Chapter 14: Recognition
Yome struggled to keep her facial expression steady as she stared at the Sentinel with a resolute gaze.
She could feel a lump rise in her throat when his smile disappeared. He slowly placed her file down and glanced at her again.
He seemed to study her for several moments—then suddenly grinned widely, a glint appearing in his eyes. "How fierce. You really do have a powerful conviction," he laughed. "Just like I thought, you really are quite similar to me. Or should I say you are more similar to him instead... My old friend, Sagitta."
Yome was once again surprised by him casually glossing past her attitude—but quickly forgot about that when she heard the name of the Mornan she looked up to the most. Norman Sagitta, the only Red Mornan in recent history to reach the rank of Commander. The man titled the genius of failure.
He chuckled slightly as he watched her. "It seems you misunderstood me somewhat. My earlier statements weren't meant in a way that dismisses your hard work. Far from it, in fact."
"....Talent is just another word for hard work," the Sentinel said suddenly, his expression turning melancholic. "Someone dear to me told me that a long time ago."
Bastian's bright purple eyes fell toward the table for several moments.
Yome's brows furrowed slightly at his sudden change in mood. Bridge was the same, a concerned expression etched on his face as he watched their conversation quietly.
"We cannot control how we are born, no matter how much we wish we could. That's just a matter of luck," he said with a small smile. "But, we can control what we become." He glanced at her again. "After all, no matter how good someone is supposed to be at something, it won't mean anything if they never give the effort to try."
"If they don't have the conviction," he continued as he glanced at her.
"But you do. I know you have what it takes to reach what Sagitta strived for, and then surpass him. So keep going while holding onto that, no matter how hard things get for you. Always remember what you're fighting for."
Yome didn't respond for a long time as she stared at the Sentinel with a complicated expression. Several emotions flashed through her eyes as her gaze turned distant, her mind drifting to the past.
Then, after almost two minutes of this, she suddenly bowed again, her dark blue hair cascading to the sides. "...Thank you, Sentinel. I am truly, eternally grateful for what you have done for me. And now, I am thankful for the faith you're putting in me. It means more than you know."
She slowly straightened, her eyes looking lighter than before. And then, for the first time—in a very long time—she smiled.
Bridge's eyes went wide when he saw that.
Bastian sighed as he observed her. "Now, what did I say about formalities?"
Yome shook her head. "This is in gratitude, Sentinel. No matter who I'm with, I would never shirk away from showing my appreciation."
He grunted slightly as he slowly combed his hand through his long silver hair. "Well, I suppose that's all right then. Just this once, though."
Yome glanced to the side, noticing Bridge's surprised expression. She wondered why he was like that for a moment then realized it was probably because of her smile. She thought back, finding it hard to remember if her crew had ever seen her smiling before. Bridge's reaction was the only answer she needed.
Arbus, to her surprise, had a similar stunned reaction on his face as well when she saw him. He quickly hid it, his expression turning moody again. Yome wasn't sure what he was surprised about though. This was the second time she'd seen him react so exaggeratedly to her actions.
The Sentinel suddenly rose to his feet, causing everyone in the room to look toward him, including Ophilia who had begun reading a book at some point. He was tall, but not tall enough to tower over her and the others in the room. Still, Yome suddenly felt as if she was in front of a mountain. Or better yet, the twin suns themselves.
He clasped his hands behind his back, a bright smile that mirrored hers reappearing on his lips. "It was truly a pleasure to meet you, Yome Kyun. I usually never get the opportunity to do that so freely." He paused, glancing at Arbus. "But, I'm afraid I must get back to the matter at hand. And my discussion with our hero of the hour."
Yome glanced in Arbus's direction for a moment, then back at Bastian. "Understood, Sentinel," she replied gravely.
Bastian's gaze slowly shifted to Bridge. "It was also nice meeting you, Bridge....uh, forgive me, I can't seem to recall your last name for some reason," Bastian said with an apologetic expression.
Bridge jumped nervously. "No! Please don't apologize for that! That's to be expected from someone as busy as you, Sentinel," he said as he waved his hand frantically.
"Bridge Stardom, um, last born of Osiris Stardom, sir," Bridge said with a small bow.
A dark look flashed in Bastian's eyes for just an instant, quickly disappearing in the next. "Oh, is that so. Osiris. I believe I am familiar with your father. It's surprising to see someone of your status coming all the way to this almost deserted side of the galaxy."
Bridge smiled sheepishly. "Please don't overrate me. My family's status is nothing compared to that of a Head Commander, talk less of you, Sentinel. I simply came here to... find myself, you could say."
Bastian hummed. "Hmm, is that so? Well then, I hope you find what you're looking for here. Also, give my greetings to your father when you visit him next time. Tell him I will be visiting him one day, when I have the chance."
"Understood, Sentinel," Bridge replied with another bow, unable to stop himself.
"We'll take our leave now, sir," Yome announced, almost giving a salute without realizing, but stopping herself just in time.
She turned toward the door, striding forward with Bridge falling in step behind her.
Then she paused suddenly, her gaze softening for a moment. "I know this isn't my place to say—but I hope something is done to help those who lost loved ones on Terytl-B," she said over her shoulder to the Sentinel. "I know how they'll be feeling when they get the news of what happened to the people they cared about."
Bastian nodded with a somber smile playing on his lips. "Of course, we're already doing our best to compile a list before we release the news to the public. Renegades will be dispatched to check on the known family members of all 8 billion people who lived there. In fact, your team may even be among those sent, so prepare yourselves."
Yome felt a hint of relief in her heart as she gave the Sentinel a determined nod.
Then, she finally reached the door as Commander Ophilia stood to see them out.
Bridge glanced toward Arbus one last time. "It was nice meeting you, Arbus. Don't forget what I said, okay!" he said enthusiastically. "I hope we see each other again in the future."
Arbus glanced back at them, a hint of light appearing in his eyes for a moment. "Likewise," he muttered as Yome and Bridge finally stepped through the doors of the study.