was to go to a vendor who specialized in one thing: paper. Jared spent half his personal savings placing a special order for reams of genuine paper and pens, along with bottles of black ink.
Jared returned to pick up his purchases two weeks later. That night, he began filling out his applications not on the handhelds the schools had sent, but on paper. After he was done, Jared realized his handwriting was almost identical to Jensen’s.
The knowledge brought him great comfort.
Andrea Academy
Penn I, Pickler System
Dean Cunanan re-read the application, reluctant to handle the paper any more as he had flipped through them not once but three times.
“I agree, this is quite remarkable,” he said to Doctor Julia Weir, acting Dean of Admissions.
She smiled and nodded eagerly. “Isn’t it? He’s made two mistakes but that’s because he used too much imagination. Something I don't see often in the applicant pool.”
“So, this is Gerald Padalecki’s son? The second one?”
“Yes, the older one is finishing up his studies in Grovin.” Weir looked put out by the fact that the oldest son wasn’t enrolled in Andrea.
“Doesn’t the second son have one of those sex dolls as a companion? That’s rather questionable preference, don’t you think?”
Weir shook her head. “I heard about that rumor so I asked around. The family adopted one. It seems Jared Padalecki found it tossed in a garbage heap and brought it home. They gave it a name: Jensen.”
“I’m afraid to ask what it did for the family.”
“He was like a son,” Weir answered. “Anyway, that hardly matters: it died almost a year ago.”
“Really? So, there won’t be any complications arising from that rather unconventional leaning.”
“None.” Weir looked eagerly at her boss. “So, what do you think?”
“If we really are his top choice, then I see no reason why we shouldn’t offer him early acceptance.” Cunanan tapped the paper with his index finger. “This really is remarkable work he’s done.”
“I’m glad you approve,” Weir said. “He has lovely penmanship.”
Cunanan nodded in agreement. “Yes, he most certainly does. I haven’t seen handwriting since my childhood.”
“I’ll contact the family immediately.”
“Do that.”
Cunanan held onto the application and studied the answers long after Weir’s departure. It really was a coup for his school to have someone like Jared Padalecki as a cadet, but to know that the future member of Andrea was also blessed with such intelligence and fiery imagination just made the success that much sweeter.
He traced over the written words with his index finger. “Remarkable,” he whispered.
Jared was grateful his mother made enough food for the trip that he had at least one decent meal for the three days he traveled to reach the other end of Pickler System. He finished off the last of the lavender lemonade and wondered when it would be like to live on Penn I. The only other planet he’d visited was Aban II where his grandparents lived. He remembered the lushness and the humid nights with distaste.
Penn I was described as a busy metropolis. He thought that description was suitable for its capital, Navarre. He didn’t realize it was also fitting for the entire planet. When Jared was ushered out of the satellite port and into a private craft belonging to Andrea, he had a chance to study Penn I from the aft viewing window.
He gave a whistle of admiration.
“It’s something else, isn’t it?”
Jared looked at the person standing next to him. The girl smiled. “Name’s Kristen Bell.”
“Jared Padalecki.”
Kristen blinked. “Oh, wow, you’re…”
“Yes, that Padalecki.”
“From Grayan I?” Kristen’s eyes widened. “My uncle is transferring there because of his job. He says it's wild but beautiful place.”
“It is,” Jared agreed. “I miss it already.”
Kristen pointed at Penn. “The planet’s the biggest trading post for the entire Pickler System. Brunel is headquartered there, too.”
“Of course, that would explain all the traffic,” Jared said as he pointed to the starcruisers docked along numerous satellite ports - all proudly displaying the name of the fleet owner: Brunel Flight.
“You didn’t read up on Penn before coming here?”
“I saw no reason to,” Jared answered. “I doubt I’m going to have any time outside of my studies.”
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the Desert Messiah,” a mocking voice said from right behind them.
Jared slowly turned around and confronted his tormentor. The stranger was stocky but broad, built as if to withstand Grayan's sandstorms. However, there was a startling lack of intelligence in the face, and combined with the flashy if also expensive clothing, Jared knew he was looking at a brat. Probably dangerous; still, only a brat.
