Zeke went followed the maids inside where they cleaned him up and helped him put on his clothes. It was a white suit with golden embroidery laced around the edges and shoulder.
His father is a Great General in the army. All his years of service has left him unable to show the typical emotions that a father should have. So even though Zeke is meeting his father, he still has to dress and act like a stranger.
Zeke is led down the corridor to the dining room. The maids open the door for him. As he moves in, he keeps his eyes low and moves toward his seat. Then he stands up straight and moves his right arm out horizontally as he slams his fist against his chest in salute.
"Greetings!"
His father looks at him apathetically, seemingly more interested in the food placed in front of him.
"You may sit."
Zeke takes a seat across the table. Although the maids come to serve him food, he doesn't dare eat in his father's presence. Even though he is his son, he is still just a student. The difference in their status is too wide so it would be considered rude to eat with the General.
Zeke sits there looking at the table patiently. The aroma of the food placed in front of him assaults his sense of smell.
After a while the General is satisfied with his meal. He looks over to Zeke.
"I heard you're about to graduate. Is that correct?"
Zeke inwardly criticized. 'You heard?' His father couldn't be bothered to keep track of his son's graduation and had to be told by someone else that it was happening. He criticized but didn't dare speak it out. Just a fleeting thought he had but he doesn't care enough to point it out, nothing would come of it anyway.
"Yes, that's correct." Said Zeke.
His father wiped the corners of his mouth with a handkerchief, then looked back at Zeke.
"I won't be available during your graduation so I can't be there. I've made arrangements for you to join the military afterwards. So have your things packed and ready to go by the day after, someone will come pick you up."
Zeke had never expected his father to take time out from work to attend his graduation, so that didn't surprise him at all. What did though, was the next part. He will be shipped off the military with no say in the matter? And the very day after graduation no less.
After saying his piece, Great General Kingsman got up and left. Leaving his son sitting alone at the dining table still in shock.
Zeke needed time to process this information so he left soon after to go back to his room.
Nothing of importance happened until that day came. He had graduated yesterday. With no time for relaxation he is standing in front of the black gate to his manor waiting on someone to come pick him up.
After a half an hour wait a car finally pulled out of traffic and stopped in front of him. Zeke got inside only to be greeted by this... interesting fellow. He was a little chubby, but it seemed that most of his fat went straight to his face.
"Ah... hello. M-my name is Pete. Nice to meet you."
All the blood was drained from his face and hands making him abnormally pale as he stretched his hand out for a handshake. Zeke shook his hand only to find it soaked in sweat. He was hoping that they would only be sharing a ride to the same place where he would then never have to see such a strange guy again, but his hopes were dashed by Pete's next words.
"I'm your page, sir. If you need anything just say the word! Haha..."
Zeke tried to smooth over the awkward atmosphere.
"Nice to meet you too. My name is Zeke Kingsman. What did you mean about being my page?"
"Oh, every soldier is assigned a page when they enlist. A page is usually someone who joins the military but is unfit for combat. They serve the soldiers and take care of logistics."
'Hmm unfit for combat huh? Yup, he's a coward.' Zeke thought.
However Pete was unaware he had just been pegged for a coward, he just kept wiping his hands on his clothes and goofily grinning at Zeke during the ride.
Eventually they reached their destination. A huge spaceship was parked in the middle of a field. People loitered around outside the ship in tents.
Pete stepped out of the car first. "Follow me sir. I'll take you to get your room number and uniform."
Zeke nodded as he stepped out and followed behind him. Other recruits seemed to know who he was and noticed him instantly.
"Wow, that's him huh? Such a noble bearing! Even his page has the aura of a master!"
"Why is everyone looking? Who is he? W-what?! Great General Kingsman's son? What's he doing here?"
Zeke continued following Pete as he tried to block out the words of the others. Nevertheless he still heard some. Some were shocked that he was here while others were mocking him. Pete walked toward one of the tents and stood at the side signaling for Zeke to enter.