Chapter 92: Blastoff!

After an amazing night together, Thursday morning seemed to arrive too quickly. Tyler tried to put on his suit, only to rip the pants leg when he pushed it through. Thankfully, Nyxara was able to teleport him to their Vampiric castle. One of the vampire nobles who created the wedding dresses crafted him a nice new suit so he would look presentable for the hearing. He also got a haircut.

When they returned, he met up with Adam in the cafeteria for breakfast and the two of them walked to the dean’s office together. Adam cleaned up well and didn’t have Orochi around him, which was rare. Tyler assumed that his best friend’s beast was resting wherever the tamed beasts rested and would appear at the hearing to show Adam’s unique vampiric taming ability.

Tyler always planned to ask Adam more about the realm for tamed beasts but just never found the time with how chaotic their lives were. He felt bad he didn’t spend nearly as much time with his friends that he used to, but Adam was also in a new relationship and had his own things going on.

They arrived at Mr. Pritchett’s office and a neatly dressed officer was waiting inside. The captain wore a unique navy blue outfit that looked more like armor than a suit. Professor VanHorn had a smug expression on his face while sitting in a chair with a black collar around his neck as well as his arms and legs restrained with strange looking magical devices.

"Ash, you’ve lived a life here...what’s with those suits and the things around my homeroom teacher?"

"Those are the suits the captains wear when in the field. They’re magically resistant and impenetrable," Ash explained calmly.

"Makes sense. What about Professor VanHorn? Those are some interesting devices."

"The collar ensures he can’t transform into a werewolf and the cuffs and leg chains negates his magical energy." Ash chuckled.

"That expression is priceless. He honestly thinks he’s going to wiggle his way out of this one?" Vivian laughed.

Despite wanting to burst out in laughter, Tyler remained calm as the dean introduced the officer.

"Tyler and Adam, this is Captain Graves. He commands the Vexarran OEA district and will be escorting the three of you to their headquarters," Mr. Pritchett said formally.

"Nice to meet you sir." Tyler said while extending his arm for a handshake.

"Pleasure is mine. You two did a great job uncovering this and we will discuss more in private when we arrive aboard our mothership," The officer said with a kind smile.

Tyler estimated the captain to be somewhere in his forties, but he wasn’t going to risk using Inspect on him. Several scars marred his chiseled features, suggesting he was well versed in his role. The most prominent was a deep, darkened gash that began above his right eye and cut diagonally across his temple, ending just above his ear.

"Well, thank you again Captain for coming on such short notice. The University apologizes for any inconvenience. I trust my students will return safely later today?"

"They should be back before dinner. Each of them will speak and then one of our officers will escort them back to the University. I will text you with the verdict when I know," Captain Graves said kindly while gesturing to Adam and Tyler to follow him.

Tyler and Adam watched the officer grab Professor VanHorn to help him stand. He grabbed a metallic rod that extended to connect to the handcuffs. Once attached, they made their way outside until they arrived at a small spacecraft.

’Woah. That thing looks amazing. It looks like an armored van with rocket boosters. I wonder if their official colors are navy blue and black or something?’ Tyler thought, not wanting to ask too many questions.

The officer used his other hand to press a button on a small circular digital tablet. This opened the back hatch, where Professor VanHorn was seated. The captain pressed another button that strapped the teacher in for safety and another to seal it shut.

"Alright you two will ride up front with me, this way please."

"Thanks Captain Graves! I’ve never been to space before, this should be cool." Adam said cheerfully.

"Me neither! I bet your mothership gives you a great view of the galaxy!" Tyler said excitedly.

The captain lightly chuckled. "Yes, it certainly does. I’m glad to see two enthusiastic young men! Remember, when you speak at the hearing keep it straight to the point. His defense will try and trick you into saying something to help his case. You will be briefed when we arrive."

"I haven’t been to one of these Tyler so I can’t help ya on that, but I’m sure it will be straight forward enough," Ash said cheerfully.

"Thanks buddy! I’m just excited to go to space! There’s no chance I ever would have done that in my first life!"

Tyler and Adam followed Captain Graves to the cockpit area, which had four really nice seats. He showed them how to hook up their safety straps before buckling himself in the front seat. He pressed a few buttons on the digital display on the vehicle before an automated messaged played over an intercom in the ship.

"Preparing for take-off."

"5...4...3...2...1"

’Woah!" Tyler thought as the spacecraft blasted forward then shot upward instantly at a rapid rate.

"How fast is this thing going?!"

The OEA captain grinned. "Fast enough to reach space. Technology and magic made things significantly safer than things were back when I was a young officer."

"Sir, are you also a vampire?" Adam asked with a wide smile.

"I am! It’s kind of weird to be piloting the new Prince and his schoolmate to a hearing on our mothership if I’m being honest," he laughed.

Tyler laughed and shook his head.

"I still can’t believe I’m the vampiric prince! Please sir, you are the Captain of OEA for Vexarra. Just treat me like a regular student."