“I was right,” the student said. “So, the rumors are true. We have a Padalecki among us. I feel so blessed.”
“And now I wonder what was the criteria for acceptance to the academy,” Kristen snapped. “Or is that because your father paid your way in?”
“Be careful how you talk to me,” the boy hissed.
“Yeah, be careful,” Jared echoed. “Make sure you use simple words. Otherwise, he might get confused.”
The boy made a move towards Jared then stilled as a proctor approached them. The woman didn’t say anything but gave a stern look to all of them. The bully left but not before giving a wink at Jared.
“Do you know who that is?” Jared asked Kristen.
Kristen made a face. “His name is James Kander. Nobody knows how his family became so wealthy, but the rumor is that his father is a kingpin in the black market.”
“You hang out with an interesting crowd,” Jared said dryly.
“Hey, it’s not my fault that he lives near my house!”
“Where is your home?”
Kristen blushed and pointed to Penn. “I live in Navarre, actually.”
Jared frowned. “Then why are you here?”
“My mom insisted that I share the cadet experience with everyone else,” Kristen explained. “I told her it was stupid, but she wanted me to meet fellow classmates the traditional way. I mean, Andrea is only thirty-minute walk from my house!”
Jared burst out laughing.
“What’s so funny?” Kristen asked.
“No, it’s just that…” Jared took a deep breath, “that Kander’s parents did the same to him.”
Kristen’s laughter was louder than his.
“So, cadets, you are now the beneficiary of an education that is tailored to your specific goals, whatever they may be,” Professor Kripke said. “I just hope they are as noble and befitting of the sacrifices your families have made in order to get you here.”
The young professor flipped through the roster. “So, Cadet Padalecki - what is your focus?”
“Engineering,” Jared answered quickly. “Aquatilium, specifically.”
The room buzzed immediately as conversations broke out between the cadets.
“Really?” Kripke looked genuinely pleased by Jared’s choice. “I see you’re going into the family business, then.”
“Yes, I am,” Jared said. “My father constantly talks about all the improvements his aquatilium projects require. I thought I’d give him a hand.”
“Messiah,” James hissed from his seat.
Jared was suddenly overwhelmed with the desire to turn around, jump the two rows that separated him from Kander, and then bash in his face. But he did nothing. In fact, Jared didn’t even bother to glance at his tormentor as he was suddenly hit with a memory.
Jared could almost feel Jensen’s rough hands gently restraining him as he recollected Jensen’s words: “Patience is the one weapon the powerful do not possess. Remember that.”
In that instant, Jared could swear he caught the scent of strawberries perfuming the air.
“So, besides name calling,” Professor Kripke snapped, “what else are you proficient at, Cadet Kander?”
“It’s going to be a while before he gets an answer,” Kristen whispered.
Jared had to bite his bottom lip to hold in his laughter.
Message from Padalecki, JT. Cadet Nineteen
Origin: Andrea Academy, Navarre
Accept or Decline? Accept
Mom, like my last missive, I’m doing well. Kristen and her friends are making sure I don’t disappear into the stacks of work that have grown around my carrel. Tell dad I am grateful that he splurged for a single room for me. The rooms to the right and left of me are occupied by first year cadets rooming together, and I’m pretty sure two of them will be dead before the academic year is over.
I have been accepted to the internship program dad recommended. So, I won’t be coming home for a while. Something tells me you knew I wouldn’t be. But I wonder if you guys would like to come visit. I know Megan would love Navarre. It has some of the most fascinating historical centers in the entire Pickler System. Then there’s the shopping. As picky as she is, I’m sure she’ll find what she wants here.
Miss you.
Message from Padalecki, JT. Cadet Four
Origin: Andrea Academy, Navarre
Accept or Decline? Accept
Dad, I thought you should know I have been accepted to the accelerated program. The test wasn’t as hard as I thought. I would like to think it’s because of my intelligence, but something tells me it’s due to my study habits.
Jensen would’ve been proud to have fostered such a dedicated student.
So, I’ll be home a year early. I thought you’d be interested to know my internship program has changed. It’s been transferred to another planet - a mining outpost called Verdu. From what I understand, their water supplies are so severely limited that even with your aquatiliums in place, they have to take extreme care when using water.
I’ll send you updates as soon as I get there.
Remember the bully I told you about? He was kicked out for cheating. Not that anyone is surprised, but it’s the way he did it that will go down in the school’s annals.
He somehow got his hands on Professor Kripke’s test beforehand. As far as Kristen and I can figure, he must have accessed the school's data core and downloaded the test. That’s not what’s funny. What’s funny is the fact that he tried to solve the problems himself. And got every one of them wrong.
Yes, all his answers were wrong, so when he copied them onto the actual test - he copied down wrong answers.
The idiot didn’t even try to bribe someone who could actually answer the questions correctly!
Nobody can figure out why he didn’t, but we’re having a great time trying to come up with reasons that are consistent with Kander’s personality.
I thought you’d like to know Kristen has convinced me to join her family for celebratory dinner when first year is officially over. I wish you guys could join us, but I understand your reasons to stay on Grayan. If I had a choice, I’d stay home, too.
Speaking of home, I got a message from Chad. He is now Prima Honor. Yes, Little Mayhem has won highest honors in his class. He swears he didn’t do anything to the review board: no bribery or blackmail involved. I wish he would come back to Grayan when I do. I miss him, though his daily recommendations on what pranks to pull on the faculty are quite entertaining.
I miss all of you.
Message from Padalecki, JT. Cadet One
Origin: Advani Hospice, Verdu
Accept or Decline? Accept
As you must have guessed from my frequent reports, daily life on Verdu is exciting, to say the least. I was under the impression that mining life was dull. It most certainly is not.
I am usually up by sunrise with the other engineers. We have quite a bit to do even before we reach an aquatilium. And when we finally get to a reservoir the workload doubles automatically. But it’s interesting, and I am fascinated by what Verdans do with the aqautiliums after they’re established. The local population is still getting used to the idea of having water for more than basic needs, so they are quite reluctant to use up their daily quota. In fact, I’ve seen them hoard water pellets, as if they expect their supplies to be cut off the following day.
I also wanted to tell you I got a chance to do the trick Isaac taught me before I left. I made two friends, Misha and Tom, who needed my help. I was only too happy to show what little I know. Their families were very grateful, though I don’t know why, it was so simple a task, I was almost embarrassed by their appreciation.
Anyway, give mom and Megan a hug from me. One more year, and I’ll be home!
Miss you all.
Message from Padalecki, JT. Cadet Prima Honor
Origin: Andrea Academy, Navarre
Accept or Decline? Accept
Dean Cunanan had the brilliant idea of holding graduation in the evening, followed up by a formal dinner to congratulate Andrea’s sixty-three graduates. This bonanza of celebrations has been scheduled two weeks from its original date.
I can’t believe this. Why would I want to spend two more weeks in Navarre, waiting for some pompous bureaucrats to get their act together, so they can strut in front of us?
I think it’s obvious that I’m furious with this. Because I am the Prima Honor Graduate, people expect me to attend. I’m not sure why this is so: Kristen would be much better at giving the speech anyway.
By the way, thank you for tracking down Kristen’s uncle. She was so worried when he went missing. You should’ve seen her face when she found out that he was discovered in a brothel. I thought she was going to take a cruiser to Grayan so she could strangle him. With her hair.
It took me days to convince her that from the name of the brothel and the fact that he had a week pass fully paid by his boss, his work was definitely appreciated.
I don’t know what I’m going to do with graduation. I’ll probably have to attend. It’s quite possible Dean Cunanan will station guards around the school to ensure that I don’t leave before graduation. He might even place me under house arrest of sorts.
I’ll contact you as plans become formalized.
I can’t wait to come home.
Part IV * Conclusion